Wakefield Varsity Men’s Soccer is the team to beat in the Cap 8. After playing tough non-conference matchups to begin the season, the team has rallied to go undefeated thus far in conference play. Head Coach Chris Komon’s squad started conference play off right with a key home win against rival Sanderson and then ruining Enloe’s undefeated season two days later.

Senior, Josh Armstrong, credits the preseason for helping the team determine its strengths and weaknesses to prepare for Cap 8 play.

“Our preseason showed us what we were doing wrong,” said Armstrong. “We played Cary and lost to them 4-1 in a very sloppy game, on our part. Coach then made some changes and it has paid off, as we are the number one team in the conference.”

Armstrong also doesn’t want to squander the opportunity to build off of their momentum after winning their first two conference games.

“Beating Sanderson at home was a great way to start off conference play and we had great support from the Wackos,” said Armstrong. “Then, playing Enloe and going in there when they were 6-0 and taking their winning streak away was a big win for the boys. We’re excited to continue our winning streak within the conference.”

Although there are many returning players, the team has undergone a culture change for the better.

“Last year there was a lot of great talent, but this year the team is really working together and developing good team chemistry, and we are winning games,” said Armstrong.

When asked which players we should look out for, Armstrong didn’t hesitate to mention team captain and senior, Edwin Umanzor.

Umanzor is extremely pleased with the team’s work ethic this season.

“I feel like this year we want it more as a team and are working harder than last year,” said Umanzor.

Umanzor’s ultimate goal is clear: win the Cap 8, and then win the State Championship.

“We want to win the Cap 8 bad,” said Umanzor. “We are going game by game, and we want to win State’s too, but first we’ve got to concentrate on Cap 8.”

As a captain, Umanzor has the responsibility to rally his teammates and encourage them to play to their potential, while also having to lead by example.

“I try to keep the guys on track and take things seriously to set an example,” said Umanzor. “I’m vocal in the locker room and cheer them on during games. If they make a mistake, I just tell them to keep their heads up and encourage them to go back out there and make up for it.”

Coach Komon’s instruction, Umanzor’s leadership, and the team’s chemistry has led to an exciting product on field, leading to a large contingency of Wackos, such as Sam Groce, to attend the games.

Groce acknowledges that the soccer games are much different than a football game as a Wakefield Wacko, and that the Wackos play a bigger role than just bringing the noise.

“I think at a soccer game it’s more about what the other team can hear and what everyone is saying,” said Groce. “A football game is more about the hype, but a soccer game is more about the psychological part of it and getting in the other team’s head.”

When asked about whether the Wackos give the soccer team a distinct home field advantage, Groce didn’t miss a beat.

“Definitely,” said Groce. “Being an athlete for the school, when you have fans supporting you it gives you the energy play harder.”