The holidays are just around the corner, and so is the boys’ soccer season. After eight playoff appearances in the last ten years, both returners and newcomers have a reputation to maintain.

 The team will return to the pitch on December 20th to play in a scrimmage against the Reagan Rattlers. In the 2018-19 season, the Rattlers lost to San Antonio LEE in the regional final. As for Smithson Valley, the Rangers lost a heartbreaking game against Reagan in the second round of district playoffs, losing by a mere point.

Two of last year’s seniors signed to continue their athletic careers in college; Andrew Kelly, a 6-foot-10-inch goalkeeper who plays Division III at Guilford University, and midfielder Carlos Castro, who plays at LeTourneau University, also a Division III program.

Though they lost these great athletes, there are many returners remaining on the roster. This year, the  players will be led by three senior captains; Coleton Amaya, Dane Morris, and Tyler Vanfossen. 

Head coach Eric Nichols predicts that the Rangers are going to be able to handle the difficult schedule ahead of them. 

“We are returning several players from last year’s team that lost in the second round of the state playoffs,” Nichols said. “On paper, the team should be ready to compete with the top teams in our district for a shot at the district title. Of course, we have a long way to go to fulfill that goal.”

The boys’ preseason slate includes teams from across the state in the North Texas Elite Showcase, which takes place over Christmas break. 

“Our tournament and preseason schedule is very tough,” Nichols said. “We will be facing multiple teams from Dallas, El Paso, the Valley and local teams that are currently ranked top 10 in their regions.”

For the upcoming varsity season, 23 boys will wear the navy blue and represent their school’s successful soccer program. Whether it’s across Texas or here at Ranger Stadium, the Rangers will dominate the field.