Seven Lakes Enters New Phase In Soccer Postseason

By Terry Carter

Seven Lakes boys’ soccer entered the 2022 season with talent and goals. On Thursday the Spartans tested their mettle in the bi-district playoffs, and Seven Lakes emerged victorious and stronger thanks in part to their foe, the Clements Rangers.

The 1-0 victory at Legacy Stadium was not what some expected from the Spartans’ high-octane offense. However the level of competition and pressure pushed Seven Lakes to new ground regardless of scoring. Clements, a fourth-place finisher in District 20-6A, came to play. Fortunately for Spartan Nation fans, so did each of the 26 players on the Seven Lakes varsity playoff roster.

And it took senior defender Ty Koc to rattle home the game winner in the 53rd minute after a scoreless first half. Koc’s shot slid through the fingers of the diving Clements goalkeeper before rolling into the net with authority.

“When the offense is struggling to score a goal, that is when (defense) pays off. Because we have been blessed by scoring multiple goals this season in our matches throughout the season, it’s a big moment when the goals aren’t coming, but the defense steps up at the right time,” Seven Lakes soccer coach Jimmy Krueger said after the match.

At times this winter, Seven Lakes relied on individual talent to post a 16-1-3 record, an impressive showing that included a 10-0 shellacking of Clements to open the soccer season. Many talented 6A teams have wished to play deep into the playoffs. But they have already lost their way because D-I talent alone does not propel teams reach in the postseason. Most playoffs teams can shut down individual standouts.

Championships are won with unity and teamwork. A winning team must play — and be — as one on the pitch. Ego, miscommunication, assumption and laziness are the four fatal flaws in team sports — any of the four can stop a team’s progress cold. And in the postseason, opponents will find a way to exploit any weakness and limit strengths.

“Sometimes players want to have a wow moment, and they want to have an indie moment. Moving forward, it’s not the method for success long term,” Coach Krueger added. “It’s a team effort. When you have a bunch of individual talent, it really doesn’t pay its dividends until that talent becomes a team.”

The Rangers (9-8-4) challenged the Spartans by packing the back line to limit traditional routes to the Clements goal. Seven Lakes was stymied, but still managed early scoring opportunities highlighted by freshman midfielder Kortay Koc and sophomore midfielder/forward Daniel Ejerenwa. Yet the Spartans stayed focused and persisted to get another look.

“Hats off to Clements tonight. They came out and they absolutely battled for the whole 80 minutes. Our guys stayed composed…” Krueger explained. “Sometimes you hit the panic button when you have been scoring goals all season long. In these types of situations if you don’t lose your cool and keep doing what got you here, the goal is going to happen.

“Our big talk at halftime was just relax, keep moving the ball around, keep them chasing the game. When you get a chance, make it right,” the Seven Lakes coach added.

Ty Koc’s post-game comments mirror his coach as he showed great respect for Clements, and he commented on the decisive goal.

“I’m really proud of the boys for how we persevered in the game and hopefully this is just the first game of many,” he explained. “I’ve played for this team for four year. And to have that feeling that you scored that goal, to keep your senior season alive, means everything to me.”

Seven Lakes proved to be a strong team on Friday, not just a team with strong talent. With a trio of proven coaches, this Seven Lakes squad will be required to proven itself as each postseason round intensifies.

On Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., the Spartans will play Cy Ridge at Legacy Stadium in area playoff action. Other 6A boys’ matches include:

• Cinco Ranch advanced against Fort Bend Austin in a 5-4 shootout after a 1-1 tie in regulation during their bi-district playoff opener. The Cougars are playing Cy Creek at Pridgeon Stadium (CFISD) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
• Taylor, which defeated FB Bush, 2-1, in bi-district action, will meet Jersey Village at Pridgeon Stadium (CFISD) on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
• Tompkins lost to Ridge Point, 1-0, in a bi-district match

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After dribbling past several defenders, Seven Lakes freshman midfielder Kortay Koc (6) encountered a quality goalkeeper. Koc responded with several shots on goal on this run that Clements kept out of the net. Photo by UDPhotos

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Spartan sophomore Daniel Ejerenwa (11) watches a deflected shot sail in front of the Clements goal and wide past the far past on Thursday after Ejerenwa collided with the Rangers’ goalkeeper. Photo by UDPhotos

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Seven Lakes senior Ty Koc (3) gets swarmed by Spartan teammates after scoring the only goal of the bi-district match against Clements. Photo by UDPhotos