Williamsburg’s own Lafayette High School produces top tier athletes. Among the school’s successful sports teams, one of the strongest is the soccer team. Throughout the years, the school has continued its winning tradition in spite of the loss of many key players.

Led by Coach Brian Sorrell, Lafayette’s soccer team has been very successful in the past two years. In the 2015-2016 season they had a record of 12-2-5, although the outcome of the following season yielded worse: in 2016-17. Lafayette’s soccer team has consistently shown impressive triumphs by going to the Virginia State Tournaments two years in a row.

Brian Sorrell has been Lafayette’s Soccer coach for 15 years, and I spoke with him about the 2016-17 season. I asked him if losing 12 seniors, 6 of them being starters, will have any effect on the team this year? He responded, “Yes, but every year is different.”  He went on to say that, in spite of losing Reeves Trott, who was the top goal scorer for the past 4 years, with 63 goals and 36 assists, his confidence in the team this year is unflagging.  “Absolutely, every team is different, Lafayette is atoned to winning, you don’t go to the state tournament 3 out of the last 4 years and expect to lose.” With regard to whether or not he expects the team to make it to States again, he said, “Yes, always set your expectations high, it will take a lot of hard work, sacrifice and a little luck.” The only challenges he sees for the team are scoring, because of the loss to Reeves and Jason, and finding a goalkeeper.

Gavin Arsenault has been on varsity since his sophomore year, and has been to two out of the three state tournaments attended by Lafayette. When asked about his goals for the season, he responded, “I want us to make it to Regionals, I want us to be more of a team, and have better team chemistry.” He further more shared his favorite memories from last season.” “Beating Smithfield in the Conference final. In that game we came back from being 3-0 down. My second favorite is The Great Bridge game because the fans were amazing.”

Junior Ishmael Roy transferred from WCA last year and was a starter as a sophomore. His goal for the season includes playing a leadership role. “Personally, it is to be a leader on the team, help our team as much as I can and I want us to play as a unit.” His favorite memories from last season? “Eating Paul’s before every home game, the food was great. Winning against Midlothian and York were also games I will never forget, because in both of those game everyone played their hearts out and we got the wins.”

Even with the challenges ahead and a difficult schedule, the Rams are hoping for a successful season. One of the biggest games of the season will be against local rivals, Jamestown. No matter what the result, we will support them knowing they are putting their best foot forward.