Mitchell–Every coach in every sport in America tells their players the importance of staying focused, staying relaxed, and staying balanced.

Whether it’s hitting a baseball, shooting a three point shot, or driving a header past a soccer goalie, half the battle is staying focused and not getting distracted by all the pressure around the play. In high school that’s a big challenge. At a state tournament it’s double the challenge.

Stevens men’s soccer coach Luis Usera has been teaching his team the power of yoga since August training camp, and Thursday morning, on the opening day of the State Soccer Tournament in Mitchell, it paid off in more ways than one.

Stevens drew Aberdeen Central for its 9:00 am opening round game. The team drove to Mitchell Wednesday afternoon, and the early morning game time was unmerciful. But Usera had the Stevens men on the field in the dark, an hour and a half before the first whistle. “They did their yoga at sunrise.” Explained assistant coach Brett Lawlor.

“Anyone who has been following us this season knows how important the yoga has been for us.” Explained Stevens’ senior midfielder Skye Lawlor. “We haven’t had any late season muscle pulls or problems. And I don’t think we were tired at all. Everyone was just excited to play.”

The Stevens Raiders soccer team warming up with yoga. (Photo Sam Hurst)

Stevens played the first half like they were shot from a cannon. At the 20-minute mark, Barry Vargo volleyed a corner kick from Dominic Usera into the goal to go up 1-0. Only a few minutes later Kelsey Allen pushed the ball through Aberdeen’s defense and ripped it 20 yards into the net for the second score. “It was a phenomenal goal.” Said Lawlor. “It was a rocket shot, one of the most powerful goals all year.”

With halftime approaching Logan Schaefers beat the Aberdeen goalie to a free ball and punched it in to make the halftime score 3-0.

Stevens also played solid defense. Aberdeen was unable to launch any serious counter attack. “We were on the attack after the 20th minute. They didn’t have any quality shots on goal in the whole first half.” Said Lawlor.

The final score was 3-0. “I think they were motivated by the fact that Aberdeen was one of only two teams that beat us this season.” Said coach Lawlor. “But the most important motivation is that this team just really believes they belong in the championship game.”

The championship game is Saturday afternoon, but Stevens will first have to get past #1 ranked Washington this afternoon.