By Chris Parker
Aurora soccer returns a wealth of experience from last season’s three-win team with 11 key players returning according to head coach Shawn Pennell.
This unit having experience together will help further their identity this season.
“We want our team’s identity to be ‘team over self,’ focusing on working together and supporting each other to achieve our goals,” Pennell said. “I’m focused on helping the players grow and prepare for future challenges. I hope we have a successful season and make the most of our opportunities.”
Look for junior midfielders Logan Strong and Jaylon Phillips along with senior Connor Bull (forward) to be team leaders this season.
“Their leadership, experience, and dedication make them crucial in guiding our team both on and off the field,” Pennell said.
Sam Freitas (senior) along with some underclassmen will join Bull at forward.
Senior Darian Dummit will be in the midfield with Strong and Phillips.
Look for juniors Denzel Figueroa, Chris Regalado, and Eduardo Gonzalez along with a few underclassmen at defender. James Powell will be in goal as a junior.
“Our team will be strong in defense and quick in attack. We have solid defenders and a skilled goalkeeper to keep goals out, and our midfielders and forwards will work well together to create scoring chances,” Pennell said. “We need to get better at scoring goals and make sure we all play more together as a team. This will help us be more effective and win more games.”
Aurora travels to Branson on Aug. 27 for a jamboree with the host Pirates, Bolivar and Cassville. The Houn’ Dawgs open the regular season on Aug. 29 at home against Lighthouse Christian.
