The 2015 De Soto High School State runner-up boys’ soccer team won the first game of its 2016 season in a 3-1 decision against Spring Hill on Aug. 30. Despite struggling early, the team showed tenacity with a comeback led by one goal from sophomore Daniel Apple and two from junior Ethan Rodriguez.

In the early stages of the game, Spring Hill seemed to dominate play, with multiple chances that ultimately led to a goal by Lucas Moore. As the game went on however, De Soto started to sync with one another, and the game began to favor the Wildcats. Just five minutes into the second half, Apple scored on a ricocheted ball that trickled past the keeper.

After that, De Soto took control of the game with two goals from Rodriguez, one on an assist by sophomore Rohan Singh. Late in the game Rodriguez went down with an injury, but he wasn’t worried moving forward.

“It was just a muscle cramp,” Rodriguez said. “Last year the same thing happened, but it’s just [that I need more] potassium.”

Spring Hill competed at State last year as well and placed fourth.

The team looks to be the perfect mix of youth and experience this year, and with a victory over Spring Hill, the Wildcats are already showing that they are ready for state-level competition.

“We’re a completely different team than we were last year,” head coach Jesse Smith said of the team after the game. “It feels good. It’s Spring Hill, but we’re a different team.”

Boys’ Soccer plays their next game at home on Sept. 1 against Piper.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Sydney Hoover

The boys' soccer starters line up on the field before the game on Aug. 30.