So far, the Carlisle boy’s soccer team is having a successful season.  While the record may be around 500, the team is really focusing on developing chemistry this year.  They are really connecting and are like a family, compared to previous years.

This year, the team tried something new and attended the T3 camp at Franklin and Marshall College.  They all got to room together and experience the college life.  This helped grow relationships and make bonds stronger for everyone.  

One of the captains, senior defender Ely Brode said, “It went really well and it helped us grow as players and as a team.”  

The team has been using this new bond to grow as a team, including a focus on leadership.

“As a captain, you must be a leader on and off the field and maintain and strengthen the team chemistry,” Brode said.

The boys take this role very seriously and will do everything they can to help the team be successful.  As captains, they help their teammates with anything whether it’s on the soccer field, in the classroom, or going through their lifelong experiences.

 “My role is to set an example for the team and to have the younger players on the team look up to us…we set the example for what Carlisle Soccer is,” said senior midfielder Dane Varner.

This leadership will be needed as the boys go through their challenging schedule. The Commonwealth is one of the toughest divisions in Pennsylvania. 

“In our division and with our schedule every game is a battle…there are really no free games for us to win…every game is tough and is a battle that we will try to win,” said Varner.

When asked about the most challenging game, Brode said easily, “Chambersburg.”  Chambersburg is showing a very strong case so far this season.  They have some great players and one of the best defenses in the Commonwealth division.  

This year, there are a lot of factors that come into the team’s key to success.  

“I think we really succeed whenever everyone is relaxed and playing how we all know how to play…when we start to panic is when things really start to get bad,” Varner said.  

Yet the guys know that soccer is key to personal success as well. 

“Well, me personally I have never been the most social person in the world and high school soccer has opened me up to meeting new people and become a more social person as a whole,” said Brode.

Varner said, “Soccer has brought me many of my close friends…without soccer I don’t think I would have as many friends as I do.”  He then concluded with, “Soccer has always been my life and I will take it wherever I go.”

According to the District 3 power rankings, the team is 7-8-2.  The next game is Thursday, October 12 at Cumberland Valley.