As the 2023 fall sports season comes to an end, the boys soccer team remains in reach of the playoffs. The Pirates finished their league games with three games won and five games lost. By this time in the season they are third place in their league, meaning that the team will have a shot at the play-offs if they win their next couple of games.
Although struggling with teams in their league, the Pirates have proved that they are able to compete with some of the top teams in 4A. The Pirates plan on trying to secure a 3rd place spot and fight for second, which would secure them a home play-in game.
Pirates Head coach Juan Ocampo has been coaching the boys soccer team for two years. This year, he plans to take the team to the play-ins. He has been working with the team everyday after school and even gives them many opportunities to play at a higher level on Saturdays and Sundays for more practice. His dedication to the team has helped them get to the next level and has helped teammates grow closer to each other.
Along with the head coach, the players have been thankful for the help of assistant coach Alberto Castillo. Castillo has recently graduated from Marshfield and was part of the league winning team. The players look for his knowledge of the game to help them succeed in their matches.
“He has a lot of good advice that he’s been giving me during practice and during games,” Senior Jake Bennet said. “He has helped us get better as both individuals and as a team.”
Lead goal scorer and team captain Senior Jose Yanez has been a player the rest of the team looks to, to make something happen when it’s needed most. This season he broke his thumb during a game against Crater. This had an impact on how he plays and on some of the players.
“We had a captain break his hand in a game but he kept on playing through it, so seeing a player do that is inspirational and it makes me want to work harder,” Junior Jonah Martin commented.
The North Bend vs Marshfield rivalry has been going on for many years. This year the games have been decided with only one goal. The Pirates have faced the Bulldogs three times this season winning two games and losing the other.
“Our rivalry with North Bend and other schools makes me more eager to beat them every time I play them,” explained Martin. “The rivalry motivates me to play better and be at my best.”
Throughout the years the games have gone both ways. These rivalry games are games both sides look forward to playing.
“Playing North Bend at home and being able to win with the biggest crowd I’ve seen out for Marshfield soccer was my favorite moment from this season,” Senior Jose Yanez said.
The Pirates will move on to the play-offs with a winning mentality, practicing everyday, and working to improve their chemistry.
