After three boys soccer state championships in a row the West team’s streak was ended with a heartbreaking fall to Muscatine last year in the sub state final. They are back this year, with seven returning starters. They have a lot of experience under their belt, but with 6 new players there is some inexperience, but lots of talent. When asked what is expected from the new players, Alex Anderson ‘17 said,  I expect 100 percent out of them, I know they will make mistakes, but working hard will make up for it.” The team is hungry to get back to the championship with more motivation and determination.

Jack Chen ‘16 is the starting goalie for the  team. He has been playing on the varsity team for three years, including a game as a freshman. Making his senior year his fourth year. As a team leader has high expectations for this year’s team, “We want to win state, and after our first 3 games I think it is a very realistic goal. Jack’s brother, Henry Chen ‘18, is also on the varsity team. When asked what it’s like to play on the same team as his brother he said “We get along really well because of it and have to work together as brothers and teammates.” Brothers and sisters a In the 2014-2015 season Jack lead the team with 21 saves in 15 games. Jack hopes to increase those numbers as the season moves on. He was the hero of the win against ankeny as he had a save in penalty kicks.

Henry Chen ‘18 is the brother of starting goalie Jack Chen. Henry has earned his spot on the varsity team as a freshman playing alongside his brother. As a center back the two are very close to each other on and off the field. “It is a good experience to play alongside with my brother and it brings us closer.” Said Henry when asked what it is like to play with his brother. Henry said “ Jack will make the greatest impact on the team as he is the starting goalie” The two brothers hope to win state together as they have some unfinished business to do from the dissatisfying loss from last season.

Anderson  is a starting striker this year and has been a three year varsity player for West and also a team leader. Alex is focusing on one thing at a time this season.,First, he wants to win the conference title game, make it past substate, and then take home the state championship trophy. Another goal of Anderson’s is to take the younger guys under his wing and make them better players. Anderson verbally committed to Drake University earlier this year to continue his soccer career.

The trojans have kicked off the year with 4 wins against 3a opponents. They had a 3-2 win against Ankeny that was one during penalty kicks. Then 3 easy wins, 5-0 over Muscatine, 3-0 over Dowling Catholic, and 3-1 over Cedar Rapids Washington. This gives West hope that they might be back in the state championship and win 4 of the last 5.

The games to look forward to and keep on your calendar are Linn mar, April 26th, and City vs West May 17th. These games will feature college talent all around, features multiple future teammates at Drake University.

Compiled by Hunter Liebermann and Connor Greer
Photos by Nick Pryor

Schedule
Tweets by @wssathletics