As of last Tuesday, their record stood at 12-4-1. Last Monday gave Head coach Vince Nowak his 400th win.
“I think altogether we have been working harder at practice and working harder at games,” junior Taylor Bell said. “The level of intensity has really picked up and it has helped the team really come together and play better.”
Earlier on in the season, Nowak felt the team needed to focus on “playing better, smarter and harder more often,” and incorporating “more intensity” into their game.
Several players have noted specific issues that need to be dealt with.
“Our scoring [needs work]. We have the opportunities we just haven’t been able to finish [them],” Bell said.
At practice the team has emphasized fundamental skills, passing, receiving and moving off the ball. Fortunately, the team has got a lot going for them.
“[Our strengths are] our athletic talent and chemistry,” junior Chip Dozier said. “Every one works to help out the team.”
Nowak notes that the team has strength coming from yet another direction, goalkeeping. Senior Austin Haywood and junior Logan Ponche split time in the back. With a solid defense and a strong offense on its way, Nowak expects the team to pull through the rest of the season nicely.
“We want to keep improving,” Nowak said. “And obviously we want to do as best we can in Conference. When you play soccer at FHN, the expectations are always high.”