By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The 2021 season can’t start soon enough for the Central Bulldogs.
Behind a good junior class, the Bulldogs are eager for redemption after a rough 2020 campaign.
“We had a bumpy season last fall, as numbers and skill level dipped us below our expectations,” said Central’s coach, Dr. Christine Welch. “The ‘COVID effect’ also had an impact on our program, like many others, where we struggled to keep players healthy and (field) a full varsity roster for the entire season.
“We hope this season is different; with both the expectations from our (returning) players as well as new, incoming players.”
Senior Brett Turner and junior Julian Hom lead the way for Central.
Both were named all-conference last season and will again anchor Central’s defense in 2021.
Turner returns for his third season as Central’s starting goalkeeper.
“He has learned a ton at the position over the last year alone and continues to develop in strength, speed and field awareness,” Welch said. “Brett will be leading from the back as an integral part of our defensive line.”
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Hom, who has gained experience at center back and defensive-mid, comes off a breakout season. He earned first team All-Ozark Conference honors as a sophomore.
Known for his defense, Hom expanded his skill level during his latest club season.
“Julian will be a team leader for us again and look to create passing and scoring connections from defense to offense,” Welch said.
The Bulldogs return senior Will Young in the midfield. He’s steadily improved since his freshman season, Welch said.
“Will’s quick and smart on the field, which allows him to maneuver on the field with awareness and improved skill work to create scoring opportunities,” Welch said.
Central returns more midfield talent with juniors Boston Hawkins and Spencer Henderson.
Hawkins plays outside mid and has continued the family legacy. His older sisters Aspen, Ireland and Holland all played soccer for Central.
Boston will likely be among Central’s top scorers this season, Welch said.
“Boston brings a quiet strength to his position; he continues to improve on his ball handling skills and endurance on the outside as well as becoming a team leader,” Welch said.
Henderson will split time between midfield and forward and should emerge as one of Central’s top threats.
“We’re eager to see Spencer show improved skill, increased speed and an ability to not only develop plays but also generate scoring opportunities for us,” Welch said.
Central won two games last season, finishing below .500 for only the third time since 2010.
The Bulldogs were still competitive in most of their matches. Central had nine losses by two or fewer goals.
Central graduated a senior class that included defender Anthony Trimble, defender/midfielder Sam Nance, midfielder Will Farr and backup goalie Tony Nguyen. Trimble was named all-conference honorable mention.
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Newcomers to watch include sophomores Isaac Garcia and Ryan Doel, along with freshman Jack Brinkman.
Doel, who plays midfield and forward, began last season on Central’s JV but quickly showed he was ready for varsity minutes. He showed glimpses of promise as a swing player before injuries sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
“Ryan has improved strength, speed and skill in his role at midfield or forward,” Welch said.
Garcia, a forward, also began last season on JV alongside Doel. He later worked his way up to varsity action.
“(Isaac’s) small but mighty, and quick in his footwork and running ability,” Welch said. “We look for him to improve his skills and speed going toward the goal.”
Brinkman, a defender, is the latest player to come through Central’s sibling pipeline.
He’s a longtime club player and has played for Sporting Springfield since he began middle school. Brinkman’s older sister, Olivia, is one of the top players for the Central Lady Bulldogs soccer team.
“Jack is a smart player, aggressive on his line as a defender, and vocal as a player – even as a freshman,” Welch said. “He will definitely be an asset to our team this season.”
Despite a relatively young team, Welch is encouraged by what she’s seen during Central’s offseason.
“We expect that this group will be more focused on team play and creating opportunities going to goal,” Welch said. “Offensively, we have the personnel to create scoring opportunities in many different ways. Defensively, Brett (Turner) will be critical in developing plays from the back with his defensive line.
“From all the communication and opportunities we have had this summer as a group, the initial outlook for the fall is promising.”
Central’s regular season opener is set for August 27 at Springfield Catholic.
