2020 Fall Preview: Joplin Soccer

joplin-13

By Brock Sisney (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

JOPLIN — Two seasons removed from a Class 4, District 11 title, the Joplin Eagles will attempt to build off a 13-10 overall record last season in head coach Josh Thompson’s second year at the helm of the Eagles program.

Normally, teams have a marked improvement during a head coach’s second year and the Eagles have a solid foundation for such a progression with eight returning starters and 14 more returning players.

“Having a senior goalkeeper in Josh Harryman protecting the net will anchor our defense,” Thompson said. “Josh Yarnall brings poise and leadership to an otherwise new back line. Grayson Stovern provides energy and aggressiveness whether he is in the middle of the field or the back line. Dilan Sanchez has done a great job of putting the ball in dangerous areas since his freshman year. Andrew Taylor and Brady Carter will provide a lot of firepower and creativity in the attack. They will be fun to watch. Connor Simon brings a lot of grit and determination to his side of the field. Luciano Reyes seems to always be in a dangerous position in front of the net.

CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF THE FALL PREVIEWS

“Overall, the bulk of this group has been playing together for a long time, and I am excited to see them out on the field. We want to end the season with a top seed for districts and see where we can go from there. If we embrace a team approach to defending and attacking, we will have some fun and win games. I want every player to take conceding goals personally, not just my back line and keeper. Our back line should feel just as responsible for creating chances in front of the net as my attacking midfielder.”

The Eagles’ returning starters are Harryman, Yarnall, Dilan Sanchez, Taylor, Reyes, Simon, Stovern, and Luis Alvarado. All-Central Ozark Conference second team selection Taylor netted 16 goals and Sanchez recorded 12 assists last season.

Other returners are Gray Cravens, William Cupp, Gabe DeLeon, Emmanuel Garcia, Joe Ipsen, Andrew Jordan, Justin Kilafwa, Abraham Montanez, Adam Montanez, Eric Nelson, Carlos Palma, Noah Pearson, Roberto Reyes, and Preston Stockton. The Eagles have 23 players overall in the mix for playing time.

“Brady Carter is returning to us for the first time since his freshman season,” Thompson said. “He has shown up with a lot of skill and determination. Gabe DeLeon will quickly be a contributor on the wings. Abraham Montanez and Joe Ipsen will be stepping into the starting lineup after proving their class last year. Preston Stockton will be able to show his speed at the top level this year. Roberto Reyes will be a defensive asset in the middle of the field after spending some time last year working on a position change. Gray Cravens, Eric Nelson, and Noah Pearson have all shown a lot of tenacity this summer and will be given some opportunities. William Cupp, Justin Kilafwa, Adam Montanez, and Carlos Palma all have speed and skill.”

Thompson named Harryman, Ipsen, Montanez, Stovern, Yarnall, Alvarado, Luciano Reyes, Sanchez, Taylor, Simon, and Carter as probable starters.

Joplin opens the 2020 season Sept. 1 on the road against conference and county rival Carl Junction.

Related Posts

Loading...