Seven seniors on the adapted soccer team are feeling great about finishing their final regular season undefeated.
“It’s a good way to go out in an undefeated season,” senior captain Mason Mora-Clark said.
Although the final fast-paced and nail-biting game against Dakota United ended in a tie, the team played hard and finished with a score of 2 to 2 in the final seconds leaving the team with a record of 6-0-1.
“A tie is better than a loss,” assistant coach Cindy Williams-McClung said. “I believe we are still considered undefeated.”
“I think we have a chance to make it to the championship,” senior captain Chase McCann said.
Because of the team’s winning record this season, they got a bid to go directly to state. The state tournament was held at White Bear Lake High School on Nov. 15 and 16.
Head varsity coach John Towle has been coaching the team for nine years.
“I think the world of my seniors. I’ve had the privilege of coaching all of them for the last three years, and they’ve each made a tremendous impact on our team,” Towle said.
“We are a team that works hard and takes pride in representing Stillwater. My players are proud to be Ponies. Our two senior captains Chase and Mason are amazing captains who lead on and off the court,” Towle said.
For the past two years, McCann and Mora-Clark have shown strong leadership in their roles as captains. They provide help, support and encouragement to all the players on the team. They are great role models who lead by example showing good sportsmanship for all.
The seven seniors which include Mora-Clark, McCann, Sam Enright, Sophie Wynne, Mubarek Adem, Jack Ridgeman and Femi Alabi have great memories of playing together over the years.
“Taking third place at the state tournament during my first year,” McCann said.
“Passing and scoring. Trying to get everyone a chance to play,” Mora-Clark said.
“I like my team and my friends and that makes me super happy,” Ridgeman said.
“Having fun with my friends is my most favorite memory,” Adem said.
“Playing in the state tournaments has been my favorite memory,” Alabi said.
“When I was playing soccer for the very first time in seventh grade,” Enright said.
“I love Mason and Chase a lot. Mason makes a lot of goals, and we win a lot,” Wynne said.
“We’ll be rebuilding next year but these seven seniors have been outstanding leaders for our team and the program,” Towle said.
This has been a big year for this team. Unfortunately they had a tough loss in the first game at the state tournament on Nov. 15 putting them in the consultation round on Nov. 16. They came back strong and won both games to secure a fourth place finish.
