The 2016 season for Fluco soccer has been an exciting one so far for both the girls and boys programs. For example, the JV girls’ soccer team kicked off their season with three wins in a row and scored a total of 11 goals against Spotswood in their first two games of the season. Six of the 11 goals were scored by Freshman Madison Nazar. Only two games into the season, she was pulled up to the varsity team. “I was truly shocked at first, but then I realized how great of an opportunity this would be to prove myself to the varsity coaches,” said Nazar.

The JV girls lost their undefeated streak after a loss to Western Albemarle High School. Their next two games were ties against Powhatan and Orange County, bringing them to a record of four wins, four losses, and three ties as of May 9 (one of their games were cancelled and will not be made up).

“Our season could be going better, but because the majority of our team is 8th graders,. A lot of us barely knew each other when the season started, so we’ve just started bonding and learning how to play with one another. We’ve already improved so much this season, I look forward to the years to come,” said freshman McKenzie Herring.

Head Coach Mark Engel agreed. “We’ve had better seasons, but this team continues to show improvement with each game. We are adjusting our formation and positioning to try to build team chemistry,” said Engel.

As for girls’ varsity, half-way into the season they have already had numerous injuries. Both of their goalies have had concussions, and their starting striker, Lindsay Price, broke her foot in their second game of the season against Spotswood. “When it first happened, I thought I’d be out for the rest of the season. So when I found out that I would only be out for a few weeks, I just kept telling myself that it could’ve been worse,” said Price.

The team’s first two games were against Spotswood. Both teams went out fighting, ending both games in a 0-0 tie with double overtime. As of May 9, the varsity team had had four wins, five losses, and three ties. “The team is improving with each game. We continue to make adjustments to better ourselves and the way we play,” said Coach Kristen Davis.

The JV boys’ team has had their share of injuries this season too, including two players with broken arms. “Injuries are a part of the game, they happen all the time. Yes, it changes the play, but it gives some other players a chance to step up and get more time on the field,” said JV Coach Jason Davis. The JV boys started their season with a loss against Spotswood, but came back in their second game to get the win, 1-0. They then went on to beat Powhatan, Louisa, and Orange County. Their record as of May 9 was five wins and five losses, with two cancellations. “We are still learning to play as a team, but I see improvement every time we play,” said Davis.

Last, but not least, the varsity boys have had a mixed season, losing their first two games to Spotswood. Coached by Earl Gibson, they had close games with Western Albemarle and Powhatan, only losing by one goal to each team. The one against Western was a particular nail-biter, with FCHS junior Chase Evans scoring in the last 30 seconds, leading to two very intense overtimes before a 1-1 draw. “We are starting to play a lot better, which is great since we are now coming close to the post-season,” said Evans. Overall, their record is six wins, six losses, and one tie.