2022 Spring Preview: Neosho Soccer

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By Brennan Stebbins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

It was an up and down season for Neosho’s girls soccer program last spring. The Wildcats opened with a four game winning streak but lost six in a row in the month of April. It ended with an overtime loss to Carl Junction in the Class 3 District 12 tournament and an 8-14 record overall.

“But they did a great job of peaking and playing their best soccer at the end of the year,” said head coach Steve Schnackenberg. “That’s when you want to play your best.”

Neosho graduated three players who earned postseason honors: forward Avery Renfro, an honorable mention All-Conference player in the Central Ozark Conference and first team All-District selection; Shelby Roberts, a first team All-District goalkeeper; and Kyra Hirshey, a second team All-District defender. Roberts led the team with 39 shots on goal and scored 20 times with four assists.

The list of returners includes seniors Breanna Alvarado and Erika Ornales. Alvarado was a first team All-District midfielder who had 30 shots on goal and scored seven times with four assists. Ornales was a second team All-District forward with 19 shots on goal, 10 goals and two assists.

Yulisa Maldonado returns after starting some in the defense and will take on a large role this year along with Loreli Pelep. Alvarado should be solid as the center midfielder along with Ornales, who’s started since her sophomore year as a wide midfield player. Gisele Vargas also returns to the midfield after dealing with some injuries that limited her time last year.

Emilee Bopp will step in as the team’s goalkeeper after playing that position at the junior varsity level. Ivie Briscoe will also step into a starting spot along with Abby Couto and Lindsey Cifuentes. Miranda Mendoza started as a sophomore at outside back and looks to take on a leadership role as a junior.

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One key will be the players who were around Renfro last year: Briscoe, Ornales and Alvarado.

“Those three fit in really good with Avery and I think they’re going to pick up where they left off,” Schnackenberg said. “Avery had a big part of it but those three will keep it together and add Maldonado up there and have her fit in for Avery. I think we’ll be alright there.”

Schnackenberg said overall numbers are up this year with close to 35 expected on the team and he’s had good offseason attendance from the freshman class.

“What I’ve seen right now is a real family atmosphere when these girls get together,” he said. “They’re so supportive of each other and gracious to be there. I think that’s going to be a key to get the season started and build throughout it is that camaraderie.”

“Early on I’m just going to look for people to fill in and maybe come into a varsity starting spot, step up and challenge for some spots,” he said. “We’re going to try to find people to come in and sub for us in a varsity game and having more girls out this year I think that will be easy. That was kind of a struggle last year, having numbers to get people on and off the field.”

Neosho won’t participate in a jamboree and opens the regular season March 24 against Liberty (Mountain View). The Wildcats have added a game with Miami, Oklahoma and Glendale.

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