By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Marshfield boys soccer team will have a younger roster this fall, with just one senior guiding them through inaugural season in the Ozark Mountain Conference.
The Bluejays graduated six members of the team that went 5-15-1 last fall, creating plenty of opportunities for returning players and newcomers to earn varsity playing time.
The Bluejays believe this season will help lay a solid foundation for the future of the program.
“We are hoping to improve this season on the defensive end of the field,” Marshfield coach Tom Searson said. “And since we will only be graduating one player, we should be able to figure some things out on the offensive end that will help us in the 2025 season as well. Goals were hard to come by last year as we play a lot of solid teams with good defenses. We just need to figure out what is going to work for us and get as good at it as we can.”
Marshfield will look to senior goalkeeper Kevin Jones to provide leadership and a steady presence in net.
“He is a hard-working kid who gives 100 percent in everything he does,” Searson said.
Juniors Kannon Cordova and Karter Massie will also return, likely anchoring Marshfield’s defense.
“Both guys have been consistently putting the time in this summer and I think they will do a great job this year,” Searson said.
The rest of Marshfield’s lineup is yet to be determined, with competition throughout the midfield and forward positions.
“I’ve got a few juniors who I hope have great years and can consistently make a mark on the game as well as a large group of sophomores who are looking to fill in to some varsity starting roles,” Searson said. “I’m hoping these sophomores and juniors will have the types of seasons that will get their names out there. We had quite a few freshmen and sophomores who earned some valuable experience and are poised to have breakthrough performances this season. This is a year when there will be ample opportunities for returners and new players to make their mark.”
The move to the Ozark Mountain Conference will also create some new opportunities for the Bluejays. They retain their conference rivalry with fellow former Big 8 member Logan-Rogersville, while adding new ones with Bolivar, Branson, Carl Junction and West Plains.
“All of these teams in the conference are quality programs and I am excited to see the level of competition they will bring,” Searson said. “All of these schools will be good preparation for postseason play.”
Marshfield will open the regular season on August 31 at Fair Grove. Its home opener is scheduled for September 10 against Lebanon.
“One thing I think most teams know about us is that we will come ready to work hard,” Searson said. “No matter what skill level we have at Marshfield, I feel like our players give a great effort and compete no matter who we are playing.”
