by Jen Burhans
The Berlin boys JV soccer team is off to one of its best starts with 17 team members ranging from eighth to tenth grades. Having a full roster has made it very competitive to get playing time, and the guys have stepped up by practicing hard and getting extra playing experience outside of the regular season. A solid core of returning players has benefited from new players both moving up from the modified team and trying soccer for the first time.
The team’s record is 5 wins and 3 losses midway through the season. Berlin has scored 24 goals, and the goalies have combined to make 84 saves. On Friday, September 20, the boys played against Catholic Central and won 8-2. John Gordon and Ryan Willis both had hat tricks. Ryan Shumway had a goal and assisted in 2 others. Joey Sweener was Berlin’s other scorer. Controlling the midfield was the key to the game, and Berlin was in charge most of the game. Matt Moran was the strong defensive leader and started many of the scoring drives.
