On Sept. 2, the Carmel Greyhound men’s soccer team is scheduled to take on their rival Pike in the first game of the Pike Showcase. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. at Pikes home stadium.

“When we play a rival our players tend to be more excited during practice and before the game. However we prepare the same during practice no matter who we play,” head coach Shane Schmidt said.

Along with Pike, Noblesville and Columbus North will compete in the Pike Showcase. This showcase is the first tournament of the year and a chance for the team to show off their talent.

Last year the team retired 12 seniors including the team captain, so Schmidt is counting on underclassmen filling the key roles on the team.

“This year we will be starting 3 sophomores and a handful of juniors. All are very talented players and have been playing club soccer for many years so experience isn’t an issue,” Schmidt said.

Along with needing strong play from the underclassmen to achieve success, Schmidt says the play of their captain Sam Young will help determine how far the team will go. This year Young is a senior and will start at center back on defense for the greyhounds alongside junior goalkeeper Eric Dick.

“Sam brings everything a senior captain should to a team,” Dick said. “But most importantly he brings leadership. He not only brings both during games and practices, but also off the field as well.”