The fall semester is upon us and that means it’s soccer season. The UDJ Varsity soccer team has had an up-and-down start to their season so far as their record stands at 4-5-3. They are looking to move forward and get wins in the second half of the season.  

One notable moment this season was the first home game against Oxford, where the team won 3-0 in front of a massive student section, one of the largest for a soccer game since the Coronavirus hit. After a tough loss against Brother Rice, the Cubs performed great at the Petoskey Invitational, going undefeated in 3 games. They continued their good form in the Catholic League, winning 4-1 against De La Salle and earning a crucial 3 points in the division. 

As the second half of the season draws near, the Cubs set their sights on the rest of Catholic League and district playoffs. 

But enough from me, let’s hear from your 2022-2023 Varsity soccer captains Brandon Alchy and Noah Cahill.

• As a leader of the team, what messages do you share with the team to bring them together or pump them up before games? 

Alchy: I always try to make sure everyone understands the importance of each game, no matter who we are playing. The moment the team begins to underestimate the opponent is when we will lose. It is essential to treat each team as the best team in the state, no matter what their record is.

Cahill: As a captain I try to keep the team focused and prepared before games. I don’t always make big speeches but I tend to give more 1 on 1 advice and support to players while communicating positive messages on the field.

• What has been the biggest accomplishment you have had personally and with the team this season? 

Alchy: Personally, the biggest accomplishment I have had with the U of D soccer program is getting brought up to varsity as a freshman and helping the team win our 3rd Catholic League Championship in our school’s history. I would say the team hasn’t reached our maximum ability, but the biggest accomplishment the team has had this season was destroying De La Salle 4-1.                      

Cahill: Personally, my biggest accomplishment is overcoming my injury and scoring against our biggest rivals Brother Rice in my first game back. For the team, we haven’t achieved much yet but I’ve been happy with our result against De La Salle and our wins at the Petoskey tournament. However, I’m looking forward to making a comeback in the second half of Catholic League and getting ready for a run at the playoffs.

• What has been your favorite game so far? Why? 

Alchy: My favorite game so far has to be the first game of the season against Oxford, where we won 3-0 but to be honest, I could care less about the score; that day, we had the most students I’ve seen come to support the soccer team since COVID. As a player, it is such a big motivation to hear your fellow peers rooting you on, and it just makes you want to run through a wall for them.

Cahill: My favorite game so far has been the win over De La Salle because it is our only Catholic League win so far and is a bit of revenge after the loss to them last year. Personally, I was happy with my performance and was able to chip in an assist.

• What are your goals for the rest of the season?  

Alchy: Our goals for the rest of the season are simple, win the rest of our games in the Catholic League and have a shot at winning our 4th one in school history, and our second goal is to win states

Cahill: My goals for the rest of the season are to remain healthy and continue to build up my sharpness and fitness. I want to contribute to the team as much as I can. I also hope the team can keep heads high after a rough patch and perform in the second half of the year. I’d love to win Catholic League or at least get some revenge against Rice. I would also like to make a run in districts despite how challenging our division is turning out to be.