Cougars Boys' Soccer Off to a Hot Start

What a difference a year makes.

Even though the boys’ soccer team has played a few games this season, the team has already matched its four wins from last year.

Not only are they winning, but they are looking like contenders as well.

After tying Central League heavyweights Strath Haven 2-2 last week, the Cougars have turned some heads. Springfield has not tied or defeated Strath Haven in 20 years.  Now other teams have to be on the lookout for a team that that finished with just a 4-14 overall record a year ago.

“This year we are telling the kids to maintain their focus,” said head coach Jason Piombino. “You can play 75 minutes of great soccer but if you have one let down in the box, it can hurt you. We just know that every game we want to get a little bit better. We haven’t even mentioned playoffs. Last year that is all we thought about. All we are trying to do, with a young group like this, is get better each game.”

It’s hard not to mention playoffs for a team that has a 4-2-1 records posting while posting four shut outs. Last season, the Cougars finished with four shut outs all season, while having trouble finding the back of the net at times.

This season, the Cougars are scoring and holding to opponents in every contest.

“I think we are more hungry than last year in the box,” said senior midfielder Zac Furia. “On the set pieces we are doing much better.” 

On the defensive side, opponents are being smothered as the Cougars have allowed just six goals so far this season. Junior goalie Dave Sousa is in charge of keeping order on the back line. 

“I can’t do it without my defense,” said Sousa. “Defense is probably. the most important part of the game. Coach says if you get a shut out you can’t lose the game.”

A game coming up on the Cougars’ schedule, that has been circled all year, is the Conestoga match-up on Sept. 20. Conestoga is one of the top teams in the area and Springfield may have a chance to really turn even more heads with a win or a tie.

“When you gear up for a team like Conestoga, we have to be disciplined in the back,” said Piombino. “When we lose the ball all 11 players defend. Everybody gets back and make sure that we are all trying to get the ball back. If we can do that, then we will have an opportunity to win.”

After a solid 3-0 victory over Pope John Paul II on Saturday afternoon, Springfield looks ready for the challenge on Tuesday.

“We just have to play solid against them,” said Furia. “We will try to score on one of our set pieces and see if we can come out with a win.”

No matter the outcome on Tuesday, Springfield is still on the right path to having a productive season. They are taking it one game at time.

“At this level, effort, work ethic and discipline will help you win games,” said Piombino.

"We win and lose as a team. There is no one who is a superstar. We are getting goals for everyone. This year, I am rotating guys in and out and they are getting the job done.”

One thing is for sure: with the way the Cougars are playing this year it is hard to bet against them getting the job done against any team.