Fall 2017 Preview: Carthage Soccer

carthage-soccer

By Matt Turer – mturer@ky3.com
@Matt Turer

Carthage is primed for another deep postseason run after advancing all the way to the Class 3 state championship in 2016 (where they lost 6-0 to Rockwood Summit) and, before that, winning a ninth straight district title.

“I’ve been really pleased with the number of kids that have come to summer camps and workouts, and I think we’ll be one of the teams that will be battling for one of the top spots in our district and conference,” head coach Jacob Osborne said.

Senior forward Elder Reyes was last year’s Southwest Region MVP and a first-team all-state selection after putting up 30 goals and 12 assists. Expect him to be even better in his last year as a Tiger.

“He’s been of the top players in the area the past couple of years, and I expect that to continue,” Osborne said.

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Second-team all-stater and co-Southwest Defensive Player of the Year John Navarette (D/M) is back as well for his senior year. Osborne called him one of the smartest players in the area.

“He thinks the game so quickly and he plays a huge role in our possession game,” Osborne said.

Navarette was key for Carthage offensively (3 G, 5A). He kept the ball moving and set the tempo Carthage wanted. While he’s traditionally played a defensive role, Navarette may play up a little more this year.

Carthage will also lean on senior Mauricio Gonzalez (D) and sophomore David Garcia (M). Garcia had eight goals and seven assists as a freshman and is expected to make a big jump this fall.

“Marci was a little up and down last season. When he was on his game he was one of the best defenders in the area. He typically played well in our big games, but I expect him to play with more consistency this season. If he achieves that, he’ll be a standout player for us,” Osborne said.

Osborne seems very intrigued by what Garcia can bring to the table this year after putting up 23 points as a freshman.

“David played off the bench for us last year, but he was never intimidated by the moment, “Osborne said. “He had a really good season and found another level in the postseason, where he scored three of his goals. I think he’ll…have a big impact on our season.”

Two of those three postseason goals from Garcia were game-winners, and the third opened the scoring in Carthage’s 2-1 state quarterfinal win over Rolla.

The Tigers open their season Aug. 22 at Springfield Catholic. Their home opener is Aug. 24 against Webb City.

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