After two hard weeks of tryouts and practice and three rough scrimmages, Boy’s Varsity Soccer began their season on September 12 at our very own McCormack Field. The team had a disappointing loss of 2-0, but played hard. The team has a new coach this season, Mr. Stephen Beattie, a woodshop teacher here at West Milford High School. Beattie has a lot of work cut out for him with the teams’ record last year having only two wins. Beattie says he is, “Ready for the season and feels his team has already improved since previous years.” Since taking over the program, Beattie has already started making beneficial changes to the program. “I have to start at the bottom, making sure the players are disciplined. They have to be responsible for their actions on and off the field. They have to learn sportsmanship and respect each other and their opponents,” said Beattie.
The team had their first away game on September 17 where Sam Yuhas scored the teams’ first regular season goal assisted by Connor Maupai. The team was tied 1-1 at the end of the first half, and were pumped hoping for a win. They let up two goals in the second half with the final score being 1-3, Fairlawn.
The captains Ethan Lipman and Mike Uhr are also excited for the changes this year and are ready to take their team to a winning season. Lipman said, “We are having many injuries but I know we can still push through.” The other seniors on the team this year include Blake Ballin, Brandon DepalmaFarr,
Brian Ferraro, and Justin Lombardo, all hoping to help lead the team to a great season.
Although there are only two captains, all of the seniors are seen as team leaders. Beattie explained, “I am not [always] a multi-captain coach. A captain is not always the best player on the field, but the one who can handle the responsibilities.” The team’s first county game was Saturday 28 against Passaic Valley who won and advanced to the second round. After the game Beattie stated, “I am trying to take a soccer team that struggled for several years and turn it into a strong program. This might take a few years and it may get worse before it gets better.” The team and Beattie did finally have a break through on October 1, home against Eastside. West Milford played hard and after missing a penalty shot, Ian Barrett came back to score a goal in the first half. This was Barrett’s first varsity goal, an impressive feat for a sophomore. Many players already feel that although the Highlanders only have one win this season there are already major improvements. Respect, discipline, and attitudes internally among the players have already made the season better. Seniors who played varsity last year understand this the best. They explained that when coach sits a player, “it’s not a punishment, it’s a message,” a message Beattie wants to express to the whole program.
The whole program has really taken a 180-degree turn around. Games are being filmed and strategy is being shaped. Fans are showing up to the games and the support really helps morale. The team would like to shout out to Jon Diamond, one of the team’s biggest supporters. Authority is being delegated and the necessities are being taken care of first. Everyone in the program sees a difference and is ready to continue the season confidently and with strength.
