Although Victory Christian School was the runner-up in the South Carolina Independent School Association state soccer tournament Oct. 25 in Anderson, coach Joseph Martin considers this team better than the one he coached to the title two years ago.
"Their character is outstanding," said Mr. Martin. The players on this year's team have finished in the top three in the state for the past three years.
The team finished the year with a 7-4-1 record. On Oct. 20, Victory defeated Orangeburg Christian Academy 4-0 to advance to the state finals. Mike Geiger and Seth Gfeller each scored a pair of goals.
Victory Christian played Easley Christian School in the state title game.
"They play a very different game. They are a very aggressive and physical team. They jumped out in front of us," Mr. Martin said.
Victory lost 2-0, with Easley scoring both goals in the first half.
The toughest part of this year for Mr. Martin is knowing five players will not be coming back next season.
John Whitehead, one of those seniors, said the team has come together under Mr. Martin's leadership.
"We are all really close friends. We all support each other," John said.
Mr. Martin said he plans to begin practicing in July with a new group of players.
"I'm looking forward to next year," he said.
Reach Charmain Brackett at charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.
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