Cooper soccer opens strong, Kinkaid next

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The John Cooper School girls’ and boys’ soccer teams opened Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) play at home with games against Austin schools, St. Andrews Episcopal and St. Stephens Episcopal.

Conference play continues on Tuesday with a key match against rivals Kinkaid at Pugh Field. The girls’ play at 5 p.m. followed by the boys’ match at 7 p.m.

In addition, both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams host Kinkaid on Tuesday as well. The girls’ game tips off at 5:30 p.m. and then the boys’ game begins at 7 p.m.

Both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams came out strong to open SPC play.

“This was a great opening weekend for us. This is exactly what the team needed to start off the SPC season,” Lady Dragons head girls’ soccer coach Amber Clevenger said.

The girls opened SPC play with no points scored against them in two wins at home. The Dragons shut out St. Andrews, 5-0, on Jan. 10.

“This was a great win for us since we tied St. Andrews last season,” said Clevenger. “The girls really put a lot of heart into this game and they were able to collaborate and score some very nice goals.”

The game against St. Stephens was another shutout, 3-0, the following day.

“This was a game in which everyone was able to step in and contribute. We were able to test drive people in new positions and each player has stepped up and produced,” said Clevenger.

The Tuesday match with Kinkaid is also Senior Night for the girls’ team.

“Tuesday is a very important game for our team, we are playing our biggest rival and we are also celebrating our seven seniors,” said Clevenger.

In an emotional turn, senior Bethany Bolen, who is unable to play this season due to an early season injury, will suit up to start the game, then be subbed out.

The boys’ team opened conference play with a 1-0 win over St Andrews Episcopal, followed by a 2-1 loss to St. Stephens Episcopal.

Senior Hunter Cogdell delivered the points in both games. In the St. Stephens game, Cogdell scored on a penalty kick.

“The boys played hard and had chances to tie the game, but just couldn’t get the ball in the net,” said Dragons head boys’ soccer coach Bryan Sherman of the St. Stephens matchup.

The Dragons had a man down in the St. Andrews game. Senior Luis Canavati injured his collarbone and is out for the season.

“He is one of our team captains and a senior, so it’s a big loss for us,” said Sherman.

The Dragons now have their sights set on Kinkaid; “Kinkaid is always a tough game as they field a strong team each year,” said Sherman. “I am glad the game is at home and I know our boys are ready for the challenge.”

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