After receiving Second Team All Conference Honors last year, Edina Boys’ Soccer Team senior captain Oscar Smythe looks to build off of his successful junior season. 

However, toward the beginning of the season, Smythe hurt his ankle. “I sprained my ankle when an Eden Prairie defender blocked the ball as I was shooting it,” Smythe said. 

Despite this obstacle, Smythe has led the team to an undefeated season. “This is one of the seasons that the team has had in a long time, better than anyone could have imagined,” Smythe said.

Smythe starts at forward and has been a centerpiece in setting up other teammates as well as scoring himself. “My favorite goal so far was my first goal in the home opener against Washburn. It wasn’t the greatest goal I have ever scored, but it started the season off on the right note and gave us the momentum to beat a great team,” Smythe said. 

Smythe embraces the responsibilities as captain of a USA Today nationally ranked soccer team. “I have to be a leader and role model for the underclassmen on the team. I also have to perform at my highest level at all times to show my teammates that we need to play hard,” Smythe said. “Being a captain for this great team is a true honor. It gives me a large presence on the team where I am able to mentor some of the underclassmen.”

Smythe gives some of the credit to his teammates. “My teammates help me become a better player and have set me up for easier goals. Not one person on the team is selfish, which is definitely a reason as to why we are doing so well this season,” Smythe said. The head coach Dave Jensen and assistant coach Bill Garner have helped him as well. “My coaches give me constant reminders to play simple, to not dribble, and to not pass it backwards,” Smythe said.

The team is first in the Lake Conference, and is showing no signs of slowing down. “Minnetonka is definitely the toughest opponent in the lake conference. They have a very strong team overall, especially their defense,” Smythe said. In fact, in their first meeting of the season, the Hornets beat the skippers 3-2.

Smythe welcomes the possibility to play them in sections as he has his eyes set on the state tournament. “I really want to make it to state because I’ve never gotten a chance to play at U.S Bank Stadium, and it would be a dream come true if we could make it there,” Smythe concluded.