This year has been rough for some fall teams, but boys’ soccer is looking to find their footing after having won three of their last four games, and a big Mack Plaque win could bolster their ranking going forward. 

The Lancers have been hyped up all week for this big game and senior Parker Lewis thinks that “consistency will be the key” in winning this rivalry game.  

“We need to start the game off right and get some momentum going,” Lewis said. 

Lewis compares this game to others, claiming that there will be “more energy” come Friday night. 

“The big difference with this game is that it’s a rivalry game,” Lewis said. 

For senior Zach Mantegari, he expects “nothing less than a dub” come Friday night. 

“We are finally showing some form,” Mantegari said. “Looking like a team to fear heading towards the second half of the season.” 

Similar to Lewis, Mantegari feels that energy and tension will play a huge role in the first Mack Plaque game. 

“This game is different from the rest, and it’s pretty self explanatory,” Mantegari said. “Two good teams with a huge crowd is always a show.”

Mantegari thinks that this game will depend on how the boys’ carry their momentum after each big play.

“In order to win the game, we’ll need some electric energy,” Mantegari said, “and the boys to take care of business”

For senior Brett McKinnon, he hopes that the team can come together for the full 90 minutes and pull out the win. 

“For the team and I to be able to play as a team for not just a couple moments in the game, but the whole game,” McKinnon said. “Another expectation is also to come out with a HUGE win!” 

McKinnon sees this game as an opportunity to go up in the rankings with the win.

“We are competing to be a top 4 team in the league and a win will help us gain more confidence and momentum to the last half of the season,” McKinnon said. “Also just beating your school rival is just a dream come true!”

For McKinnon, it won’t just be a team battle, but also will take some mental preparation as well.

“I need to be able to keep my composure and just play the game I know how to play,” McKinnon said. “I need to use my speed and toughness to help my teammates or myself score and play defense!”