(Photo by: Jasmine Mills)

With the postseason approaching, the Johnson County Community College men’s soccer team is carrying confidence, focus and belief that their hard work will pay off.

“Our mindset going into [the] postseason is positive,’’ said sophomore midfielder Mike Bernable. “We’re going into every game with confidence, but playing every game like it’s our last because it could be if we don’t play our game and our style. After the little break the coach gave us, we feel refreshed and very prepared to take on any challenge that comes our way.’’

Bernable said the team’s success comes from their unity and energy on the field.

“Our biggest key to success this season has been the energy that we bring to the field as a team and the chemistry we built in such a short time,’’ he said. “We became one family, and that’s helped us gut out tough games.’’

For sophomore defender Ben Points, the mindset is simple: win or die trying.

“We’re not preparing differently from the regular season–just the same mindset to keep working hard.’’

He also credited his teammates for their consistency and commitment in training.

“Just showing up to every training session and giving it my all,’’ he said. “Everyone’s worked so hard, and it will feel like it’s all paid off if we can make a deep run.’’

Points highlighted his teammate, Peyton McAwley, for his impact this season.

“Peyton McAwley has really stepped up,’’ he said . “He’s been a consistent starter for us all season.’’

The men will open their postseason run against Kansas City Community College on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m., and both Bernale and the points agreed that this team is ready.

“It would mean everything to us to make a deep postseason run,” Bernale said. “We’re excited and ready to start making this postseason run.”