The 2023 Sycamore Knights soccer team had 13 eighth-graders this season (Photo: Submitted)
On May 3, 2023, the Sycamore Middle Knights' soccer team closed out their 2023 season undefeated. In addition to their impressive 11-win and one-tie record, the team also managed five shutouts, allowed no goals in both the semifinal and championship games, and scored a total of 41 goals while only giving up eight.
"Last season, we also went undefeated in the regular season and lost a heartbreaker in the semi finals," says Knights head coach Tyler Turpin. "I tried to preach the importance of finishing this year strong so it did not happen again, and I am just so proud of these kids and what they were able to accomplish this season."
Ovel Arnold, Ali Rezai, and Dominik Bermudez-Gutierrez were named all-conference players. Bermudez-Gutierrez was also voted regular season conference MVP, and Rezai was recognized as tournament MVP.
"We had 13 eighth-graders this season, so the experience was helpful for the leadership and poise of the team all season," adds Turpin. "They all showed up ready to practice and played every day to not only get better, but to help and mentor the sixth and seventh graders."
Thoughts from Coach Turpin on the Season:
The season started off rough as we lost our only preseason game 7-2. Assistant Coach Stephens and I quickly reassessed and moved players around to different positions and found more and more success. The team pulled together as we started to win games and believe in the system-- and each other.
I was proud of the response the team showed in the Cheatham game when were down 2-0 at halftime. I saw no quit in the team and they came out for the second half eager to fight back and respond after a poor first-half performance. After giving up two goals in that half, they responded by not giving up another goal for the rest of the season. The team was always willing to adjust and play their role.
2023 Knights Team:
8th Grade
Ovel Arnold
Colton Long
Daylin Rodriguez
Aiden Molepske
Riley Barnes
Kayden Hausman
Franklin Randa
Daniel Roach
Dominik Gutierrez
Daegan Cardenas
Ali Rezai
Luis Rodriguez
Colton Hager
Diego Leon
7th Grade
Travis Lamotte
Caeden Gray
James Rowe
Zaiden Parker
Francisco Rodriguez
Jack Sprinkle
6th Grade
Eduardo Perdomo
Pheonix Cannon
Chris Yealock
Jackson Reist
Managers
Ibis Gutierrez
Abby Childress
Alondra Reynaga
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