By Staff

Fall 2019 Preview: Greenwood Soccer

By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

In competition, it’s not always how you start, but how you finish.

And, based on their 2019 schedule, the Class 1 Greenwood Bluejays will look to build upon that regular-season experience to be prepared for the postseason.

“Our soccer team always plays up in terms of strength of schedule,” said head coach Chris Shull, who has compiled a record of 204-143-10 at Greenwood Laboratory School. “Our season is full of class 2-4 schools. We don’t worry about wins and losses as much as the improvements we make during the course of the season. We always strive to get better and be playing our best soccer toward the end.”

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The Bluejays finished the 2018 season with a 7-11 record, ending with a 1-0 loss in PKs to New Covenant Academy in the Class 1 District 6 tournament semifinals. Greenwood’s 2019 schedule is loaded with class 3 and 4 teams, including West Plains, Hillcrest, Bolivar and Rogersville among those schools.

Key losses from last year’s squad are John Sharp and Garrett Litherland.

• John Sharp was a Class 1 All-State Honorable Mention selection, All-Central/Southwest Region and Class 1 All-District First-Team. The forward scored 16 goals and had six assists.

• Garrett Litherland, a midfielder, was named first-team all-district and scored 12 goals with five assists.

“Both boys will be missed in terms of effort on the field and leadership,” Shull said.

The Bluejays have a solid core to build around heading into the season, which includes Josh Henry, Joseph Rollinson, Aiden McQueary, Hugh McWay and Zach Bailey.

• Josh Henry, a senior, was a first-team all-district honoree. “A defender with good size, skill, and speed,” Shull said. “He will be vital to our midfield and defense this season.”

• Joseph Rollinson, a senior, was an all-region pick and second-team all-district. “A midfielder with great vision, skill and leadership.”

• Aiden McQueary, a senior, was named to the all-district second-team. “McQueary was a starting goalkeeper since he was a freshman. He brings confidence, experience, and ownership of his position. He is also a great leader.”

• Hugh McWay, is a junior midfielder. “Hugh is a skilled midfielder who sees the field. He is also a utility player who can play defense as well. Entering into upperclassman status, Hugh will be expected to fill a leadership role.”

• Zach Bailey, a sophomore midfielder, was a second-team all-district pick. “Zach was the team’s second-leading scorer, and a utility player who can play anywhere.”

“Joshua, Joseph and Aiden were starters as freshmen, the year Greenwood went to the final four,” Shull said. “They have played in big games and this experience will be vital this season. Last year, Aiden was injured and missed a huge chunk of the season. He fought his way back and was able to return before districts.”

That bond – as well as assistant coach Shelby Setzer – are key to Greenwood’s success.

“One strength I have at Greenwood is the chemistry between the boys,” Shull said. “They have grown up together at Greenwood and it does help in the team makeup and creating a challenging but positive culture in improving and bringing out the best in each player.

“Another strength is our assistant, coach Setzer. She does an outstanding job and makes our program better. She is a teacher at Greenwood and has a good rapport with the student-athletes.”

The Bluejays will host a jamboree that includes New Covenant, Rogersville and Marshfield before hosting Class 4 West Plains on Sept. 3.

“We expect to be competitive in our district this year,” Shull said. “We will have to stay focused, work hard, and keep improving.”