By Claire Frank
As the boys’ varsity soccer team enters its third playoff season since opening, it will mark the final games for senior strikers Angel Ceron-Garcia and Kevin Nerio; midfielders Eric Maestri, Indolfo Quintero, and Chris Guerrero; defenders Myron Hernandez and Captain Preston Phillips; and goalkeeper Adam Kight. So, will the 2013 playoff tournaments be a repeat of last year, or will Tuscarora fade out early on?
All indicators point to a good showing by Tuscarora’s boys’ soccer. The team is undefeated, with 13 wins and 2 ties. The team’s veterans have played well under Coach Dave Gryder in the past, and the newer players are excited to play at a competitive level. Husky boys’ soccer is ranked 1st in the Dulles District thanks to a 1-0 victory over the formerly 1st-ranked Potomac Falls boys’ varsity team on May 13, and 7th in the state, according to ESPN. Tusky Terror will provide plenty of support at each game, with high attendance at past matches.
But will this be enough to send the boys to the State Tournament again? Despite all of these advantages, the competition is going to be tough. Many of the games against strong competition were won by slim margins of a single point, and in the last minute. 2011 and 2012 States rival Blacksburg is ranked 6th overall in the state and is also undefeated. The pressure on the players will be intense as they try to maintain their reputation as one of the best teams in Virginia; a single poor showing could send them home.
