The MHS boys varsity soccer team’s season draws to a close with the regular season ending, leading into playoffs. On Friday, Jan. 17, the boys soccer team won 7-0 against Waipahu High School. With another win for the season, the team also celebrated senior night, honoring the seniors’ last year on the team and getting the chance to thank their parents. 

     “Senior night meant the world to me because I’ve been watching both of my older brothers go through this and multiple generations also go through this. So finally having the opportunity for my friends and I to have a special night with each other means the world,” said Senior Jvon Cunningham. 

      The festivities started off with calling up each of the seniors one by one to give a short speech. They traded roses and leis with their families. “After a regular season game versus Waipahu, us seniors were given the opportunity to give thanks to our parents and give a little monologue expressing our gratitude to the audience,” said Senior Nicholas Gaston. Senior Liam McGehee added, “It gave all 12 of us a chance to thank our family for always supporting us and just the community for showing support to our program.  We were able to express how grateful we are towards every aspect of Mililani High School soccer.”

      One of the festivities they participated in was a penalty kick. It was meant to be their “last kick” against someone of their choice. “I think my favorite festivity was taking a penalty kick on both of my brothers because it was very wholesome and it felt like they were handing their torch down to me,” said Cunningham. 

      Many of their friends, families and loved ones came to senior night to support the seniors. Gaston felt that senior night was a great way to see off the people who put in years of hard work. “Personally I believe it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the seniors and give a reason for the underclassmen to look up to them and work hard to be in their position,” said Gaston. 

      By the end, the seniors were able to reflect on their last regular season. The boys had various favorite parts of the season. “My favorite part of the regular season was the game against Kapolei. We fought for one another and we made it hard on the other team,” said McGehee. Cunningham added, “My favorite part about the regular season was the bus rides because everyone sang songs off of my playlist.” 

      Throughout the season, the team faced multiple challenges leading up to their final game. However, they were able to gain experience and learn from them as well to help the team prepare. “The game after (Kapolei), we lost to Campbell. That game served as a wake up call for the team and I believe we learned from our mistakes,” said McGehee. Gaston added, “We were able to put the struggles behind us and move on and work harder as a team.” 

       The team finished the regular season in second place. Gaston and Cunningham felt that overall, the season went well. McGehee felt that the season could’ve gone better but took away a positive outlook. “However, because we were able to take care of most games, it has put us in a positive situation going into playoffs,” said McGehee. 

     In preparation for playoffs, the team will be conditioning and intensifying their practice environment. They will also be practicing their ball movement skills and refining them. “Also, we will have fun and continue to grow cohesively,” said McGehee. Cunningham added, “My mindset going into playoffs is to have as much fun as possible, give the crowd an entertaining game, and win a big title. My team’s mindset is to win a big title and give it their all.”

    The team finished fifth in the Oahu Interscholastic Association tournament. They have qualified for the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) and their next match will be on Feb. 10.