Soccer Begins

Permian Boys look to Improve

Joshua Garcia, Sports Editor

The Permian boys soccer team has started the season with a runner-up finish in the Temple Tournament and a 3rd place finish in the Duncanville tournament. Both of which feature some of the state’s best teams.
Last year the boys finished 5th in the district which lead them to missing the playoffs. However, this year they look to improve.
“The team bonding and them playing together is the biggest improvement from last year,” Head Coach Luis Carmona said. “We have 8 seniors overall. Each of them contribute in their own ways, whether its being vocal or taking on a leadership role. Even the underclassmen have stepped up.”
This mentality on how the team has developed chemistry is also in the players.
“We know we must play for each other and not for ourselves,” senior Angel Esparza said. “This being my senior year I must show all my teammates that I want to win. Not only in games but in practice. I want to make playoffs and i must let my team know we have a chance.”
The team has had a pretty good start to the season, but have also hit a few bumps along the way.
“ I feel that the team started off in amazing form but found ourselves getting in a rut over the past few games,” senior Zach Whisenant said. “Late goals and bad refs do a lot to you mentally but I think we have bounced back in a good way. “
Carmona weighed in as well. “So far I think we’re okay but obviously there’s room for improvement. In some positions we’re kinda young. We look good in some of the tournaments. However, we still need to get better for district.”
The expectation for this team is known by the players.
“This team needs to make playoffs and to beat our cross town rival,” Esparza said.
“I expect us to win district and go from there” Whisenant said.
That being known Whisenant doesn’t want the team to lose the reason why they play.
“You play the best soccer when having fun. So never go away from that,” Whisenant said.