The boys’ varsity soccer match against The Woodlands went into overtime April 8 but ultimately ended in defeat by a score of 5-1.

The team did not reach a state title but the overall season contained high accomplishments. The season’s record (17-5-3) included the advancement to the third round of playoffs after the team’s fifth District Championship, sixth Parrot Derby and second Community Shield.

“Overall, I think this was one of our best seasons at McNeil,” coach Justin Sharrock said. “Not only in our results but in the manner the players trained, competed and enjoyed the beautiful game. We played some great soccer against some quality teams.”

Despite such great accomplishments, the road through the season was not completely smooth. For instance, two major players were lost due to injuries: one of the senior captains and starting center backs, Jeff Utzman, and starting forward District MVP senior Alejandro Labastida.

“The rest of the team did what teammates do and stepped in for their injured mates and performed at a high level,” Sharrock said. “The only sour taste I have is that we did not perform up to our standards in our last game. We showed great ability and fairly consistent play throughout the year but our final game turned out to be one of our two most poorly played games all year. That is not to discredit our opponent. The Woodlands were very good and played well against us.”

Now that the season is over, the goals and expectations for next year are already set up high.

“As far as next year goes, I am very excited,” Sharrock said. “During the playoffs we only had one senior starting. Therefore, we have a large group of returning starters with plenty of experience. I will do my best to find ways to challenge the players while also trying to make an enjoyable and memorable experience for them.”

There is a strong bond between players on the team that allowed them to succeed in tough games throughout the season.

“There is a sense of prestige that comes along with representing the top team in McNeil,” senior Vijay Persad said. “Everyone on the squad shares the goal of competing to be the best team in the state and it creates a sense of brotherhood between us. I think it will be the close bond we all had that I will miss the most after I graduate.”

Rather than the number of wins and losses, teamwork and unity are highlighted with the most importance. This standard of high team morale will continue on next season.

“Together, we will continue to work on becoming better game players, practice players and teammates in order to help McNeil soccer continue to build its dynasty,” Sharrock said. “Here at McNeil, we are lucky to have a large group of dedicated soccer players who genuinely want to be great players and even more, a top-level team. Players are willing to take on a role for the team without selfishness. This is a quality that is not common in the sports arena and that’s why I love these guys.”