After a quick start and a rough patch, the Cobblers’ boys soccer team is looking to re-establish themselves before the playoffs.

By Charlie Perry

Last night, the Cobbler’s soccer team took on and defeated the Hot Springs Bison comfortably with a final score of 7-1. This win improved the boys record to 5-3-1. The boys play the Saint Thomas More Cavaliers tonight and hope to continue their winning season, but it won’t be an easy task. The Cavaliers are coming into this matchup with a record of 7-3-0 and don’t show signs of slowing down. “This is a big game for us as a team,” says Cobblers head coach Jo Sabroski. “We need to win this one to keep our chances of hosting a playoff game.”

The Cobblers started the season with a bang, tying Sioux Falls Washington and defeating Sioux Falls Lincoln, a feat no Cobbler squad had accomplished for seven years. So why is this game against a team that usually isn’t a threat a concern this year? The fact is, the Cobblers have misstepped a bit after their quick start. The two big wins were followed by a devastating 7-0 loss to the state runner up, Aberdeen Central. “That one hurt” says Sabroski. “They boys had prepared for a tough game, but we weren’t expecting that.”

The Cobblers jumped back a bit with a convincing 4-0 win over the Pierre Governors, but in the following game Stevens deflated the Cobblers’ esteem by defeating them 4-1. While the boys are gearing up to face the Raiders again so they can show they have more to give, senior captain Rocky Curtis is quick to caution against looking too far ahead. “We can’t focus on that game just yet. First we have to beat STM, and right now they seem ready.

As far as that game is concerned, Curtis is clear about what the Cobblers need to do. “We have to play as a team, we can’t all try to be a hero, which is what we are doing now. We have to clean up our passes and trust each other to do their part, wherever they are on the field.”

All in all, the Cobblers aren’t doing badly right now. They have a winning record and are sitting in 7th place with only a few games left. That means they are in a position to host a playoff game in the state tournament. As long as they keep their heads high, listen to their coaches, and play to win, they should be able to end on a good note.