While last Saturday’s soggy Jamboree was the first time the 2023 Andrean boys soccer team took to the pitch against an opponent this season, the matches count for real tonight as the Niners host Northwest Crossroads Conference rival Highland in the opener for both teams. “I am very excited to start the season,” Andrean Coach Joe O’Neill said. “We have been putting in a lot of hours and hard work throughout the summer as a team. I am looking forward to seeing how the team responds to great competition as we chase down some of the goals we have set for ourselves as a program.” O’Neill is in his fourth season as head coach of the Andrean boys soccer program, but has been a fixture on Niner sidelines both on the pitch and in the gym. As well as a soccer assistant coach before taking over the head coaching position, O’Neill coached basketball for his first eight years at the school. While the 2022 campaign was a tough one for the team, the goals for this season are nothing short of bringing some postseason hardware to 5959 Broadway. “Our biggest goal for this season is to bring a sectional championship back to Andrean,” O’Neill said. “We have been very close in the past few years, and are looking forward to getting out on the pitch and seeing how the ball will roll!” Match Time: 5:00 JV/7:00 Varsity Location: Father Eckert Stadium - 5959 Broadway in Merrillville Records: Season opener for both teams ISCA Rankings: Neither team is ranked 2022 Season: Andrean finished 3-13-1; Highland finished 2-14 (records via MaxPreps) Last Meeting: Highland won 2-1 in OT on 8/31/22 Tickets: Available at gate and Andreanathletics.com/Tickets (service fee if using credit card) Video Stream: https://www.jedtv.com/andrean-59ers.html/?B=605432 Rosters: See attached