The boy’s soccer team is looking to achieve success in district play after a good start to the season, going 4-2-1 in non-district play and currently holding a 2-1-1 record in district play.

The team achieved a 3-1 win against Bridgeport on Jan. 4, a shutout of Round Rock on Jan. 5, a one goal victory against Hillcrest on Jan. 11, and a 2-1 triumph against North Garland on Jan. 12. Soccer lost their district opener against Allen, 2-0 on Jan. 22.

The Wildcats held on for their first win in district play by defeating rival Plano West on Jan. 25 by a mark of 3-2, with all three goals coming in the first half.

The team had a 1-1 stalemate with McKinney on Jan. 29 but overwhelmed Plano East on Feb.1 with the match ending at a score of 3-1, with all three of the Wildcats goals coming in the second half.

Junior Jack Bender scored a goal in the first half against Dallas Jesuit on Feb. 5, but couldn’t hold on to the lead and the game ended in a tie of 1-1.

The team was handed a 1-0 defeat by Boyd on Feb. 8.

Head coach Tex McCullough thinks this team is different from past ones because they have bought into the coaching program.

“This is the best start we’ve had during my tenure,” McCullough said. “This team takes winning seriously and plays together instead of playing as individuals.”

Last year, the soccer team finished with an abysmal record of 4-10-5, finishing last in their division. The team looks to avoid a repeat of last year.

“The team consists of a whole new group of players,” McCullough said. “This is the best we have ever prepared because of the effort the players have given.”

Junior center attacking mid Bobby Boone thinks the Wildcats’ main problem on the field is struggling to close out games.

“We give up too many late goals,” Boone said. “We need to give our full effort until the last whistle is blown.”

The team has set a game plan to win games despite playing in a tough district.

“We need to be aggressive,” McCullough said. “We need to give ourselves a lot of chances to score.”

The team has a nose for the net by scoring 13 goals in seven games despite being shutout in all three losses.

“We are doing okay on offense,”McCullough said. “We just need to capitalize on our chances.”

Junior goalkeeper Jon Niese thinks confidence going into district play is very high. The team has a next-man-up approach.

“We are confident that whoever steps onto the field can get the job done at a high level,” Niese said.

The team has a winning mindset and looks to continue their success against Prosper on Feb. 12.

“They don’t quit,” McCullough said. “This team plays for each other.”