By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
When you talk about Glendale Soccer, the conversation usually includes another district title or a final four appearance, among other accomplishments.
The 2022 season was no different.
The Falcons captured their 11th-straight and 26th overall district championship on their way to a fourth-place finish in the Class 3 State Tournament, finishing the season 24-6 overall and 9-1 in the Ozark Conference.
“We challenged the boys to step up and take it personally that many teams would overlook them,” hall- of-fame coach Jeff Rogers said of the 2022 squad that had to overcome the graduation of a large 2021 class. “They accepted their roles and put together a great season.
“The boys wanted to leave their mark on the program like so many teams before them but with the attitude that they would have to go out and earn every win. We had to battle until the final whistle every night out. There are no guarantees in the postseason and this group found a way to win when it counted. We didn’t have a go-to player when it came to scoring, so each game someone would step up and provide the goals we needed to advance.”
Though the Falcons lose six key pieces to their fourth-place team from 2022, they do return their top two scorers to a young 2023 squad.
“We only have four seniors this year, which is one of our smallest classes to play at Glendale,” said Rogers, who collected his 1,000th combined boys’/girls’ victory last fall and is five wins from 600 with the boys’ program. “We will field another young team with very few players having varsity time on the field.”
Cung Nawl, senior, forward – Led the Falcons with 16 goals and added 8 assists; earned Class 3 Region 3 first-team, Class 3 All-District 5 first-team and All-Ozark Conference second-team honors. “Cung was hurt during our postseason run, but we had others find the back of the net,” Rogers said. “Cung can run up top or out wide and has great pace with the ball at his feet. We’re looking for him to have a big senior campaign.”
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Carson Tittsworth, junior, midfielder – 15 goals, 12 assists; Class 3 Region 3 first-team, Class 3 All-District 5 first-team and All-Ozark Conference second-team selection. “Carson had a great sophomore season and is set to leave his mark on our program with two years left to play. He is a speed player and has really worked hard in the offseason to improve attacking the goal.”
Raul Vazquez, sophomore, midfielder – 9 goals, 7 assists; Class 3 All-District 5 and All-Ozark Conference honorable mention pick. “Raul starred for us as a freshman, which rarely happens at Glendale. He is a very composed player on the field and is a fun player to watch develop.”
Jackson Harbaugh, junior, defender – Named Class 3 All-District 5 honorable mention and All-Ozark Conference second team. “Jackson played years ahead of his age last season like Carson and Raul. I think he is one of the best and (most) consistent defenders in the area. He will be asked to do more for us this season after graduating three of our four from our back line. He has the soccer IQ and defensive presence to make us successful.”
Jase Jaeger, sophomore, goalkeeper. “Jase played a backup role last year to varsity keeper Cole Vincel and will step into the role as our leader in goal. He has great game experience and will need to guide our defense.”
Dylan Spivy, senior, forward – “Dylan has provided us some great OT goals as a sophomore and junior; some of those were game-winners. He has varsity experience, and we will rely on him to have a big senior season to push our offense.”
Landon Butler, senior, midfield – “Landon has logged a lot of varsity minutes in the middle of the field for us. He is a consistent defender but has the ability to push play.”
“Isaac Chandler, Steven Meneses and Nathaniel Young earned varsity minutes last season and will need to step into filling major roles for us as we build to postseason. Turner Thompson, Riley Long and Brandon Martinez will be other young players that we hope will add to our competitive roster.”
A familiar face returns as senior midfielder Misha Trimble looks to contribute to the Falcons this season.
“Misha took a year off and I am happy he is returning,” Rogers said. “He played a lot his sophomore season and started many of the games. He is a very skilled player and has the ability to finish goals.”
Glendale will need to find a way to fill the void left by three all-state players, who were part of the Class of 2023.
Cole Vincel, goalkeeper – Class 3 All-State first team, Class 3 Region 3 Goalkeeper of the Year/first team, Class 3 All-District 5 first team, Ozark Conference Goalkeeper of the Year/first team.
Luis Castro-Hernandez, midfielder – Class 3 All-State first team, Class 3 Region 3 Player of the Year/first team, Class 3 All-District 5 first team, All-Ozark Conference first team.
Kynion Mitchell, defender – Class 3 Region 3 first team, Class 3 All-District 5 first team, All-Ozark Conference second team.
Ethan Thomas, defender – Class 3 All-District 5 first team, All-Ozark Conference honorable mention.
Elliott Webb, defender – Class 3 All-State second team, Class 3 Region 3 first team, Class 3 All-District 5 first team, All-Ozark Conference first team.
Lincoln Wimmer, midfielder – Class 3 All-District 5 honorable mention.
“This group of seniors played support roles as underclassmen but made full use of their senior year,” Rogers said. “We take pride in our traditions and each group leaving their mark. This group made Glendale’s ninth final four run and they will have a lifetime of memories accomplishing this with their teammates.”
The Falcons will participate in a jamboree with Nixa at Kickapoo on Aug. 22 before opening the regular season at OC foe Lebanon on Aug. 29.
“As always, we will use our tough schedule to prepare us for the postseason,” said Rogers, who will be inducted into the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame in October. “It is very likely that we will be in Class 4 this year, and when you look at the teams in Class 4, it will be quite a district playoff week.”
