2008 SSFS MEN'S VARSITY SOCCER

Prospectus

A year removed from its noble, albeit ill-fated, attempt to achieve the previously unimaginable – claim a fourth consecutive PVAC Tournament Championship – what was recently a bull's eye stamped on this program is now undoubtedly a question mark to some and an exploitable wound to others. Undaunted, the members of this fall’s campaign share a similar resolve and unwavering aspirations: to establish their own deserved legacy within the program’s rich history and to restore its place atop the conference’s throne.

Always searching for challenges that complement its perennial conference quest, SSFS will meet first-class opponents from top private school conferences: Sidwell Friends, Georgetown Day, St. Andrew's Episcopal, Maret and St. James (MAC), St. Vincent Pallotti (MIAA), Seton (CAAC), plus independents the likes of The Heights School, and public-school giant Northwood (Montgomery County Class 3a). With such an ambitious 2008 schedule, the program clearly remains driven by endeavor and inspired by promise.

Like the myth of the Phoenix, each successive season seems to be born from the ashes of its recent past, yet the graduation of last year’s nine Gentlemen-Warriors has, in many ways, closed another chapter in the archives of this revered program. On the heels of last season's 9-4-3 PVAC Semifinalist campaign, the challenge of reassembling now lies primarily at the feet of the ten battle-ready varsity players who return to the ’Beest roster this season, seven of whom saw action in at least fifteen games last year. In addition, this season welcomes six maturing prospects to the varsity ranks from within the SSFS soccer program fraternity (middle school and junior varsity): two promising freshmen, a pair of budding sophomores, one blossoming junior and a time-tested senior. The other fresh faces are two highly regarded freshmen transfers. All of the new additions are certain to step in and satisfy the team's role-playing and depth needs. This interdependent group is determined to display the traditions of excellence and pride that have become trademarks both within and outside our school community.

The squad enters the fall devoted, having acquired a wealth of experience from intensive off-season individual training regimens. Aside from a plethora of in and out-of-state summer soccer camps, club tryouts, teams and tournaments, unique experiences included SoccerPlus’s Advanced National Training Center for Goalkeepers in Brunswick, Maine, as well as this summer’s United States Futsal National Championships held in Baltimore, Maryland. In search of broadening their cultural horizons while improving their soccer acumen, several players spanned the globe, from Brazil to Italy, from Costa Rica to Bolivia’s famous Tahuichi Academy. Collectively, the ’Beests were privileged to partake in an invaluable preseason team isolation camp in Deep Creek, Maryland.

This year's SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer Team stands atop the platform built by its predecessors, boasting collective mettle, team-first moral fiber and a proud battle cry. A shrewd understanding of the game's intricacies and an unquenchable competitive thirst make this squad inventive in the attack and tireless on defense. Led by the triumvirate Ring-of-Honor candidates of Captain Chris Jones (’09) and Assistant Captains Sam Schneider (’09) and Luke Savonis (’10), the 2008 SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer Team is resolute in its desire to leave its own enduring imprint this season.

‘Beest Boosters can expect an electrifying campaign comprised of early exponential growth, followed by some exciting "upsets" and culminating in the arduous climb to the PVAC Championship.

Sam Schneider ('09) Assistant Captain	Chris Jones ('09) Captain	Luke Savonis ('10) Assistant Captain

* SSFS MEN'S VARSITY SOCCER PVAC CHAMPIONSHIPS:
1999 League Banner & Tournament Plaque
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2004 Tournament Plaque
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