By Sydney Simpson – Editor-in-Chief 

The Jonathan Law boys and girls soccer teams have a promising season ahead, with the boys season starting on September 9 as they face Career/Hillhouse at Lawmen Stadium and the girls taking on East Haven at home on September 14. 

The teams each have similar goals – to make the SCC tournament and to do well in states. The boys team also has an additional goal of winning over nine games, which will give them the best record that Law has had in over 20 years. 

“I’m really excited to see this team develop from the start of the season to the end of the season,” said boy’s soccer coach Mr. Gruber. “I am also excited just being around the team and watching them mature both on and off the field.”

The girls soccer team has lost several starting players, and they have a new coach, but they are keeping as optimistic as ever and are confident in their abilities. 

“Some people may see us as the underdogs because we have a new coach (Mr. Rodriguez) and a lot of seniors who have graduated, but I’m ready to prove them wrong and get this season started,” said senior Shelby Green. 

The players are using this “underdog” status as motivation to work hard and be better both on and off the field. 

“We did lose a few starting players from last year, but I feel if we commit to working hard and pushing ourselves we can have a good season and make sure the seniors have the season that they deserve and focus on what is ahead of us,” said junior Demi Carrapico.  

Both teams are confident for their upcoming season and ready to dive in, but contrary to the girls team the boys have 12 returning seniors this year. 

“The team is projected to do very well this season due to our talent and ability to play fast, we have a vast majority of players that know the game well and are confident on the ball,” said senior captain Ryan DiMuro. “We have players that want to win and will do everything in their power to do so.”

Both teams have been working hard in the off season to prepare for this year’s competition, with summer conditioning sessions and club opportunities. 

“During my off season, I am with my club team in the winter and spring playing and training with them,” said Carrapico. “I have training three times a week and then two games on the weekend, so I am always out on the field and making myself better in any way I can.”

While the players may have different strategies for dealing with it, they all agree that being nervous comes with the game. 

“Nervousness will mess you up during the game,” said DiMuro. “You have to be in complete control of yourself and be calm and confident.”