Following nearly a week of tryouts, four former junior-varsity players have made the varsity boys’ soccer team.

“With teams from the past and this year’s upperclassmen having set the winning expectations, the younger players [will] learn what it takes to make them the leaders in the future,” Coach Bob Robidoux said.

Despite losing seven seniors to graduation, Robidoux said he doesn’t expect a leadership drop-off.

“All the returning players understand the expectations in the West Shore soccer program and their role to continue that,” he said. “We are fortunate to have upperclassmen who are accepting of the younger players and leading by example.”

Goalie Cooper Stein (12) said last week’s tryouts were successful and that the new players are adjusting easily.

“Players showed out more as the week went on,” he said. “I think that people are getting more comfortable and playing as a team more.”

Robidox said he is looking forward to the year as he reflects on last year’s season, when his team finished as district runner-up and lost in the first round of regionals.

“I think last year we fell short of our goal,” he said. “This year with how things are looking and how the team is playing, I think we can expect to do better.” 

By Marissa Stazzone