By Isabelle Kelly
The 2020 season has been a year like no other for the Saratoga Boys Varsity soccer team. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new set of obstacles for the Blue Streaks, like many other sports teams across the Suburban Council.
“The biggest challenge has been keeping my eyes open and trying my best to make sure the players are keeping their distance,” said head coach Jeffrey Geller. “This team has great chemistry and they enjoy being around each other.”
Some of the new requirements for the team involve a daily screening for each athlete and wearing masks at all times, even during matches. Additionally, Section II ruled out the typical postseason playoff format. “Instead, the top eight teams will play their own little end of the season tournament,” said Geller.
Perhaps one of the toughest challenges for the team was not related to the coronavirus protocols. “We have a lot of Seniors who are helping carry the team this season,” Geller said. “We have seventeen Seniors on this year’s squad of twenty-six players.” Next season, the majority of the Varsity roster will be brand new, with only nine returning players.
However, Geller is ready for the challenge after nineteen years of coaching at Saratoga Springs High School. “It is extremely rewarding each season to see a new group of players come out for the team, work hard for three months, and do their best to represent SSHS and the community on the soccer field.”
For more information on the SSHS Boys Varsity Soccer team, you can go to their page on www.capitalregionsoccer.com or follow the team on Twitter, @upthestreaks.