The Tigers started off their season by competing in the McKinleyville Invitational Soccer tournament (MIST). Striving to live up to last year’s successes, they are working hard to build not just a team, but a family within the game.
“I feel like we’re definitely coming together, especially as friends,” senior Jonah Morgan said. “It’s going along great.” For him, the early games are already forming the group into something bigger than just a roster; they’re becoming a unit.
After losing their first game to Fortuna 0-1, the Tigers bounced back strong, defeating Fort Bragg 3–0 and Upper Lake 8–1. Several players expressed their excitement after the game about facing Fortuna again, eager to settle the score.
“I’m excited to beat Fortuna,” senior Lars Gerdes said. A clear goal that most of the team expressed.
“I’m looking forward to playing Fortuna,” senior Kai Macdonald said. “I like the excitement.”
Despite the loss, the Tigers showed resilience and unity, supporting one another to the final second of the game. Their teamwork stayed strong throughout each game.
In the second game against Fort Bragg, the Tigers’ first half was successful, with Gerdes and junior Victor Vega both having a goal. In the second half, junior Elijah Brooks had the one and only goal. The team celebrated the win by cheering all together, which gave them all leverage to win the next.
Their third game against Upper Lake was a win, the final score eight to one. Overcoming their second win started the momentum. This was an important game for many of the players.
“It was good to let some of the guys that don’t usually play get playing time,” Morgan said. He was happy to see them get the chance to show the coach their skills.
The back line consists of Macdonald, Morgan, freshman Micah Okin, and junior Andy Aguilar-Minor. Together, they form a solid defensive wall. Communicating with each player, the captains lead the team, contributing in their own ways.
Gerdes leads with a goal in almost every game.
Cruz Aguilar-Minor creates space using his footwork.
Morgan is working to rotate the ball and keep it away from the goal. Their strong leadership creates a powerful team and a positive atmosphere.
The tigers have traditions before each game, warming up with the captains leading stretches, and they also get in a circle and cheer together.
“Jonah Morgan screams really loud, that’s pretty fun,” senior Julian Gillespie said. Morgan cheers on the team, getting them ready for each big game ahead.
While the tournament didn’t start as they hoped, the team’s response showed their strength. Instead of being discouraged, they bonded over the loss and came back with stronger energy.
“I think going through hard things with your team helps bring them together,” Macdonald said.
The Tigers will play Fortuna again on December 4th at their home field, which will be their seventh game in the league. This game is very big for the team.
Many people want the Tigers to win after seeing the loss to Furtuna. Having a home field advantage this next time, the field they practice on every day definitely has an impact, as more people watch at their home field.
The friendships and team they have formed have already begun during this time. Their future is bright, building on the foundation being made right now.
They bond through the hard games, and the games lost, and they cheer loudly all together before each game. They envision the game in front of them, getting hyped to play hard.
The Tigers are strong with their everyday traditions, having a practice routine, and their yearly traditions that get passed down from each team to the next. Following in the footsteps of the year above, they have already created their family in the game.
