Wakefield boys soccer
Wakefield forward Brandon Rothfuss pushes the ball upfield against Enloe Thursday night. The Wolverines handed the Eagles a 2-0 defeat, improving Wakefield's conference record to 5-5-1.
Wolverines eclipse Eagles 2-0
Wakefield heads into conference finale on four-game win streak
On Sept. 23, following a 1-0 loss to Broughton, it was apparent the Wakefield boys soccer team — at 1-5 in conference play — couldn't afford to lose another league game.
And a funny thing happened after the Wolverines' disastrous start — they started playing better and didn't lose.
With Thursday's 2-0 win over Enloe, the Wolverines are just one victory away from pulling off the unthinkable: not losing in its final six league matches, and earning the league's final playoff spot.
(At 5-5-1, Wakefield owns a slight edge over fifth-place Millbrook (4-5). If the Wildcats win out, they could steal the last spot.)
"I feel like we have been must-win for a couple of weeks now," shrugged Wakefield coach Scott Sloan. "We are getting back to the top of the mountain. Now, let's just stay there."
The Wolverines earned a win Thursday in the same matter they won their previous three contests: harnessing a renewed intensity and focus, and taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.
Almost 30 minutes into the game, Davis Edwards got the Wolverines on the board, connecting from long distance.
"He was probably 30 yards out when received the ball from Jay and just rips," Sloan said. "The keeper was about 15 yards off his line and didn't have a chance."
Added assistant coach Derek Williams, "It wasn't a lobbed ball either — he drilled it."
Two minutes later, Wakefield crack the game open when Blake Cissel tacked on a goal of his own — in impressive fashion, Sloan pointed out.
"His back was to goal, and probably at mid volley, and he just turns on it and rips it," the coach said. "The keeper didn't even move. That might be goal of the year for us."
Overall, Cissel put together a "fantastic" goal, Sloan added.
The coach credits the Wolverines' improved mental approach for their turnaround.
"The kids are playing with a lot of confidence right now," he said. "I think as a group, everybody trusts one another."
One of the biggest differences is the Wolverines aren't relying on seniors Ryan Metts and Jay Williams — two of the conference's best players — as much as the squad was earlier in the season. The balance has lead to success.
Senior Alex de Groot sees a change in his teammates demeanor, and not just during games.
"Because everyone is involved, it's made it a lot of fun," he said. "Everybody is more intense, even at practice, everyone is trying hard. We're playing with more passion, and it makes us better."
As a result of their disappointing start of league play, the Wolverines are flying under the radar, which Sloan said he likes.
"We had such a bad start to the season, people are looking past us," he said. "Hopefully, we can get back into the playoffs and people will continue to over look us."
But the coach said warningly, "We are playing well. Can we play better? Absolutely."
De Groot sees the Wolverines' success breeding more success each passing game.
"We're just kind of riding the momentum right now," he said. "We're really hungry, and after starting how we did, we're just trying to finish the season strong.
"It's not about how we started, we're more focused on how we'll finish."
Broughton visits Wakefield Monday, Oct. 19., at 6:30 p.m. The Wolverines will celebrate senior night festivities as well Monday.
