Coach Booth described the process of this season’s soccer team during early week as a “very difficult decision” aimed at winning games. This year, while welcoming a lot of new players to the varsity team, Coach Booth decided to move some younger players down to JV, giving them a larger involvement in their own games. However, the dynamic environment of Kent’s varsity soccer will always allow for changes later in the season. Past varsity players who were moved to JV may return to the varsity team towards the end of this season.

Coach Booth recognizes a need to improve bonding among the players this year. They’ll be earning their own progress on the playing field while looking out and making sacrifices for each other. Coach Booth is also aiming to let the older kids “taking the reins,” leading their younger teammates. Overall, the team is striving to improve “maturity […], cohesion, and decision making.” Coach Booth commented that the individual players, though still in need of commitment, are capable of growing maturity in their mentality and showing character.

The team has played three consecutive home games in recent weeks against Bridgton Academy, Salisbury School, and Canterbury School. Coach Booth spoke of Salisbury School’s team as a “spirited foe with a lot of great athletes.” During the game, Kent conceded a goal to Salisbury, attempting to bring them back into the game but sacrificed their own footing and made the the match harder for themselves. Overall, Kent had “two goal leads, three times in the match,” winning the game with 5-4.

Though the boys won the game with great spirit and character, Coach Booth reiterated the possibility of better performance and the need to improve their team spirit.