Off tough loss, Marcus boys soccer gears up for Mound Showdown, playoffs

By John English

A 4-1 loss to Coppell on Friday was a tough one for the Marcus boys soccer team, but the Marauders have clinched a playoff berth for the 19^th consecutive season, and coach John Gall said that is a great accomplishment for his team.

Marcus will square off with Flower Mound at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at home, and Gall said he expects a tough game on Marcus' Senior Night.

“As always, Flower Mound will be up for the game,” Gall said. “We have to match their intensity and make sure we’re ready to compete.”

Gall said he was very dissatisfied with his team's effort in the game against Coppell on Friday.

“I was very disappointed with the Coppell game,” Gall said. “We’ve addressed the issues as a team and will learn from them.”

Zach Barnes scored the Marauders' lone goal of the game against Coppell.

Marcus wraps up the season this week with Flower Mound and Hebron, and with a two-point lead over second place Carroll, Gall said the final two matches are critical for his team.

“These are crucial games this week,” Gall said. “We will focus one game at a time, as they say.”

A victory against Flower Mound, along with a Carroll loss or draw would seal a district championship for Marcus.

Gall said he is proud of his team for having clinched a playoff berth for the 19^th consecutive season, but that also came with a challenge to his players.

“It feels great to continue such a great tradition,” Gall said. “But now the hard work really begins.”