The boys soccer team runs toward the goal with high energy and focus. The team is filled with many talented players, all working together to get the ball in the goal. With head coach Jeremy Lenz there to guide and critique them, the group naturally flows and coordinates with each other.

This season, the varsity boys soccer team scored at an overall 7-11. The team has risen against opponents such as Omaha Northwest and Buena Vista. With 22 players ranging from 9th to 12th grade, these boys come together to form a strong and heartfelt team. Sophomore right back player for the car city team Liam Parker has been comparing this season to last season.

“I think the season this year was better than last season from what i’ve watched. Last season we were 4-10, this season we are 6-10  and going to the playoffs this weekend. We’re looking better than we were last year,“ Parker said.

At the playoffs, East lost to Millard South 2-0. Throughout the year, the boys played in 16 games, with a total of 6 home games, 6 away games and 4 neutral or non- district. Each game is different with the many talented soccer players that the boys soccer team goes against. The varsity team has put in a lot of work in order to play. Practices, conditioning, and game days can get in the way of school or free time for anyone.

“So, obviously when we have game days, that takes a significant amount of time. So I just need to make sure that if my students have a test that day  I find a strike so that I can grade those and get the tests back to my students. And with practice times, my children’s activities and such, I have to make sure I talk with my wife about scheduling,” Lenz said.

Through the beginning to the end of the season, the team has faced highs and lows. Most importantly, they have all adjusted and come together as a team. This year, the varsity team has a few seniors who have led and helped and guided the team. Senior Ramon Pena has been on East’s soccer team since his freshman year.

“This year has been pretty fun; it’s fun practicing with my teammates. Even though we’re not  best team, it’s still fun,” Pena said. “Also seeing us get better as a whole, because at the beginning of the season we weren’t playing like we could, but now we are actually playing pretty good.”

However, it’s not just the senior team members who are leaving East, but Lenz as well. After 8 years of coaching at East, Lenz will be officially retiring, and the new coach of the Boys Varsity team will be Bryan Locke. Locke was the JV soccer coach and has been with the team and worked well with the students.

“Luckily our new head coach will be  the current JV coach, so he has a lot of experience with how the program works  and how it’s been run the past couple of years. He obviously has plenty of soccer knowledge, so I think it’ll be a pretty smooth transition,” Lenz said.

Throughout the start of season to the end of this year, the team has grown together. Through victories, practices, home and away games, this team in a short amount of time has truly come together. While the season is coming to an end, the team has had their own memorable moments. Such moments from junior field goal keeper junior Kael Walker.

“A highlight was definitely my game winning save against Roncholli; that one was great. It felt amazing, and then having my team just rush me afterwards,” Walker said.