Every autumn is the start of a new opportunity for student athletes. From avenging last year’s painful loss to rallying alongside teammates, the chance of a fresh beginning is in the air.

For the Manhattan High boys soccer team it’s all of those things alongside a new feeling of freshness. The team has changed, and with change comes a new challenge.

After being knocked off by rivals Washburn Rural last year in sub-state, the Indians not only look for revenge, but to find a playoff run that will give longtime coach Frank Alonso his first state title. Even after last year’s record breaking season from then-seniors Austin French and Kirkland Lambert, the team doesn’t believe that anything will change, even with the loss of players.

“Losing the seniors we had last year, the standards are still the same if not higher,” senior defender Conall Root said.

Root, who captained last year, has a strong chance to be named captain following this week of tryouts,

“We still expect to come out strong and hopefully we can play as we plan to.” he said

Manhattan’s journey begins on August 26 at Lawrence High.