The De Soto High School boys’ soccer team has been competing in the postseason, with the goal of advancing to state.

The team won 10-0 in the league championship and went on to win Regionals against Piper. The team then played in the quarterfinals on Nov. 3, winning 2-0 against Kansas City Christian. They will compete in the State semifinals on Nov. 6. against Wichita-Trinity Academy.

The team has been focusing on teamwork and unity between players in their preparation for the upcoming postseason games.

“We have a very tight-knight group of guys who would do anything for the player next to them, on and off the field,” head coach Jesse Smith said. “I don’t think we’re the most talented team, but we play with a lot of pride and we play within our abilities.” The team has been playing differently than last year, when they lost in the State semifinals.

“Last year we were a more individually based team, but we work better as a team, not as individuals,” junior Ian Clouston said.

However, Smith believes this years’ team and last years’ should not be compared.

“I won’t say we’ve improved from last year because that would take away from the success of last years’ team. We play a much different style than last years’ team and as of now it seems to be working for us,” Smith said.

The team has been practicing since the beginning of summer to prepare for the season. “We’ve been training since June 1.

We’re ready to go out and win State,” junior David Apple said.

Clouston also believes the teams’ effort has put them in a position to win. “[We practiced] all summer. We have a lot to live up to, since we almost won State [last year],” Clouston said.

Smith believes the team should stay focused on the upcoming game.

“We’ve done well up to this point, but we have to take it one game at a time,” Smith said.