After concluding tryouts Friday, November 15th, Drake varsity soccer is kicks off the season with strong seniors and new players ready to take the team to new heights. 

The boys’ team came in first in the league last winter, coming up short in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) semifinal against Terra Linda. Girls’ soccer, on the other hand, finished in fourth behind Tamalpais with a 9-5-5 record. 

This season looks promising; the girls’ team has new coaching staff: Jefferey Mahaney, who moved to varsity after being the longtime junior varsity coach, and Jan Schiefloe, the new assistant coach.

“They [Mahaney and Schiefloe] have already shown strong knowledge of the game and capability of leading us through a good season,” Marina Alicke said.

After losing some stand-out seniors last year, the girls, led by captains Leila Ghanbari and Alicke, look to continue their success from last year with this younger team.

“Even though some very good seniors graduated last year, we still have strength throughout all grades. I hope this year we will have a chance to learn new styles of play and show out during MCALS and NCS. I believe with our young, skilled team we will have a strong season!” Alicke said.

The first home games are a Dec. 3 game for the boys and Dec. 4 for the girls, both of which are against Terra Linda.