SJU soccer heads into the MIAC playoffs

Johnnie soccer has just one more game until they start their playoff season. After a loss to Macalester over Family Weekend, and a 3-0 win over St. Scholastica on Oct. 26, the Johnnies are focusing on their last regular season match against Carleton. They have seen some success so far this season, with a record of 7-5-3. The season started strong with their competitions in California and Wisconsin early in the season.

“The team started the season off very hot and showed impressive form, but recently has hit a skid and is looking to find that momentum we had at the beginning of the fall,” SJU sophomore goalie Evan Siefken said.

After some tough losses late in the regular season, the Johnnies have their sights set on the playoffs.

“We have lost a couple of close games recently, which is hard in the moment, but we still have a lot to play for as we wrap up conference play and look to make noise in the playoff picture,” SJU senior defender Aidan Becken said.

Johnnie soccer is looking to clinch a conference playoff spot and will hopefully play on Nov. 1 when the tournament starts. The Johnnies have had some standout performances this season from players including Siefken and Cavin Allen, a fifth-year senior defender.

“Cavin decided to return for a fifth year, and the team could not be happier. This season he has played phenomenally, almost perfectly, especially on the defensive side of things. He has also stepped up and has been more of a vocal leader which has been very helpful, as he’s a guy with a lot of experience,” Siefken said.

The team has also had some standout first-years willing to step up. These players include Alex Bowman, Carter Hermanson and Noah Hermanson, among others.

“We have a number of new first-year attackers who have allowed us to find more goals this season than in the past,” Becken said.

Both Becken and Siefken agreed that the camaraderie on the team is unmatched. Siefken said that the camraderie makes coming to soccer every day more enjoyable. As the team continues into playoff season, there are still goals they hope to accomplish.

“We have really high expectations with this group. While the regular season title is not within reach, the playoff championship and national tournament still are, and we will continue to strive towards these big goals as a team,” Becken said.

Siefken wants to do whatever it takes to win and to keep the season going for as long as possible.

“This year, the team has many senior players, and I would just like to extend the season as long as possible so I continue to have the chance to play with this great group of guys,” Siefken said.

Becken thinks it’s important to take practice and games day by day. He mentioned that compounding small successes and controlling what can be controlled will be vital in getting the team to where they want to be. Johnnie soccer will play their final regular season game this Saturday, Oct. 29, against Carleton in Northfield before starting the conference championship play on Nov. 1.