By Kaila Cove
The Whatcom men’s and women’s soccer teams are doing well this year— both teams have earned themselves a top position in the playoffs in the NWAC division.
These Whatcom teams encourage students to come out and support them as they head into the playoffs.
Women’s Soccer:
Kiley Clark, the captain of the women’s soccer team, says the team has been “playing very well and has been winning.” The team has won nine games, tied seven, and lost one.
The women’s team has changed their lineup, which has helped them win.
“We changed up our lineup which caused our defense to be stronger than it was before,” Clark said.
“I do think we will make it into the playoffs,” Clark said. “Right now we are in second place, so we will be moving on to the playoffs.”
Future women’s soccer games will be added to the NWAC conference website.
Men’s soccer:
Bakary Davis, a forward on the Whatcom men’s soccer team, said, “These last couple of games we have been doing good.”
The men’s soccer team is placed first in their division.
“We have gotten much better throughout the season because the more games we play and the more we practice together and hang out outside the field our chemistry grows even more,” Dibba said.
The men’s soccer team has been waking up early every morning and showing up for 5 a.m. practices, along with another practice that occurs later in the day.
Dibba says the team is doing “everything in our power to win every single game we can.”
“We are definitely going to the playoffs because we have been putting in the work,” Dibba said.
He thinks the team has the opportunity to win their divisions conference, if they keep up the good work and stay consistent.
They have won 12 games, tied three, and lost four.
Dibba encourages people to come out and support men’s soccer because “it really means a lot to see people supporting us.”
Jason Jorgensen, who is Whatcom men’s soccer head coach, says his team has had a very successful season. “We only have one loss in league play and have clinched a playoff spot already for hosting.”
“The boys have scored 11 goals in the last 3 games. They lead the league in conference play with shots 205, shots on goal 126, corner kicks 69, and third in goals scored,” Jorgensen said. The team feels the pressure of having to uphold their competitive reputation from last year.
They have been preparing for these playoff games by “training, eating nutritional food, light weight lifting, plenty of water, and intense trainings,” Jorgensen said. These steps of preparation are used as a daily routine for these athletes to try to perform their best when it comes to game time.
“Confidence and belief in their abilities to be the best in the NWAC is key,” Jorgensen said.
Jorgensen said, “They are the most talented team to date.”
“Seeing their improvement, their drive and become a more complete student athlete is what makes coaching fun and exciting at WCC,” Jorgensen said.
Kealaula Keliikoa, a sophomore the men’s soccer team, said, “I think one thing we’ve done really well is recognize our strengths as a team and build from there while also trying to strengthen our weaknesses, week in and week out.”
Keliikoa has high hopes that his team can win the division.
“I think it would be a good idea for people to come out and support WCC Men’s Soccer because we have pride in our play and we play for the community, so the support only inspires us to play harder and better every time,” Keliikoa said.
Whatcom men’s soccer next games will be on updated on the NWAC conference website.
