By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
For head coach Neal Bluel, the 10th year at the helm of the Monett girls soccer program could be one of a challenging nature.
Then again, it could be just what the team needs.
For the Lady Cubs, who authored a 5-14 record last year and graduated six players, having balance in the roster is fresh landscape for Bluel and company.
“It is kind of spread out this year, which is kind of unique. We had a big-time growing year. I think, depending on if they come out, four or five returning lettermen. We had a season last year where our numbers started out [fine] and they plummeted for different reasons throughout the season. We are kind of on a rebuild this year. We are going to have a bunch of new girls but will for sure have some returning lettermen.”
Those lettermen include Milly Villa (defender), Anahi Aguirre (midfielder), Abby Inman (defender), Eliana McElheny (GK, midfielder), and Abby Gaines (midfielder).
Back in the box this year will be McElheny.
Returning starters and seniors include the aforementioned players (outside of Gaines).
Leading the way last year was Aguirre, who finished with 23 goals and will be called upon again this year in leading the offense.
Aguirre is a player in which Bluel has some options regarding positioning.
“She is a four-year starter, someone we are looking at for some leadership,” Bluel said of Aguirre. “She can attack. [I] can sometimes put her on defense, sometimes on midfield, sometimes up front; just kind of depends on what we need. She has never played goalie, but I would not be opposed.”
Bluel said he expects the next step from Aguirre, who will serve as a field general this spring — serving as an extension of the coaching staff — as she helps to usher in the new wave of Lady Cubs.
“I expect her to continue to be a goal scorer for us this year. She has a way of getting goals from the midfield with freekicks and top-of-the-box shooting. She is a leader on the team as well, [and] I expect her to help our team through the season with positive energy as a captain.”
The Cubs will play Cassville, McDonald County and Aurora at the preseason jamboree.
“It would be a new jamboree that we have never done before,” Bluel said. “We are interested in getting a look at the new [BIG 8] conference. We play McDonald County, Aurora and Cassville two games each for our conference.”
The home opener is scheduled for March 24 against Neosho, which also is the season opener.
The Cubs went 5-14 last season, but with another season under their proverbial belts, Bluel said taking those lessons learned into the spring will be vital to this year’s success.
Keep an eye on Abby Inman’s maturation process as she hits the pitch for her senior campaign.
Said Bluel: “Abby Inman has played for us all four years and is a defender. Looking forward to her stepping up in a leadership role. She can play the ball out of the back, and [I] usually have her move up during the game and try to attack some. She is fit enough to handle that up and down play.”
Another player to watch is junior Liliana Merida.
“She is a forward/midfielder/outside midfielder and is one of our most-skilled players that we have. She gets on the ball and does not lose it very much. She will always finish with some sort of positive direction for the team — either passing or shooting,” Bluel said.
