While many sports this fall are relying on their returning varsity players, boys soccer looks toward incoming varsity members for success.

“The main difference this year is going to be playing styles. Last year our number one objective was getting a shutout every game. Our playing style revolves around that objective, so sometimes we played scrappy and very defensive,” said senior center midfielder Dylan Ter-Molen. “This year with a younger team that knows how to play more technically we will have a smarter playing style.”

Ter-Molen and Josh Klier will lead the wildkits this year, as the two only returning starters to the squad. Returning junior, Miguel Jimenez is expected to make a big impact this year after receiving a considerable amount of playing time last season. Newcomer Colin Thompson, brother of former ETHS soccer star Kyle Thompson, is expected to also make a big impact for the wildkits this season.

The team will be tested right away with a game tonight against new competitors, Palatine, and on Thursday against the fierce and always aggressive Waukegan. The past couple years Waukegan has given the Kits a run for their money, handing them one of only two losses from last years season.

“Waukegan has been a thorn in our side for the last three years, and we have not been able to beat them yet,” said coach Franz Calixte. “This year will be different.”

        This year will be unlike past years, with the wildkits having many positions to fill, as only two of last years starters return to the team. The biggest position that needs to be filled is goalie, a position the wildkits haven’t had to worry about in the past 3 years. Adam Masters, who now plays Division I soccer at Cornell has manned the net for the past 3 years, so it will be a little bit of a change seeing a new face in front of the net. The pressure will fall on junior, Gavin Rosengarten as he replaces Masters this coming season.

        “Masters will be missed, he had a huge presence in the back, saving us in games and shutouts, while also being a great leader on and off the field,” said senior defensive midfielder Josh Klier. “Both our goalies this year will have great reaction time and really good instincts. But coming after Masters is a huge challenge for any keeper.”

        To pass their first test tonight the wildkits will need to keep a fast tempo and utilize their speed and aggression to overcome Palatine. If the wildkits can keep up a fast tempo and move the ball around well enough, as well as have a solid performance tending the goal, they should come out of tonight’s match, and future challenges with a win.