Spartans stay together despite tough start

The regular season got off to a rough start for the Sparta High School boys soccer program, with four straight losses against considerably tough opposition.

But, instead of pointing fingers at others and wallowing in self pity, the Spartans responded by staying unified as a team both on and off the pitch.

If fact, from October 7 through October 11,

The Spartans went on a three-game winning streak, from Oct. 7-11, outscoring their opponents by a combined score of 12-3.

Helping to lead the way consistently for Sparta are team captains Matt Torres and Santiago Angel-Lopez.

“Both are three year varsity players who lead in very different ways and have the respect of their coaches and teammates,’’ Sparta coach Tim Connors said. “Matt is more a vocal leader, whereas Santiago is quieter and just leads by example.’’

Both captains are certainly living up to their responsibilities on the field. Torres is leading in both goals (8) and assists (5), while Santiago is a leader on defense.

“Both have grown as leaders and we have seen their confidence in their teammates grow as well,’’ Connors said. “Both are very good students as well.’’

The coaching staff is impressed with the variety of areas in which the two leaders help their teammates become more well-rounded soccer players.

“They push their teammates to be their best day in and day out,’’ Connors said. “They give and expect maximum effort.’’

Through Oct. 27, the Spartans had six hard earned wins.

Connors said goalkeeper Jason Caswell has played great all season and improves every day, while Cormac Gibbons is the team’s most versatile players - a top defender while also contributing offensively when needed.

Brady Flannery has been an anchor on defense. Reynaldo Ballon was suprising as a freshman, leading the team with eight goals. Connors said midfielder Jakub Targonski is the Spartans’ most physical player.

“Credit to the whole team, we graduated 24 seniors and our most successful class last year and to be able to compete this season with very limited varsity experience returning has been great to see.’’

NOTES: The individual statistics mentioned above were from games played through October 27.