By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Despite playing under a new coach while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, a hybrid schedule and injuries, the Rolla boys’ soccer team had a positive season.
“The players worked hard and we saw a lot of growth from the beginning of the season until the end,” said second-year coach Mike Armstrong, who came over from Waynesville last year. “Our overall record didn’t tell the whole story (7-11-2 overall, 4-4 Ozark Conference.) We had a lot of fun and are thankful we got to play.
“Last year was my first year at Rolla, and it took a while for me to learn the boys and for the boys to buy into how I run a soccer team. Now that we understand each other, we can move forward together and hopefully towards success.”
The Bulldogs will have to overcome the loss of a total of six players from the Class of 2021.
“After graduating eight starters in 2019 and now another five starters in 2020, I believe we will be competitive in 2021 and really good in 2022,” Armstrong said. “We have passionate and dedicated players that are willing to put in the hard work. We will have to manage COVID and make sure everyone stays healthy and able to play.”
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Gone from last year’s squad that competed for the Class 3 District 9 title are Zach Pendleton, Lane Mabe, Quincy Cummings, Carlos Guzman and Jack Gesualdi.
Zach Pendleton, a defender, is now playing at Missouri S&T. He was a Class 3 All-Region, Class 3 District 9 first-team and co-defender of the year and All-Ozark Conference first-team selection.
Lane Mabe, a forward, is playing at Westminster College, and was an all-district first-team and all-conference first-team honoree.
Quincy Cummings, a midfielder, is at Missouri S&T with Pendleton and earned all-district first-team and all-conference honorable mention honors.
Carlos Guzman, a defender, was named to the all-district first team.
Jack Gesualdi, a defender, was selected all-district second team and all-conference honorable mention.
Armstrong has eight key players returning to the roster this fall in one senior, six juniors and one sophomore.
Carter Mabe, junior, forward, earned all-district and all-conference second-team honors. “Like his older brother Lane, he doesn’t give up,” Armstrong said. “He has a great attitude and shot.”
Amari Terrell, junior, midfielder, was an all-district and all-conference second-team pick. “Mature beyond his years. He is a leader and very strong in midfield.”
Ben Fisher, junior, goalkeeper, all-district second team. “Great reader of the game with very quick reactions. He may also see some time at forward as he is a great finisher, too.”
Noah Hatfield, senior, midfielder. “Playmaker and finisher. Noah will lead our team.”
Caden Martens, junior, defender. “Strong, tough leader of the defense.”
Chance Duncan, junior, forward. “Coming back from injury, looking to see what he can do to better the team. Has all the tools, just needs a chance to play.”
Ali Amusafir, junior, defender. “Solid defender, and when he wants to can really add to the offense.”
Cameron Cooper, sophomore, midfielder. “Goal scorer and assist man for us. He makes plays happen.”
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The Bulldogs also have several newcomers looking to make an impact this season.
“Cal Glissman, Colin Cahil, Zach Colench, Beckham Armstrong and others will be stepping up to varsity, and they have a chance to really make a difference for us,” Armstrong said. “We also have a talented group of freshmen that may get the opportunity to see the field on varsity if they put in the work.”
And the team has put in the work this summer with open fields, weight training and summer camps.
“We got to play some friendly games against local high schools,” Armstrong said. “We stayed active and healthy, so it was a good summer.”
The Bulldogs will participate in a jamboree at Washington with Waynesville on Aug. 24, and then open the regular season at home against OC foe Camdenton on Aug. 31.
“I think we are a very skilled and technical team,” Armstrong said. “We will need to make up for the size we are missing from the graduates. We will also need to develop new leaders to take us in the right direction.
“I expect us to be competitive in districts and conference. We did well last year but need to step it up and win a few more games.”
