The Elgin Owls’ boys soccer team is coming off a solid season that saw them end with a 6-9 record and fall just short of making the postseason. With a new season, head coach David Dittmeyer is looking forward to the success he thinks his team will have this season.
“We were fighting for a playoff spot at the end of last season,” Dittmeyer said. “It was one of our last games that we needed to win to get in, and we lost.”
During the offseason, Dittmeyer had a plan for the upcoming season. But a few unexpected injuries forced him to make some changes. But with all of that, he still has some high hopes for the season.
“We have eight guys out due to injury,” he said. “Two of them are seniors with ACL injuries. We are pretty beat up. But I expect us to have a winning season this year and I look for us to compete for a playoff spot.”
Making the playoffs would be a big step for the Elgin boys’ soccer program. According to Dittmeyer, the team has only made the postseason once in its history.
Leading the team this season will be the two captains, senior Branden Balvanz and junior Tristan Nunez.
“Branded is the leader of our team,” Dittmeyer said. “He kind of makes our team go. Nunez is a solid player and a leader from the strong group of juniors that we have. These are both outstanding guys.”
Photo Credit: IFHKevin Beckman
