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Athlete of the Week: Achim Younker — Men’s Soccer

By EMILIE HOFFER | September 15, 2016

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HOPKINSSPORTS.COM Younker leads the Jays in goals scored in just his first year at Hopkins

The Hopkins men’s soccer team maintained their undefeated record this season with a 2-0 win against the Gwynedd Mercy Griffins last Saturday. This is the second time in three years that the Blue Jays have held a perfect record in their first five games.

While senior goalie Bryan See was awarded the Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week with three saves in Saturday’s game, The News-Letter recognizes freshman Achim Younker as the Athlete of the Week. The rookie proved to be a force on the field as he scored both of the Jays’ goals against the Griffins.

The first came in the 16th minute of the game to put the Jays ahead 1-0. Later in the 71st minute of the game Younker would seal the win for the Jays to cap off the game with both his first and second career goals as a Jay. This makes the freshman the team leader in goals and the sixth team member to score for the Jays this season.

After the outstanding performance The News-Letter had the opportunity to ask Younker about his success and what the team’s undefeated record means going forward this season.

 

The News-Letter: What lent to the team’s success in the game against Gwynedd Mercy?

 

Achim Younker: Our success came by playing with high intensity and trusting in our game plan. It was very humid, making the conditions tough to play in for both teams, but we knew that as long as we were the ones to set the tone both energy-wise and skill-wise, we would be successful.

 

N-L: Talk about what contributes to the team’s depth this season, especially when it comes to scoring.

 

AY: Even though we have a small squad of 22 players this year, every single one of us is capable of performing at any given moment.

We have all worked tirelessly for the past month to be as prepared as possible going into the season, so it is not surprising to see that this many people are getting in at goal and finding success.

 

N-L: What must the team continue to work on as the season progresses?

 

AY: We just need to keep growing towards perfection in our play and constantly develop a mindset of champions. In the short time we have been together I think we have already shown a tremendous amount of growth in both skills and in our team-chemistry.

We have a long road ahead of us but I think if we continue on our current path of constant improvement we can make some noise.

 

N-L: What was the secret to your success in the game against Gwynedd Mercy?

 

AY: My focus before the game was to take advantage of any opportunity I got. Over the past couple of games I have had way too many chances and no goals. I made it my mission to just be hungry and find a goal by any means. Coming in with that mindset definitely worked for me.

 

N-L: As a rookie this year, what surprised you most about the men’s soccer team when you first arrived at Hopkins?

 

AY: What surprised me the most was how well-rounded everyone is. Everyone works hard both on the field and in their studies.

On top of that, they are all just cool dudes. Kids like [Victor Osio] and Sebastian [Salathe] are always cracking jokes and making me laugh. I am definitely glad to be a part of this group of guys.

 

N-L: What are you looking forward to most as the season continues?

 

AY: I am definitely looking forward to working towards a Centennial Conference championship title. I am also just excited to play out the rest of the season with my teammates.

We are a family, and I have grown to enjoy training, studying and just hanging out with every one of them. I am excited to see how far our bond can take us.

 

We will be waiting anxiously to see if the Jays can continue their perfect record when they travel to play the York College Spartans at Graham Field. The match is slated for 4 p.m. on Sept. 14.


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