Ames boys soccer sophomore Ethan Sigurdsson is finding his comfort zone this season
Ethan Sigurdsson wasn't happy with his freshman season on the soccer field.
The Ames sophomore scored five goals and dished out three assists last season. But he was far from satisfied with his performance. He wants to atone for that this year.
“I didn’t play great last season,” Sigurdsson said. “I’m just trying to step it up and help out the team more.”
Part of the reason Sigurdsson wasn't happy with how he played as a freshman was his inexperience.
“It’s that speed of play," said Ames coach Ryan McGowan. "It’s trying to find those correct windows to have those shots and make keepers make saves.”
Another reason was his competitive nature getting a little out of hand from time to time.
"Coming into last season he, like I was when I came up, was a little rough around the edges,” said Ames senior forward Ian Jurgensen. “He was a little bit short-tempered. But he’s really improved a lot. He’s been able to focus more on the team and has really stepped up his game.”
His coaches and teammates have noticed that improvement during practices this season.
“It’s not only the long balls,” said Ames midfielder/forward Zachary Cuva. “His dribbling, shooting...everything has gotten way better.”
More: Why Ian Jurgensen's 6-goal night could be a turning point for Ames boys soccer
It started to show on the field during Thursday's convincing 6-1 victory over Norwalk. Jurgensen scored a goal, dished out one assist, nearly got another goal before hitting the post and had several nice corner and free kicks during the game.
He also did a lot of little things well.
“I’m keeping the ball a little bit more,” Sigurdsson said. “I’m making the right pass.”
Sigurdsson likes to play with smaller shin guards.
“It’s just a mentality thing that I have," Sigurdsson said. "It just helps me play better.”
It also might help him take full advantage of his booming leg.
“I’ve known him for a minute and ever since I’ve known him he’s had that big leg," Cuva said. “I heard one of the ball boys tell him before the game you’ve got to keep your shots lower. Last year he was over the net a lot. If he keeps his shots lower he’s going to be tough.”
That was on full display with his set pieces Thursday.
“It’s just repetition,” Sigurdsson said. “It’s something I can do to help out the team.”
He really showed off his power and skill with a bending kick from the left side from over 20 yards out that hooked just above the reach of Norwalk keeper Jacob Rueber. It just missed going in the goal when it hit the upper crossbar.
“It comes in the moment,” Sigurdsson said.
If Sigurdsson can start taking full advantage of those moments he could be in store for a special season.
“We’re getting him going this year,” McGowan said. “He’s started playing with these guys more and more and you’re starting to see it connect.”
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames sophomore Ethan Sigurdsson has a big leg on the soccer field
