The boys varsity soccer team is off to a rough start this season, but with senior, Lukas Snyder on the field, the soccer team plans to win.

Senior captain Lukas Snyder transferred from Catoctin High School as a freshman to come to Linganore for the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) engineering program. Snyder has been able to help the soccer team with his skill and determination. Snyder made the junior varsity boys team as a freshman, and became a starter on the varsity team as a sophomore. Snyder started playing outside back for the team in his sophomore and junior year but this year is playing centre-back.

Snyder adds speed, physicality, and confidence to the defensive line. Despite the Lancer’s record of 1-4, Snyder benefits the team on and off the field.

Snyder played recreational soccer until eighth grade when he switched to club soccer to play at a more competitive level. He started his club career playing for the Alliance Soccer Club. Snyder played there for two years before switching to the A.S. Roma Soccer Club. He now plays for the Football Club of Frederick, also known as F.C. Frederick, alongside high school teammate Kojo Benefo.

Benefo, who has been playing with Snyder for four years, holds his long-time teammate to a high standard. “He puts his heart on the field every time he plays. He increases the team’s overall skill and potential. He is a player that can be trusted when on the field. He is a real leader,” said Benefo.

One of Snyder’s best attributes is his speed. This year, the senior captain broke the school record for the Man U fitness test with a score of 30 repetitions. The Man U fitness test is a 120-yard sprint test where the amount of time to complete each sprint decreases by one second, every sprint after 10 repetitions. He also completed the Cooper Test with a time of 11:45, leading both JV and Varsity. The Cooper Test is a two mile test that participants have 12 minutes to complete. Snyder was among the fastest participants in the 40-yard dash, with a time of 4.66 seconds.

On the field, Lukas is an important part of the team. His quick decision making and defensive positioning takes a lot of pressure off of the rest of the defense. Junior captain and Snyder’s centre-back pairing Luciano Iocco is very confident when playing alongside Lukas.  “When I’m defending with Lukas, I definitely feel more comfortable.”

Although Lukas is quiet, he is a natural leader in practices and in games. Even coming off big losses, Snyder continues to stay positive and work hard during team trainings. The whole team notices his effort and drive to get better.

“He’s one of the hardest working players on the team. A self driven, tough minded player that always works hard trying to improve,” said Lancers Head Coach, Brian Johnson.

Since coming to Linganore, Snyder has improved his skills tremendously. “Linganore has given me a great chance to play and I think I’m just going to keep getting better and better.”

Lukas’ sister, Jaimi Snyder, played soccer for Catoctin High School and now plays for Wesley College in Dover, Delaware. Lukas is currently undecided on where he will go to college next fall, but wants to study engineering or architecture. He also wants to continue his soccer career in college.