UPDATE: After an impressive season, the OPRF Boys soccer team lost to Notre Dame College Prep on Saturday, October 21. Their final record was 21-1-2 (W-L-T), a school record according to the team’s Instagram page.

The Oak Park and River Forest High School boys varsity soccer team is showing their competition that they are the team to beat.

As the regular season comes to a close, it is safe to say the Huskies had an amazing run. The team wrapped up the regular season with an outstanding record of 20 wins, no losses and two draws.

The team also went undefeated 6-0 at the West Suburban-Silver Conference, gaining a conference championship after beating Glenbard West High School with a final score of 4-0 on Oct. 10.

The team is ranked first in Illinois and seventh in the nation, according to Max-Preps, the website that tracks high school sports.

In the coming weeks, the Huskies will prepare to take a shot at the state champion title. The Illinois High School Association State Tournament will take place Nov. 4. The team of 20 players is led by head coach Jason Fried and captained by seniors Easton Bogard and Charles Maguire.

Coming off last year’s amazing season, in which the team had a regular season record of 16-4 and a conference record of 4-2, the team set high expectations. Preparation started early.

This past summer the team spent countless hours perfecting their skills and working together to expand their knowledge of the game. They dove deeper into the importance of chemistry as well as dedication.

When asked about summer preparations, senior Robert Sambou said, “Coach Fried and [Assistant Coach Jonathan] Cummings both highlighted the importance of setting and maintaining goals before the start of the new season.” He recalled how important staying focused is while working to achieve goals for the season.

Maguire said, “As a returning captain, it was my responsibility to recruit a group of guys to come out every week and start to get in shape and build the chemistry that all great teams need.”

Maguire went on to explain the responsibility of being a role model on the team and his influence on his younger teammates. As a captain, he focuses on leading the team through tough moments mentally as well as physically to prepare them for a tough season, he said.

Maguire’s leadership is influenced by observing past seniors and the set of skills they introduced to him. As he enters his final year on the OPRF team, this season means something special for him. His main goal is to work towards being the best and competing for a state championship, he said.

Alongside Maguire is senior captain Easton Bogard, who has goals of his own. This past year, Bogard announced his verbal commitment to the University of Indiana Bloomington, where he will expand his skills in soccer.

A priority of his is challenging himself to be a better player and all-around teammate. His goals for the season consist of wanting to break the all-time assist record and advancing his scoring record, as well as developing his leadership on the team and guiding the first and second-year players for the future. Bogard said, “Leadership is a struggle because there is no perfect leader; it is how good you can compromise in all fields.”

As the head coach of a talented team, Fried’s main focus is creating a concrete relationship with the players and being a positive influence in their soccer journey.

He explains the importance of transparency by having open conversations with his players. When asked what his main goal for the season was, Fried said “Every year our goal is to hopefully influence enough players who want to keep playing.”

Fried creates a positive environment for his players. He’s focused on making sure that his players evolve while also maintaining their love for the sport. As a coach, Fried takes the time to recognize how much dedication and sacrifice his players showcase on a daily basis.

Fried acknowledged how passionate and present his players truly are, saying, “It means so much to them. They’re willing to sacrifice a lot to become exceptional, and it really is empowering to watch.” Fried went on to explain that the way the team plays is why OPRF soccer is so unique.

“It isn’t just about winning, it’s about how we win,’’ said Fried. This team wants the ball at their feet at all times and that “want” creates good gameplay.