Despite massive roster turnover from year to year, the Oakley School boys’ soccer team has won the Region 2A North title for the second straight year.
With several potent goal scorers, a defense that doesn’t allow many chances, and a goalkeeper who usually stops any opponent who gets past the defense, the Explorers have powered their way to a 9-2 overall record (9-1 in 2A North).
Oakley coach Alex Prugh said togetherness is the key to the team’s success.
“That’s the biggest thing we try to do here – building team chemistry,” he said.
He added that, in just three years of having a boys’ soccer program, two straight region titles is an excellent way to build the team’s momentum.
“It’s huge,” he said. “Our biggest competition is becoming Layton Christian and Legacy Prep.”
And the chemistry should continue to improve as the weather improves, he said, which should lead to a strong playoff push.
“We need to finish strong,” he said. “With a team that is brand new and training in a basketball gym because our field is covered in snow, just getting back on the field will be a big help.”
The results of the team’s work is becoming evident. The Explorers defeated Layton Christian on the road on Tuesday by a score of 5-4.
The team was scheduled to play again at home against Waterford on Friday afternoon, after this issue went to press. The playoffs begin Wednesday, with Oakley hosting the No. 4 team out of the 2A West region.
Until then, Prugh said he’ll continue to work on getting his team to utilize the balanced attack that has worked so well for them this year.
“I think that they’ve all really pulled their weight,” he said.
Editor’s note: Due to the private nature of the school, students’ names have been withheld.