It has been a long time since Varsity Boys soccer has had this impressive of a season. They won Conference 11 years ago with a 8-8-1 season.

This year, however, the team not only won Conference after a 3-1 victory in an intense game against Mundelein, but the Scouts are also undefeated in their conference. So far, the team is 5-0-2 in conference and 8-4-5 overall. 

Although there are some very impressive individuals on the team, members credited their success to playing as one unit and bonding as a family.

“I think that we have a group of players that when they’re focused on defending first and working hard for each other; that’s when we’re successful,” Head Coach Rob Perry said. 

The saying “defense wins championships” may be a cliché, but for Coach Perry, the phrase is the key to success for the team’s impressive season. 

For senior starting goalie Charlie Engelberg and junior starting center back Connor Gustafson,  defense comes natural.  Engelberg has only let in five goals in seven conference games, and leads their conference in saves with a total of 80 saved goals this season.

“This team never gives up. If we would’ve given up in any given situation this season, we would not be where we are now. The team always shows up for all eighty minutes of every game,” Engelberg said. 

While defense is very important, it’s also important to have fun while playing and to keep a good attitude. Senior Ibrahim Hashim does both.

After a big goal against Waukegan that helped the Scouts clinch a victory of 6-0, Ibrahim gave his team the credit.

“This goal felt more special than other goals I have scored in the past, because this team is different. We’re not only a talented group of players, but we fight for each other.” Hashim said. 

Hashim praises the team for their camaraderie, which drove them to victory. 

“I’m sure Varsity teams in the past would have beaten us based on pure talent, but we genuinely feel connected as one, and in my opinion, that is the most important feature a team could have,” he said.

Senior Theo Jamboretz, 13 goals and six assists, and junior winger George Thomas, nine goals and four assists, have also had impressive seasons.

With the combination of talent, effort, and good attitude, the soccer team is not satisfied yet and chases the next big thing: winning State.