BOYS’ SOCCER SPORT SHORTS, 2011-12–
(For the previous game, check out the Boys’ soccer sport shorts: Tranquillity pulls past FC, 4-1. Scrimmages do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for boys’ soccer features. For a simple overview of scores and upcoming games, check the Winter sport box scores, 2011-12 for dates, opponents and times for all Eagle sports.)

Be sure to visit the 2011-12 boys’ soccer schedule, home page, or check out Maxpreps.com. FC finished 0-8 in the West Sequoia League and 2-21 overall as of Feb. 10.

BOYS’ SOCCER, 2011-12

SEASON END

BLUE RAIDERS PROVE WIN–Feb. 10
For the final game of FC’s season they faced off against the Caruthers Blue Raiders at home on Senior Night, Feb. 10. Caruthers showed their prowess however, defeating the Eagles 3-1.

Prior to the game, the Eagles were 0-2 against Caruthers as they previously lost 8-0, Dec. 8 and 6-0, Jan. 24. Junior Juan Ruelas says he knew this, but was not too focused on the game and rather that it was Senior Night.

“I wasn’t really expecting to win or lose I was just kind of waiting to play our last game with all the seniors,” Ruelas said. “Then when we did play, we were decent. Caruthers is a good team, we lost 3-1 which is better than the first time we played them, 8-0. I was happy with what we did I guess.”

The Eagles fielded seven seniors, who had played varsity for up to four years. Josh Hopper, ’12, says the fact that it was his final game becomes more heartfelt each day.

“Everyday it becomes more real that it was my last time,” Hopper said. “It was definitely a good run. I just loved being on the team, it taught me a lot of things. Just playing on that field for four years, leaving it all on the field.”

Senior Zed Fires feels that despite finishing 2-21 overall, they made huge improvements as a team.

“I thought that at the beginning of the season we started off kind of bad, but we have improved a lot,” Fries said. “Like Mitch [Weibert, ’12] is now a good goalie and the freshman got way better. They’re growing up and not cowering on the sidelines, but actually playing.”

One of the highlights from the game, besides senior Austin Rurik’s goal in the second half, was when Weibert moved to forward and Hopper, who played goalie last season, to keeper. Weibert then almost scored as his shot bounced off the post and Hopper made several key saves.

“I played goalie all of last year and I surprisingly excelled at it, making second team all league,” Hopper said. “I definitely missed it, just the excitement and constant pressure and being truly the last line of defense. It was good to play it again, it brought back memories and felt good to make some stops. It was just a good end to cap off senior night.”

Fries agrees with Hopper and also says he has played with several of the players on the team for quite some time.

“It was a weird feeling because I knew it was the last one, it was a nostalgic feeling,” Fries said. “It was going to be the last time I played soccer with these guys I’ve known for years.”

Head coach Matt Markarian reflects on the season and says although they had a losing record this group of seniors were unique.

“If a season is measured in wins and losses then some would say that we had a bumpy season,” Markarian said. “However, we know that the true battle is not fought on the field, and that is why this team is one of the most successful I have ever been apart of. THis group of seniors is one of the most gifted and spiritually gifted I have ever been associated with.”