By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
For Neosho boys soccer head coach Steve Schnackenberg, returning an experienced, solid core to the pitch is 2024 is a nice luxury to have.
For 27 years, Schnackenberg has roamed the sidelines and has witnessed the ups and downs a season can bring.
This year, the veteran coach is the direct beneficiary of a solid returning core, which he gladly will accept.
Returning starters to the pitch this season include the following: junior Cody Juarez-Vasquez, OB; junior Will Ebbinghaus, OB/F; senior Zane Thornberry, F/MF; senior Santino Gomez, MF, junior Cris Ornalles, F, junior Alan Estrada, MF; senior Ivan Ortega, CB; and senior Zeke Pupo, F/MF.
The team opens the 2024 campaign at the Rolla Shootout on Aug. 31, and as for the schedule, it is loaded one.
So, what would Schnackenberg like to see from his crew at Rolla?
“It is a good way to see some other teams. I think Hannibal is going to be there,” said Schnackenberg. “Good to see some different teams with different styles the more east you go. Just wanted to see something different and break these guys in and see what they have.”
Having balance in the schedule is an asset relative to the maturation process.
Said Schnackenberg: “Springfield and east of Springfield is just a different style. I think bringing that attention to the guys, that will help. The more experience we can get them, the more they can see. Those adjustments come a little bit better.
Returning seniors:
Zane Thornberry (2 goals in ’23), Santino Gomez Ivan Ortega and Zeke Pupo (2 goals in ’23), Carter Clapp, Obdin Oxlaj and Israel Alvarez.
“We have a lot of returning players who were young, so they are starting to mature,” said Schnackenberg. “We are starting to see that. We have some spots to fill, so we have some young guys ready to step up. That is where we are right now.”
Graduated players:
Losing a leader is never easy, but it’s a process for the ‘Cats in ’24 as they lost Marcos Ajtun (captain in 2023) and Rodrigo Carassaco (3 goals; offensive MVP).
Ajtun (2 goals) was one of five critical pieces the Wildcats look to replicate this season. Others include Jonathan Tribbey (54 saves) and Trenton Price (42 saves); and Luis Alonzo (OB).
“Marcos was a strong leader,” said Schanckenberg. “We have Santino [Gomez] and Zeke [Pupo], they seem to be stepping up in leadership roles. And Alan Estrada has really done a good job. That is kind of what we are searching for, a guy who can step into that role and really take a good crack at it.”
Under-the-radar players to watch:
Sophomores Franklin Maldonado, Baylor Wright, Axel Alvarado, Dereck Alvarado-Gomez and Marcus Morales.
Also, watch as sophomores Luis Martinez, Rhett Wilson and Caiden Welch look to step into the open goalkeeper position, Schnackenberg said.
Juniors Dilmer Vicente-Cruz and Billy Cifuentes also look take the next step this fall.
Preseason jamboree
The Wildcats will head to Joplin Aug. 27 for their preseason jamboree where they will face the host Eagles and the Monett Cubs.
The Wildcats are at Carl Junction on Sept. 9 and at McDonald County on Sept. 14 before their home opener against Waynesville on Sept. 17.
