By Chris Parker
Carl Junction soccer will look to improve on back-to-back five-win seasons behind six returning starters and 10 returning lettermen.
Gabin Cowger (junior center mid), Quinn Vogle (senior center back), Carter Gau (senior forward) and Nolan Blackford (senior midfielder) will be the team leaders according to head coach Ed Miller. Cowger will be one of the captains, and he will have the ball at his feet often. Vogle will run the back line. Gau will be looked to for a scoring punch. Blackford was injured last season but is healthy this year.
Sophomores Nolan Couk and Travis Lewis will join Gau at forward.
Cowger and Blackford will be joined by Shea Perkins (junior), Dillon McGuire (junior), Kale Trosper (sophomore), Carson Keller (junior), Samule Hammond (sophomore) and Josh Helton (freshman) in the midfield.
“I think the midfielders (will be a strength),” Miller said. “We’re counting on them to help with the offense and defense. We feel there are some key players in those spots.”
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Zach Teeter (sophomore), Ryan Landolt (sophomore), Hunter Falcon (junior) and Nolan Moorhouse (sophomore) will be on defense with Vogel.
Sophomore Blake Miller and senior Josh Brown will be tasked with goalkeeping duties.
Carl Junction had many close losses last year that the Bulldogs hope to turn into wins this season.
“Last year we lost nine games by one goal and if we can find the back of the net this year, we hope to change those losses into wins,” Miller said.
Carl Junction travels to Carthage for a jamboree on Aug. 21 with the host Tigers, Webb City and College Heights. The Bulldogs open the regular season on Aug. 25 at the Lebanon Tournament.
“The boys have worked hard in the off-season to get touches on the ball and get bigger, faster, and stronger,” Miller said. “If we can find the back of the net and win some of the close games, we will be a confident team going into the post season.”
