Senior midfielder Keaton Kobow has helped the Ankeny boys’ soccer team to a 4-11-1 record. He is one of the Hawks’ captains.
Kobow has recorded a career-high eight goals and five assists this season. He has racked up 31 points in his career on 10 goals and 11 assists.
Here is some inside info on Kobow:
Your team closed out the regular season on Friday with a 2-1 loss to fourth-ranked Urbandale on Senior Night. What did you think of your team’s performance?
I think that we played well in the second half of the game. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t come out with the win. We are glad we could close it out with a ranked opponent as it was a good test.
How do you think the J-Hawks compared to the other top-10 teams from the CIML Conference? Are they one of the best opponents you’ve played?
I think the J-Hawks are a very good team with a lot of strong and talented players. Aaden Troja being out (of their lineup) helped us a lot as he is a very good center back. I think they are one of the better teams we have played this year.
Your team has obviously had a tough season, but have you seen some signs of progress along the way?
Yes, I won’t deny we have had a downfall since last year, but I think the new freshmen and other underclassmen have really improved throughout the season with many getting over 30+ minutes a game. Our ability to move the ball and keep possession has increased exponentially.
This is a very young team that has had to rely heavily on underclassmen–10 freshmen and five sophomores have seen some action this season. Do you think the lack of experience has shown at times?
Yes, I do think the lack of experience does show at times. Nevertheless, they are all passionate and willing to get better. Getting used to the physicality of high school takes some time which does show through some.
You have combined with fellow senior Cal Wahlberg to produce 16 of the team’s 21 goals and 15 of the squad’s 17 assists. Do you have a special chemistry with him that you’ve developed from being teammates over the years?
Me and Cal have been playing with each other since we were seven years old, so the chemistry is definitely there. We trust each other in any scenario and him being such a quality player I know I can rely on him, and he can rely on me.
Your team will host Des Moines East in a Class 4A substate quarterfinal on Tuesday. What do you know about the Scarlets?
I’m going to be honest, I don’t really know much about Des Moines East. I heard they returned some players from injury possibly and are hungry to beat us. Nothing tactically though.
I know coach Fuccio was hoping to avoid having to play in the opening round, but what did you think of your team’s draw? Do you think a win could be beneficial by generating some momentum heading into your next game?
I know a play-in game isn’t what we expected nor wanted, but I think a commanding win at home to end our losing streak would give us a ton of motivation and I believe we will beat Southeast Polk in the next round.
As you mentioned, the winner of the game will play at top-seeded Southeast Polk in a substate semifinal on May 27, and I’m sure you’d like to get another shot at the Rams after dropping a 4-0 decision there on May 1. Do you think your team learned some things from that game and can make some adjustments if you get a rematch?
Southeast Polk has a well-rounded team and is very physical, but I think when it comes to individual players we outmatch them. We have prepared for the game and are ready for what they throw at us.
You have committed to play at Upper Iowa next year. What did you like about the Peacocks’ program?
I liked how the Peacock coaching staff welcomed me with open arms and the small yet social community. I liked how they play–keeping the ball and breaking teams down with passing instead of physical abilities is how I prefer to play.
Did you look at a lot of schools, and was it a tough decision?
Yes, I looked at Lewis University and St. Cloud State in addition to Upper Iowa. It was a tough decision, but I decided to stay close to home.
What are you going to study?
I am going to study Business or Conservation Management.
