Over the past few seasons suffering a loss for the soccer team has been a rare occurrence, but the team’s first opponent of 2006 was a tough adversary.

Osbourn Park, having yet to play a game, was at a disadvantage in their opening game against Forest Park, due to several cancellations the previous week.

Forest Park, ranked second in the Washington Post preseason polls, already had five games to prepare for their showdown with the fourth ranked OP squad.

“I’m not usually one to complain, but this was our first game and we are still learning to work together but we’ll be ready for them at the regional tournament,” said junior Owen Thomas.

The team lost that game 1-0 in a hard battle, in which the only goal scored was on a penalty kick.

The Yellow Jackets were coming into this season with high expectations as they look to surpass last season’s feat of making it to the State Quarterfinals.

“We have a great chance to go out there and exceed last year’s accomplishments if we continue to gel as a team and work hard for the rest of the season,” said junior star Mike Dinuzzo.

Although led by several seniors including Cameron Petty, Patrick Heard, Garrett Murphy, and Corey Duke, the team is very well known for their star studded juniors.

Osbourn Park juniors including Mike Dinuzzo, Owen Thomas, Matt Mergia, Alex Foskett, Matt Tomsko, Mike Purdy, and John Gregory were highlighted as the ones to watch for in the 2006 preview of all high school Metropolitan soccer teams.

Over spring break, the team competed in the first annual Mclean and Chantilly High School invitational tournament. They managed to finish in third place with a record of 3-1. Their only loss was receiving second place to T.C Williams High School.

Even though they did not win, the team did have three players on the all-tournament team, senior goaltender Garrett Murphy and juniors Mike Purdy and Owen Thomas.

Also, Purdy, after a position change from defense to forward, was named the tournament MVP because of his excellent performance.

“It was unexpected and I would have much rather won the tournament, but it’s a nice award to have received.”

The team is young, talented and driven which gives them the potential to be great both this year and next.