Juan Urresti is a student at ASU's Cronkite School of Journalism assigned to cover Valley Christian by AZPreps365.com

For the Valley Christian boys soccer team, this season isn't about winning or losing. It’s about playing.

“Every single game we say we play like it is our last game, because through the pandemic it has been kind of our thing,” said coach Ben Jones. “Every single game you are playing like if it is about to be ripped away from you.”

Judging from their performance at the start of the season, it is no surprise they were undefeated for seven straight matches (6-1-1) outscoring opponents 47-2.

Despite the AIA strict rules on winter sports which mandate coaches, players and officials to wear masks during the game, striker Ben Meiter is grateful to step on the pitch and play next to his teammates. 

“I’m so thankful to have a season, even though the restrictions of wearing masks is kind of tough,” Meiter said. “But I’m just so thankful to play.” 

Defender Chris Katsaros finds it “rough” but workable. 

“With the masks it’s a little rough, but it’s fine we are working through it,” Katsaros said. 

Protocols and strict rules give the Trojans more reasons to battle in each game. But they are confident.

“Honestly I think we all work so well together, each individually have our own different skill sets,” Katsaros said. “Us together, just blend well together.” 

Jones had a working plan to bring his players back to form if the AIA changed its mind. He knew his players were coming back stronger.

“I was skeptical honestly, that it was going to happen, but when the news came in that we were able to play again, I was stoked,” Jones said. “But I was ready to start practicing and getting fitness ready to play games.” 

The Trojans are built with a different mindset.

“They wanna win more than any other team I have been part of or coached,” Jones said.