Rarely is a first round exit in the playoffs seen as a positive. For the Geneva Vikings Boys Soccer team all improvement is welcomed. The Vikings are now two seasons past a disappointing 7-0 loss in the 2012 playoffs at the hands of Naperville Central. Last season showed signs of positive progress for the Vikings. Though they were bounced in the first round again they lost only 1-0 to a Neuqua Valley team that went far in the sectional tournament. Even with a record below .500 the Vikings outscored opponents 20-17 in the regular season and had big wins over St. Charles North, Kaneland, and Glenbard South.

The Vikings have ten varsity players returning from last season, including seven seniors. These returning seniors help the Vikings maintain their identity as a disciplined team, both on and off the field. “This year’s team is very coach-able,” says senior defender Ryan Ulin, “Many players have been putting in a lot of time critiquing their skills, on and off the field.” This emphasis on discipline and fundamentals makes these Vikings entertaining to watch win or lose.

This year’s team is focused on making this season a success. One game all players have circled on their calendar is the September 23^rd match-up with Batavia. Last season Batavia managed a 1-0 win, scoring a goal in the final minutes of the game. This season the Vikings look to avenge this loss, with the game now being played on their own turf. Geneva-Batavia rivalries aside this will be an exciting game to watch. Other must see games are the September 25^th game at Oswego and the Senior Recognition Night game against Metea Valley.

Viking fans should be sure to keep their eyes on senior mid-fielders Calen Colbert and Jason Lagger. Both players are returning from last year’s team and are expected to be top scorers for the Vikings this season. This team also has a strong group of underclassmen. Three freshman, now sophomores, return from last year’s team. Although they’re young their inexperience doesn’t hurt them. “They play with the confidence of our veteran players” says Ulin, “if you didn’t know any better you would have thought they were seniors.”

All these factors make the Vikings an exciting team to watch and a team on the rise. With skilled players at each position and an experienced, disciplined team the Vikings are looking to have a lot of success. A return to winning after a few disappointing seasons can be a hard task but this team has all the right elements. They have a chance to be as successful as Vikings teams in the past who won a string of regional titles from 2006 to 2010. Optimism is high for these players as well. “We have something to prove this season,” says Ulin, “and (we) plan to capitalize on all the opportunities for a great season.”