By Brock Sisney (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
NEOSHO — The Neosho Wildcats’ boys soccer program ascended to new heights in the last four seasons: four straight district titles, fourth place in Class 3 in 2019, their first sectional victory in 2018 and their first state quarterfinal victory the next season, a 37-11 combined record the last two seasons, including 19-2 last season with their first time ever going through Central Ozark Conference play without a single blemish on their record.
The Wildcats graduated a historic senior class, highlighted by last season’s Class 3 offensive player of the year Alberto Robledo and two-time all-state second team goalkeeper Kayden Wood. Also graduating were Diego Vargas (a first team all-stater his junior season), Eder Aguirre, Carlos Estrada, and Carlos Hernandez, all of whom signed with colleges to continue their academic and athletic careers.
The Wildcats do return five starters and a host of others with varsity experience for the 2021 season, and their overall numbers have been on the rise during this successful era.
“I am most excited simply for the opportunity to lead this program another year,” fourth-year Neosho head coach James Carter said. “I always look forward to spending time each day with a great group of young men and using soccer as a tool to help them grow personally as well as athletically.
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“We are always focused on improving each day. We believe if we do that, we will reach our goals for the season. One of the biggest strengths of our team will be our depth. Having so many talented players is a luxury, and has led to very competitive practices.
“It’ll 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. 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 that will benefit them off the soccer field, as well as on.”
The five returning starters are Juan and Edwin Lucas, Yeison Vasquez, Gabriel Zapete, and leading returning goal scorer Juan Perez, while Alexis Ramos, Andy Lopez, Erick Estrada, Byron Gomez, Juan Blancarte, Walker Stipp, Noah Chapman, Rudy Gomez, Andy Vargas, David Bravo, Willis Jarvis, Leonard Gindling, Christian and Bryan Hernandez, and Oscar Granadis all return from last season.
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Carter said that his returning starters have stepped up in leadership roles heading into the new season and they are players who we should keep an eye on this season because of it being their turn in the spotlight after the graduation of that historic senior class.
The Wildcats open their season Aug. 31 on the road against Nixa, a team they defeated 5-1 in the season opener last year in Neosho.
Neosho rattled off 16 straight wins last season before taking a 3-1 loss to Glendale in the quarterfinals. The Wildcats lost to Glendale in the quarters two of the last three seasons.
