By ROB TATE ~ DAR Sports Writer

Poplar Bluff senior co-captain Alex Burfield has some goals to accomplish before this season is over.

When the home schedule finally opens for the Mules this Monday at Whiteley Park against Kennett, Burfield hopes that his team can bring it together after starting the season 2-4 after six straight road games.

But just a couple years ago, Burfield wasn't even playing soccer.

After playing the sport until about fourth grade, Burfield opted for football.

During his sophomore year, he got the passion for the sport once again. A couple factors that triggered his comeback included the exciting World Cup in Germany in 2006 as well as his good buddy and current teammate, Josh Thompson, encouraging him to give the sport another try.

"I found a new passion for (soccer)," Burfield said. "Josh Thompson, he's like my brother. He kind of persuaded me to come out again."

At the beginning of the season, Poplar Bluff first-year head coach Derek Reasons named Burfield one of his captains.

The thing about Burfield, though, is he doesn't produce the type of stats that get your name in the newspaper. Burfield has just a couple of goals and assists in his career, both coming when he was on JV.

"He's always been a vocal kid a vocal leader on this team," Reasons said. "That's what I like about him. He's extremley encouraging to the rest of the other guys."

He does the little things and his biggest influence on the team is his leadership. Burfield comes off the bench most games. But with the Mules' injuries mounting up so far on the young season, Burfield will be on the field more often than not.

"It's really good when you have a kid who's not selfish," Reasons added. "He's into for more the team aspect than what he is for himself. He'd rather see the team be successful than himself."

Burfield loves coming off the bench.

"I like my role because I can come in, be fired up and give a new life (to the team)," Burfield said.

Being a captain, Burfield is also experiencing a change in attitude in this year's team.

"Last year, we had a lot of bickering," Burfield said. "A lot things we just couldn't get accomplished or overcome. This year, we are a whole new team. We have wat more heart, a lot less bickering, we gel. We're definitely a lot better team than last year."

Burfield fully expects the Mules to be above .500 on the season and thinks the team will make some noise in district play this year.

"We're gonna get a good record, we're gonna be over .500 this year and we are gonna become a better team."

After high school, Burfield's goal is to attend the University of North Carolina and study pre-med. He also hopes to play intramural soccer as well.

The Mules will face Kennett at 4 p.m. Monday in a varsity-only match.