Through the history of boys soccer at EHS, Collinsville has been one of their number one rivals, but senior captain Michael Picchiotti said that this year they were “coming for them.”

The game against Collinsville took place on Sept. 12 and the boys were able to secure a win of 4-0 along with another step closer to the conference trophy.

“We came out in the first half and dominated, unlike we have previously,” senior Alec Curran said. “I think this game gave us a confidence boost and pushed us in the right direction.” Curran also said that being able to win on home turf added to the sweetness of their victory.

But confidence and pride is not all the EHS soccer team utilizes in their preparation strategies.

“Our plan is to keep working hard,” Curran said.

And hard work pays off.

The boys have a season record so far of 8-0-2 and some of the players dedicate their success to this year’s ‘type’ of team.

“This season has been pretty special so far because our team has so much potential and talent,” senior August Windau said. “This year’s team is filled with juniors and seniors, so it’s a mature team and everyone is focused.”

This maturity and talent has lead their team into an undefeated season which is “amazing,” according to Picchiotti, but he added that the “ties can really nag at you… especially when you know it could be 10-0-0.”

Putting the ties aside, the team has done an undoubtedly great job so far this season and as for the seasons to come, the varsity seniors are already thinking ahead.

“[Our goal] is to turn the team into more of a family and to always have good character because character is what ends up defining a team,” Curran said. “Also, to bring the energy and intensity of a rival game to every game we play, as well as to training.”

With these goals set for the future, the boys have their eyes set on the prize and they are ready to keep kicking through the season with team coherence on their minds.

“We have always had the talent,” Picchiotti said. “But this group of guys has a special connection that should last us for the long run.”