Cairns’ two-way abilities leading Cape Central soccer

Max Cairns’ impact for the Cape Central Tigers goes deeper than the stat sheet.

While he scores his fair share of goals and assists on many as well, Cairns also impacts scoring chances by his vocal leadership.

“It’s a trait that I’ve developed,” Cairns said. “It definitely took work. I didn’t get here overnight.”

Cairns, a junior, has seen his responsibilities increase in 2023.

“We lost a lot of key seniors from last year,” Cairns said. “We have a lot of guys who have stepped up and are playing the role.”

One of the graduating seniors lost from last year’s team was Max’s brother, Sam.

“(Playing alongside him) was magical,” Cairns said. “It was so awesome.”

If you find yourself out watching the Tigers compete, Cairns’ leadership abilities stick out.

“I try to display a positive mindset,” Cairns said. “You have to stay positive because there’s going to be positives and negatives to every game. You have to push through and mostly focus on the positives.”

Cairns credits his development as a leader to his brother.

“I’ve played with him my whole life,” Cairns said. “I was under his wing through everything. And now he’s gone, and he told me I have to fill the shoes.”

On top of being a vocal leader, Cairns, alongside Preston Schlichting, wears the captain arm band for the Tigers.

“It’s the biggest honor you can get as a high school soccer player,” Cairns said.

In Wednesday’s 8-0 in over North County, Cairns opened the scoring with a goal on a penalty kick after being hauled down, making a run.

Cairns said that when taking a penalty it’s important to not overthink.

“A lot of it is being confident in my ability,” Cairns said. “I have to step up to the penalty with the right mindset.”

To go along with his goal in the win, Cairns displayed his ability as a two-way threat, stifling a multitude of Raiders' chances.

“I have to work my butt off all the time,” Cairns said. “I work as hard as I can, and I try to work the opposition.”

While just a junior this season, Cairns is already thinking beyond his high school career,

“I want to play college soccer,” Cairns said.

As he works toward that goal, Cairns said it can add some pressure.

“It matters a lot to me, and this is what I love,” Cairns said. “It is some pressure, but I think I step into it pretty well. When I’m at the field, I feel like it’s off my mind, but when I’m off the field, it’s back on my mind.”

Cairns and the Tigers continue the 2023 season at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, when they host St. Francis Borgia at Cape Central High School.