By Denise Tucker (For Ozark SportsZone.com)
For just the second time in Glendale coach Jeff Rogers’ tenure, the Falcons did not play for a district title in 2023.
The Falcons, who won their 11th straight and 26th overall district title and finished fourth in Class 3 in 2022, lost to Nixa 1-0 in the Class 4 District 5 semifinals last season.
“I know we will use (this) as motivation this season,” said Rogers, who owns a career overall record of 1,071-402-70, including a 611-213-33 mark in 34 years as Glendale boys’ coach. “We will have depth and experience this year. It will be up to the boys to take every game and practice as opportunities for improvement.
“We have a great history at Glendale and each senior class wants to leave their mark on the program. This year will be no different and I am excited to watch this group of boys represent Glendale Soccer.”
The Falcons finished 16-8 overall, and 10-0 in Ozark Conference last season and return 13 players with varsity experience from the 2023 squad.
Carson Tittsworth, senior, midfielder – Scored 11 goals with 21 assists, was named Class 4 All-Region 3, Class 4 All-District 5 first team and All-Ozark Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year/first team. “Carson is a dangerous player going forward,” Rogers said. “He has great speed and the ability to set up a great shot on goal or put his teammates in a position for an attempt on frame. He had a great junior campaign and his desire to compete and find success is what our program is built on.”
Raul Vazquez, junior, midfielder – 6 goals, 4 assists, earned Class 4 All-District 5 first team, All-Ozark Conference second team honors. “Raul started on our varsity as a freshman, which is something that doesn’t happen at Glendale. He is a complete player and a coach’s dream with his style of play. He is calm on the ball, a great vision player and has developed a great shot from distance. He does a lot of the hard work in the middle of the field that drives our offense.”
Jackson Harbaugh, senior, defender – Dished out 2 assists, was named Class 4 All-District 5 first team and All-Ozark Conference first team. “Jackson is one of the best defenders in the area. He reads the game well, is strong in the air and has speed to defend against quick players. His confidence and leadership on our back line will be critical to our success this season.”
Jase Jaeger, junior, goalkeeper – Recorded 10 shutouts with a 1.2 goals-against average, earned All-Ozark Conference second-team honors. “Jase had a great sophomore season, and it is always great from a coaching standpoint to have a talented young player in goal as he will only get better. He is good at covering angles and distributing the ball. He can also make the saves required in big games when needed.”
Isaac Chandler, senior midfielder – 10 goals, 14 assists, Class 4 All-District 5 honorable mention. “Isaac is a rhythm player and once he gets going, he is the best player on the field. He had a great junior year and I know he wants to leave his name in our record books. He attacks well and can create opportunities not only for himself but for his teammates.”
Steven Meneses, senior defender – 1 goal, 6 assists, Class 4 All-District 5 honorable mention and All-Ozark Conference second team. “Steven can play multiple positions on the field. Last season, we moved him to our defense and he excelled. He is very difficult to beat 1-v-1 and has the ability to shut down players. Steven can be very dangerous going forward with the ball on his foot.”
Nathaniel Young, senior, midfielder/defender – 1 goal, 2 assists. “Nathan saw a lot of minutes last season and can play several roles for us. He is one of the hardest-working players and the field and plays with passion which his teammates feed off. He will help us in roles as a defender or a midfielder.”
Turner Thompson, junior, midfielder/defender – 2 assists. “Turner earned valuable minutes last year as a sophomore. He is very calm on the ball and can put our speed players in on the attack with his precision ball placement and vision. He has worked hard on shooting from distance and will be a handful for keepers tracking his shots.”
Riley Long, junior defender – 1 assist. “Riley started the majority of games last season as a sophomore. His confidence grew with every whistle, and he will be an integral part of our back line this year.”
Chandler Thurman, junior, defender – 1 goal, 3 assists, All-Ozark Conference honorable mention. “Chandler started the majority of games on our back line, and he has a very calm presence about him. He doesn’t panic under pressure, and he always has his head up with the ball at his feet, looking to connect with his teammates. He has the skillset to be moved around the field as well.”
Alejo Sarmiento, junior forward/midfielder – “Alejo had 4 goals and 3 assists last year. He is a great competitor and never gives up on a play. His work ethic and attitude on the field create good things for both him and his team.”
Eli Beeson, junior forward/midfielder – 3 goals, 3 assists. “Eli is a fun player to coach and watch compete. He has a great flow to his game with the ball at his feet. He is a creative player and that is hard for teams to defend. He can run through the mid or is dangerous working in front of the goal. He reads the game well and can break defenses down with his ball control.”
Karsten Stack, junior defender – “Karsten recorded a lot of minutes as a sophomore, and he stepped up to the challenge. He read the opposing teams’ buildup well and has the ability to step at the right time to disrupt play. We will look for him to become a vocal leader for us in the middle of the field this season.”
Glendale graduated four players from last year’s squad, including leading scorer forward Dylan Spivy (21 goals), a Class 4 All-District 5 first-team and All-Ozark Conference first-team selection, and Misha Trimble (midfielder), 19 goals, 19 assists, a Class 4 All-State honorable mention, Class 4 All-Region 3, Class 4 All-District 5 first team, All-Ozark Conference Player of the Year/first team honoree.
Also gone from the Class of 2024 include Landon Butler (defender), 1 goal, 6 assists, All-Ozark Conference honorable mention; and Giorgio Fontanelli (midfielder), 7 goals, 3 assists, All-Ozark Conference honorable mention.
“Dylan, Landon and Misha served as team captains and did a great job of encouraging our younger players,” Rogers said. “We have a lot a great tradition at Glendale and they left their mark on our program like so many classes before them.”
The Falcons will participate in a jamboree at Kickapoo on Aug. 22 before opening the regular season at home against Republic on Sept. 5. In addition, the Falcons will face conference and Southside rival Kickapoo on Oct. 23 at Missouri State University following the Missouri State-Saint Louis University men’s game.
“We will be an experienced group with depth and talent,” Rogers said. “Our goal has always been to use our schedule in regular season to prepare us for postseason play.”
