By Olivia Augustine – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Laws girls soccer season started on October 1.

The team has a record of 1-4 as of October 16 with a win over Platt Tech. 

With COVID-19 practice and games have been different. Masks are to be worn by players when arriving to practice and leaving practice and players have to wear masks when they are sitting on the bench during games.

Head Coach Mrs. Francisco has been getting the team ready for the season since the summer. 

“Over the summer we spent two days a week conditioning in the mornings at Law while most players participated in the Milford United summer league on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” Francisco said. “Besides conditioning, once we started practicing as a full team (instead of in cohorts), I’ve tried to encourage more team bonding so our team chemistry is stronger on the field.”

COVID-19 has caused many new rules for the team to follow. Spectators are not allowed at games, players have to keep their belongings six feet apart and players have to fill out a health check form and bring it to every practice and game.

“There are many new guidelines and rules that we all have to be aware of and strictly follow,” senior captain Andriana Bruno said. “At times it is hard to stay positive, but it has brought our team together and strengthened our connection even more.”

The girls have been bonding in hopes of coming closer together as a team. With team bonding they hope to have better communication on the field. 

“I’m very optimistic coming into this season,” senior captain Alexis Voytek said. “The more we continue to play around each other, the more we are improving as a team which is very important to me because it’s not just about the wins but the growth as players.”

The players are determined to practice hard in order to play well in games and achieve their goals.

“I feel this season we have a great opportunity to succeed in our goals,” junior captain Shelby Green said. “We just need to keep our heads up, keep practicing hard and the results will show in the games.”

This year is tough with COVID-19, but the players have been both consistent and diligent with following the rules and staying positive. 

“I’m excited about this season and I think with the lineup we have this year we have the ability to do really well,” senior Brooke Dillman said. “We are lucky to have a season this year and I’m happy our games didn’t get cancelled.”