After a rough start in its preseason, the Coppell boys soccer team hopes to regain momentum going into District 6-6A play. 

According to Coppell senior goalkeeper Arath Valdez, this has been due to communication errors, where the majority of its opponents goals were gained.

“[Our main mistakes have been with] communication,” Valdez said. “I’m learning how [the defensive backs] play (since I haven’t played with them for a long time) [and they’re learning] how I play. We’re learning from each other and about our communication.”

The Cowboys (2-4-1) host Plano (6-1) tomorrow at Buddy Echols Field in its first District 6-6A match of the season, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

“Last year, they were tough opponents,” Stone said. “They beat us in our opening match last year and we know that they’re going to be tough again, we have to really focus and be ready for the match tomorrow.”

According to Coppell senior midfielder Walker Stone, Plano runs a 3-5-2 system. This means the Cowboys will need to counter in order to make sure it’s not exposed. 

“I’ve heard [Plano] has two very good, big strikers up top and we’ll have to worry about that,” Stone said. “We [also] have to make sure to counter [their system] so we don’t get exposed. Hopefully we can dominate the match and have a good performance so we can really build a foundation and start a good season.”

To win this match, Valdez said the Cowboys will focus on finishing, passing the ball, communication and fixing mistakes made in preseason.

“All of our [preseason] games and scrimmages have been in preparation for [district]. We’ve been practicing and focusing on pressure, working hard and [communication in order to] find what our system is to prepare us going into the first [district] match tomorrow,” Stone said.

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