By Brock Sisney (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
NEOSHO — It has been a historic run for the Neosho boys soccer program in recent seasons and the Wildcats have scaled higher heights each season.
Three seasons ago, Neosho earned its first district title since 2004 with a 3-1 victory over Webb City at Bob Anderson Stadium.
Two seasons ago, Neosho won back-to-back district titles for the first time in school history and then reached the state quarterfinals for the first time after a 2-1 win against Parkview at Bob Anderson.
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Last season, Neosho placed fourth in Class 3 and put together 18 wins as the Wildcats made the Final Four for the first time in school history. The Wildcats’ 18 wins included postseason ones against McDonald County and Webb City in districts and Willard and Helias Catholic in the sectionals and quarterfinals, respectively.
How do the Wildcats follow their best season in school history?
“It will be important that we focus on the process of improving from day-to-day, game-to-game, and not get too hung up on the results,” Neosho head coach James Carter said. “Most importantly, we want our guys to have a positive, memorable experience. As a coaching staff, we want to make sure we use this season and the game of soccer as a tool to teach our young men lessons and values that will benefit them off the soccer field, as well as on.”
Among the Wildcats’ 45 returning players are goalkeeper Kayden Wood, midfielders Carlos Estrada and Diego Vargas, and back defender Jason Roponei, all seniors. Wood and Vargas both racked up multiple postseason honors for their performance last season, at the conference, district, region, and state level. Carter won district and regional top coach honors.
“One of the biggest strengths of our team will be our depth,” Carter said. “Having so many talented players is a luxury and has led to very competitive practices. We are excited to have a very deep roster of players, any number of whom may crack the starting lineup. Our program is continuing to grow each year, which allows us the opportunity to be a positive life force for more young men. I am sure our recent success has helped our program grow.
“Diego will return to be a leader for us. As we have a large senior class, we expect to have leadership by committee this year. We are really focused on the process of getting better each day, and developing a consistent style of play. We are also working with our guys to internalize our team values and understand how they apply off the soccer field.”
Other returning starters for the Wildcats are Carlos Hernandez, Eder Aguirre, Yeisen Vasquez, Edwin Lucas, Alberto Robeldo, and Vance Montgomery.
The Wildcats open their 2020 season Sept. 1 at home against Nixa and their slate includes tournaments at Parkview and Willard.
