By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The 2022 season was a season of change for the Republic Tigers, as they were faced with learning a new system under a new coaching staff and trying to find a way to replace 80 percent of their offense from the 2021 season.
Despite the challenges, head coach Jesus Zuniga said there was tremendous growth within the program.
“I praise our players for having to adapt to the new leadership changes in the coaching staff,” said Zuniga, who enters his second season at Republic and as a varsity head coach. “Eight of our 19 losses were in overtime or by one goal, and three more were by two goals.
“Just as the players were adapting to new leadership, the coaching staff was still developing and building relationships with the players as the season went on. The gentlemen never gave up and came to every practice with a mindset to learn and get better.”
The Tigers return eight seniors, two juniors and just 18 percent of the offense from a team that finished 5-19 overall and 2-7 in the Central Ozark Conference last year.
Santino Stiglianese, senior, forward/midfielder – Second-leading goal scorer with 6; started 18 of the 22 games he played. Zuniga on Stiglianese: “Adapted from playing in the middle of the field to playing up top and out wide; became lethal on set pieces.”
Xavier Ulshafer, senior, goalkeeper – Class 4 All-District 5 honorable mention, saved 75.45 percent of the shots, allowed 54 of 58 goals with 166 saves; started 22 of 23 games. “He had one shutout last year and wants to have several more this year. Xavier was voted captain his junior year by his peers.”
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Brayden Tharp, senior, midfielder – Scored 2 goals with 1 assist; started 19 of 24 games. “Continually works hard and looks to improve himself and his team; will do all the hard work that doesn’t earn any stats.”
Diego Zuniga, junior, midfielder/forward – Leading scorer with 7 goals and 1 assist; Class 4 All-District 5 first team, All-Central Ozark Conference second team; started all 22 games he played in.
Michael Argo, senior, defender – Started 11 of 22 games; second in blocks behind Ethan Meyer, who graduated last year.
Will Brock, senior, defender – Started 16 of 21 games; 4 blocks (third most of returning players)
Kleber Perez, senior, forward/midfielder – Scored 2 goals; started 9 of 23 games he played in.
Miles Thomas, junior, defender/midfielder – Only player to start in all 24 matches last year; 5 blocks (second most of returning players)
Dakota Thompson, senior, defender – Scored 1 goal; played in nine varsity games and some JV minutes last year but was in the offensive third. “He has made some changes in the offseason and has now focused on his defensive skill set, and will provide great minutes in our back line. Dakota is great in the air, whether that be offensively or defensively.”
Mason Cole, senior, forward/midfielder – Scored 1 goal with 2 assists; started 8 of 23 games and is a two-sport fall athlete, as he kicks for the Republic football team, as well.
“Last season was our first year together,” Zuniga said. “Players were adapting to the new coaching style and coaches were trying to earn the trust of the players. We now have had a year to build relationships and establish a rapport that will allow us to all work together.”
Zuniga said the Tigers’ summer training attendance has been impressive, creating healthy competition for every position from both the returning players and the varsity newcomers.
Caleb Miclea, junior, forward – Zuniga on Miclea: “Played exceptionally well last year in the offensive third for our JV squad, and I hope that translates to the varsity level. Caleb has a knack for finishing goals and has some speed with the ball to throw off defenders; will be a great player to rotate in our attack.”
Isaac Vermule, sophomore – “Played in the midfield last year, and this summer has shown to be a very strong utility player that we have used in the back line but also in the midfield. Isaac will give us more depth, if not a consistent starter. He is one of many underclassmen that will hold our upperclassmen accountable this season.”
Mason Tackett, sophomore, defender – JV captain last year. “Mason has looked great during our summer workouts and is wanting to be a consistent varsity starter. Mason did receive some minutes at the varsity level as a freshman last year, and he will look to continue to build rapport with the upperclassmen and help solidify a back line that will have several new faces. Mason was a backup goalie for our varsity goalkeeper last year but is a versatile player.”
Elijah Phiri, sophomore, defender/midfielder – “Elijah earned a few minutes at the varsity level as a freshman last year, before suffering an injury that sidelined him most of the season. Elijah looked great in the midfield last year and allowed us to use the width of the field, but he has looked sharp this summer on the back line. Elijah does an excellent job pushing forward as an outside back but has played some as a center back this summer. Elijah has great size and is very athletic, sees the field well and wants to earn consistent varsity minutes this year.”
Koal Williams, freshman, forward/midfielder – “Koal has impressed everyone this summer. He can play goalkeeper or in the attacking third. Koal uses both feet comfortably and finds ways to put the ball in the back of the net. He tries to get his surrounding teammates involved in all areas of the pitch and has started in several varsity scrimmages this summer.”
Republic will look to fill the void left by all-district and all-conference first-team defender/midfielder Ethan Meyer, defender Gage Fisher, forward/midfielder Connor VanMatre, midfielder/defender Caleb Hicks, and Zach Irwin and Adrian Analla. Meyer is heading to Rome City Institute in Rome, Italy, to continue his soccer career while studying abroad.
“We are returning several players who have varsity minutes,” Zuniga said. “This group appears to truly not care who gets the credit and the work ethic this summer has been phenomenal. Our boys appear to have a higher level of fitness at this time of the year compared to last year.
“The willingness to learn and adapt to opponents will be a huge strength, as well as our dedication to the game and detail.”
The Tigers will host a jamboree on Aug. 18 before opening the regular season at home against Waynesville on Aug. 25.
“We are fortunate to have several returning players who are extremely eager to get our season underway,” Zuniga said. “We look to continue to build off where we had ended last season. I expect us to continue to get better as the season goes on but understand we have a strong schedule and an extremely difficult conference that will prepare us for the postseason.
“I expect our boys to earn more wins this year, continue to help their community through food distributions at a local church or a youth program initiated in the spring, finish in the top half of our conference, and set ourselves up to be able to compete in an always difficult conference and district.”
