By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The success of the 2022 season has the Carthage Tigers eyeing even better results this fall.
The Tigers finished 16-8 overall and 7-2 in the Central Ozark Conference (second place) and were placed in a highly competitive district – Class 4 District 6, which included eventual state champion, Rockhurst. Carthage dropped a first-round matchup against Raymore-Peculiar, 3-2, to end the 2022 campaign.
“We had a good season last year; it was a really fun group,” said Jacob Osborne, who enters his 15th year as the Tigers’ head coach and 19th year coaching at Carthage. “The players who were a part of the team were able to see how much the culture of the team can impact the performance on the field. They worked hard on and off the field and they got along with each other really well.
“Summer attendance and attitudes have been great. We didn’t have any summer workouts that had fewer than 60 kids until July, and we still haven’t dropped below 50.”
Carthage returns nine seniors, including one of top players in the area, three juniors and a sophomore this season.
Welle Welle, senior, forward/defender – Scored 23 goals with 12 assists. Earned Class 4 All-State honorable mention, Class 4 All-Region 3 and All-Central Ozark Conference first-team honors. “Welle is one of the most talented players I have ever coached,” Osborne said. “He’s a very versatile player that can stand out no matter what position he plays. He obviously brings a lot to the team on the field, but he’s also a very strong leader. He will be a four-year starter.”
Henry Hernandez, senior, midfielder – Scored 10 goals with 6 assists. Named to All-Central Ozark Conference first team. “Henry is another four-year varsity starter. He was overlooked by some teams in the area last year. He’s a fantastic player who was the best player on the field for some of our games last year. Last year, he made the switch to the midfield from the defense and that will continue this year.”
Silas Laytham, senior, forward – 20 goals, 6 assists. Selected to All-Central Ozark Conference second team. “We aren’t a very big team, but Silas gives us great size. He’s very athletic and strong. He and Welle gave almost everyone we played last season a lot of problems because if you key in on one of them, the other will make you pay. We hadn’t had a 20-goal scorer at our school since the last time we made the final four back in 2016, and last season we had two. I look for (Silas) to continue this kind of impact this season. He’s grown a little more and has put on some more muscle. I think he will have a more recognized season than last year.”
Edson Lopez, senior, defender – “Last year, Edson transitioned to the defense and he did a great job. He will be an important defender for us this season.”
Danilo Lopez, senior, defender – “Danilo was voted co-defender of the year for our team last season. It was his first year on varsity. He’s a really good player who is also a good leader. He can be a standout player for us.”
Aldo Sanchez Cancinos, junior, midfielder – 5 goals, 2 assists. “I believe he is due to make a nice jump this year. He’s put in a lot of work in the offseason. He is one of the most skilled players we have and he will play an important role for us this season.”
Anderson Reyes, Senior, midfielder – “Anderson was another under-the-radar player for us last season. He played more of a defensive midfield role for us. He’s a great ball-winner and a very smart player that sets the tempo for us. He’s another returning starter for us that gives us some really good continuity.”
Isaias Tello, Senior, Goalkeeper – “Isaias was our backup goalie last season, but he got a decent amount of playing time. We will need him to step up this season since he will have a bigger role, but we believe he is ready for it. He’s capable of making big reaction saves and he’s strong with his feet so that is a benefit to us since we are a strong possession-based team.”
The Tigers have other returning varsity players, who will be in the team’s rotation again this season and will have bigger roles this season, including Marvin Najera (senior, defender), Eri Mendez (junior, defender) and Bryan Ordonez (senior defender).
Bagner Barrios (sophomore, midfielder) and Reece Horton (junior, striker), played mostly junior varsity last season but did get some varsity minutes. Osborne said that experience should help them this season as full-time varsity players.
There are plenty of newcomers who could make an impact on the Tigers’ roster this fall.
Axel Vazquez, junior, midfielder – “Axel will have a big role in the midfield this year,” Osborne said. “He was voted the JV MVP last season. He’s a really smart player that I have been really impressed with this summer.”
Henry Laytham, freshman, defender – “Henry is the last of the three Laytham brothers. Like Silas, he also has great size and athleticism. He’s a very smart player that has impressive passing range. He’s going to be a very important player for us over the course of the next four years. He’s grown up as mainly a midfielder, but with the makeup of this year’s team, he will likely play in the defense for us, but he has the potential already to be a very important player for us this season.”
Josue Garay-Elias, junior, midfielder – “This will be Josue’s first season at the varsity level, but he’s ready for it. He was a standout JV player last year and completely looks like he belongs at the varsity level this summer. He will be an important rotational player for us.”
Christopher Gonzalez, senior, defender – “Christopher didn’t play last season, but he’s come to all of the workouts this summer and he’s looked strong. His role is still to be seen, but he has won himself a spot on the team and he could potentially play an important role.”
The Tigers will have a lot of depth this season but face the loss of several all-conference players who graduated last spring.
George Laytham, midfielder – Scored 8 goals with 3 assists. “George was a starter ever since he moved here as a sophomore. He was one of the best midfielders in the area over that time. He will be a very difficult player to replace. We won’t be able to replace everything he did for us. He’s a great kid and a great player.”
Kleverzon Paz, defender – “Kleverzon was voted Co-Defensive Player of the Season by the team. He started for three seasons and was a very good center back that was strong in the air and strong in tackles.”
Eric Garcia, midfielder – Scored 7 goals with 8 assists; named All-Central Ozark Conference second team. “Eric was a four-year varsity player and was an important midfielder for us.”
Neyzer Ramos, forward – “Neyzer split time between striker and defense. He was an important bench player for us.”
Jorge Mendes, forward – “We had high hopes for Jorge last season, but unfortunately, he was held back by a health condition that has affected his life for many years. Thankfully, since last season, he has received the transplant he needed and is doing very well.”
Julio Lopez, goalkeeper – “Julio was our starting goalkeeper last year. He had some games where he came up big for us.”
Carthage will host a jamboree on Aug. 21 that includes Webb City, Carl Junction and College Heights, and will open the regular season at home against Republic on Aug. 29.
“I’m optimistic about us having a strong season,” Osborne said. “We have a lot of returning players and we have a very potent offensive attack that is returning. We are very skilled and technical. We will have a very high percentage of possession and we have the attackers available to make use of that possession by turning it into goals.
“I also really like the commitment from our players. They want to be there and they want to get better. Summer workouts are not mandatory, but we still have had almost all varsity players showing up to all of the workouts. They also really enjoy being around each other. It’s been a continuation of last season in that respect because last year was one of the more enjoyable coaching seasons I have had and it’s felt the same this summer.”
