Fargo North’s Boys Varsity Soccer Team started the season strong, winning two of their first three games. This was their best start to a season in years, however, the Spartans just missed finishing the season at state.
The Spartans finished the season 4-9-2, with four of their losses decided by just one goal, including the 2-1 loss to the West Fargo Packers Sept. 16.
Spartan senior captain Eli Aslakson scored the first goal of the game. As the game progressed, minimal motion was made from the Spartans since their last goal. Despite the strong, persistent, defense against the Packers, the opponent scored a goal with five minutes left in the half.
Tensions in the stands among athletes and parents were evident. West Fargo’s crowd continued to cheer vigorously, making up for their lack of spectators. Ian Costello, varsity head coach, was impassioned at the lack of hustle from his players. Packers score on Spartans at the twenty-five minutes into the second half, changing the score from 1-1 to 1-2.
Though this lead seemed incredibly close, with how tightly each team was guarding their goal and with only 14 minutes on the clock pressure builds. Impressively, under great pressure Fargo North continues their impeccably controlled movements, receiving noticeably less fouls than their rivals. This lack of aggression however may cost them the two points they need. Less than five minutes left on the clock. Morale of Spartan parents even dwindles as it seems impossible, eruptious applause from the wrong side. The game ends with a score of 1-2.
“We just have to have a talk about what successful teams do, and get on the same page for these last seven games, if we’re gonna end the season well,” said Costello. “When we are on the same page in the field we have a lot of chemistry and can produce. Goals and can play well on defense. When we don't bring the right amount of energy, things like last night happen,” he said about the loss to the Packers.
The athletes were disappointed in the outcome of the game as well. “Last night, I think just moving the ball and being able to connect more passes, also talking on the field is one of the biggest things, so those are definitely the top ones,” said Aslakson. “We have a lot of creativity up top, but defensively I think we need to do a little better and I think just coming together and playing a full 90 minutes of good soccer,” he said.
Austen Zander, another one of the team’s four captains, had a more optimistic view on the situation. “ Last night, I was a little angry. We didn't get the job done against West Fargo, and that was a team we needed to beat, so that was pretty hard and rough[…] I think those are good opportunities to open our eyes and really see what we need to improve upon and like a good learning experience,” he said. “I'm very hopeful for the future of Fargo North soccer and the program. I’m very excited to see it, like in two years.”
The Spartans improved on the West Fargo loss by showing up for their senior night and scoring immediately against Shanley, leading to a 2-1 win on Sept. 25. Seniors were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the team throughout the years.
The underclassmen have a legacy to live up to and though the team may have its ups and downs, and are relatively young, it's clear that they have the ability to take their losses in stride and are clearly ready to learn and grow from them.
“I am cautiously optimistic about next year. Yes, our team was relatively young this year and a lot of those younger players saw quality minutes over the season. But, the success for next year starts now with what all the players do in the offseason,” said Costello. However, it's clear whatever their future is at Fargo North, it is bright.
