After an unsuccessful start to the 2024 soccer season, the boys soccer team begins district hoping for better results to help clinch a spot in the UIL soccer playoffs. The varsity boys continue to practice and improve their chemistry looking for their first win in the district season
“We had only one win in the preseason against Fort Bend Marshall,” head coach Gregg Gutierrez said. “We didn’t get the results we want and we sure are looking to change that statistic as we finish the season.”
After losing to Klein, who was last place in district standings in the 2022/23 winter season, improvements and new adaptations must be looked into to overcome a hard fought loss.
“Considering what we had heard from last year, we thought beating Klein was going be an easier. Things obviously didn’t go that way and we lost 2-1,” senior Himmer Campos said.
Coming off of a 12 loss season, Gutierrez is bringing a fresh perspective to the team this year in his 2nd year as the head coach.
“I didn’t have the best first season as head coach. I played soccer in college, so transitioning from player to coach hasn’t been the easiest task,” Gutierrez said. “I’m understanding the game and improving with my players as we move forward.”
Getting their 2nd tie of the season against Klein Cain, star senior Wilmer Maldonado held down the midfield and freshman Graham Baker led the attack against a strong Hurricane team led by midfielder Nathan Martinez.
“We’ve heard some things happening behind the scenes with the Klein Cain boys team. We believe with out dedication and intensity in practice these past few days, we can really show people what we have to offer,” Maldonado said.
Not reaching the playoffs since the 2018 season, the players and Coach Gutierrez are working to break the curse and place top four against teams like Tomball, Klein Cain and Klein Collins.
“I’ve never seen such passion in a high school team,” Gutierrez said. “These kids want it more than anyone. We don’t just want to make playoffs, we want to bring a state championship back to Klein Oak.”
