It is crazy to think that we are entering the last week of the season. It always goes by much too fast! It's been a great season across the board and I know the coaching staff has really enjoyed it. As a coach, it is always a grind, and I think we have to remind ourselves to step back and enjoy the moments because before we know it, the season is over. We will be pushing varsity to extend the season as long as possible in the postseason, but as we go into our last 2 regular season games, I do want to reflect on the season.

 

After the win Thursday night at Tates Creek, varsity swept district play going a perfect 4-0 in a really tough district (hardest in the state in my opinion). That is an awesome accomplishment as the program has never gone unbeaten before in district 43! Lafayette also never went unbeatean in the previous district either (district 27: Lafayette, Dunbar, Lexington Catholic, LCA, West Jessamine, East Jessamine). Not only did we sweep the district but we also swept the city of Lexington! (Sayre being the exception of course as we did not play them) Looking back through history (KHSAA website goes back to the year 2000), only the 2002 team rivaled these district/city accomplishments during the regular season, and that team did not play Lexington Catholic until the postseason. The boys have put themselves in the history books and we are really proud of their success! Lafayette has a lot of soccer history and no matter what happens the rest of the way, they have achieved new heights. Congratulations boys!

 

We have two tough games left. Madison Central will be extremely tough on their home turf. It is their senior night and they are a favorite in Region 11. I look forward to the challenge! We wrap up the regular season at home on Thursday against West Jessamine who has had some very positive results over their last 3-4 games. Both of these games will be great opportunities to get ready for the postseason.

 

Yesterday at practice, we asked the boys to come up with 3 things to really focus on this week in our last two games. The following is what they came up with:

1. Consistency - minimizing/eliminating lapses in play

2. Scoring goals at a more efficienct rate/being more efficient overall around the goal

3. Identifying space/match ups (ie where to get the ball offensively)

 

We agreed completely with these objectives. While it will be tough to make huge improvements in any of these areas in one week, just the slightest progress can make a big difference entering the postseason.

 

I am looking forward to ending the season strong and to making some noise in the postseason!