As the Coppell boys soccer team ran onto the field before its match against Plano West at Buddy Echols Field on Friday, bright green athletic tape wrapped around their wrists reflected sharply against their red uniforms, representing its new philosophy. 

Go.

Less than 15 minutes into the match, it became clear that go would be exactly what Coppell was doing when it hit the back of the net with a shot it took commentators a few moments to identify as Coppell senior midfielder Alex Salvo’s. 

Coppell defeated the Wolves, 2-0, for its first District 6-6A victory.

“I loved that, just finding a way to find the back of the net really shows our will,” Coppell senior defender Collin MacDonald said. “We developed a new philosophy out there today and we showed that we were the better team tonight. We were wearing these green bracelets, green meaning go so go all in and that’s just what we did.”

Early in the second half, a similarly confusing goal coming from a Coppell throw-in was put in by Coppell junior midfielder Walker Stone. 

“It was scrappy, the goals we scored weren’t great but we needed them,” Coppell coach James Balcolm said. “The shots we thought we would score on were not falling in but you get some scrappy goals so at this point, you just take them how you can get them. All that changed is a couple of them fell in as opposed to not.” 

Coming off of a tough loss on Tuesday against Plano to start off District 6-6A play, the Cowboys knew they needed a win. Still, there were several lapses in Coppell’s defense which Plano West only failed to capitalize on. Though it managed to execute this time, Coppell’s problem in scoring organized goals seems to be communication.

“Putting together 80 minutes is going to be a focus for us next, there were some lapses there, couple breakdowns where they should’ve scored and when you’ve got a lead you need to make sure you’re protecting that,” Balcolm said. “Communication is not good enough but it’s getting better.” 

Tomorrow, Coppell takes on Marcus in its rivalry match at Buddy Echols Field at 7:30 p.m.

“This was the first win of many,” MacDonald said. “Putting those two points up on a board is showing this district that we’re nothing to mess around with and we’re here for the win.”

Follow Anjali (@anjalikrishna_) and @SidekickSports on Twitter.