By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
At Glendale, soccer isn’t just a fall sport.
It’s an institution.
The Falcons have won 27 district titles since head coach Jeff Rodgers took over the program in 1990. In those 35 seasons, there have only been two years where they have not played in the district championship game.
One of those rare misses came just two seasons ago — but the Falcons didn’t stay down for long. They bounced back with a 21-3-1 record, won another district championship and came within a goal of reaching what would have been the program’s 10th Final Four.
With that history behind them, the Falcons enter each fall knowing exactly what’s possible. And with a strong core returning, they should be right back in title contention this season.
“Our kids always buy into our traditions,” Rogers said. “They understand our history and can name our top players from the past 35 years. We have played in nine Final Fours and have played for a state title twice. It is extremely difficult to make a Final Four — and once you are there, you are playing some great programs. I know the boys will work hard to put themselves in a position to be successful.”
The first order of business for the Falcons is finding a way to replace the Class of 2025, which included all-state honorees Isaac Chandler and Carson Tittsworth.
The duo combined for 39 goals last season and are taking their careers to the next level, with Chandler at Johnson County Community College and Tittsworth at Drury.
Fortunately, the Falcons have plenty of depth – including a nine-player senior class.
“We have an experienced group returning and have lots of younger players wanting to step up and leave their mark on our program,” Rogers said.
Leading the way is senior midfielder Gage Weston, who was also named to the all-state team following a 26-goal, 13-assist season.
“He has explosive speed and puts himself in scoring opportunities,” Rogers said. “Gage is an unselfish player and many times will lay a ball off for a teammate. I am excited to see how he will finish out his career as a Falcon.”
Classmates Jase Jaeger, Raul Vazquez, Chandler Thurman, Dylan Kruse, Greyson Stenger, Turner Thompson, Riley Long and Kirsten Stack will also look to close out their career strong.
Jaeger, an all-conference keeper, recorded 12 shutouts in 16 appearances last year.
“Jase is a very technical keeper that has been in a varsity role since his sophomore season,” Rogers said. “He plays at a high level and has the confidence required for his position. He had a .75 GAA last year, which is impressive considering the teams we play. He is also a great vocal leader.”
Vazquez, a midfielder, and Thurman, a defender, were both all-conference selections last fall.
Vazquez scored seven goals, including the golden goal in the district championship game.
“He is a dangerous player on the field and one that can deliver big goals for us,” Rogers said.
Thurman will spark the defense.
“I receive more praise (from) opposing coaches after they watch Chandler play,” Rogers added. “He is very composed on the ball. We will rely on his leadership to anchor our back line this year. He has all the tools to be one of the best defenders in the area/state.
Stenger, Kruse and Thompson scored seven goals apiece last fall. All three can play in the midfield, while Thompson – a Drury commit – can also play the backline.
Rogers on Stenger: “He has a work ethic and speed that allows him to win possession and advance play. He also has a unique ability to be in the right spot in front of the goal to create scoring opportunities.”
Rogers on Kruse: “He is a confident player going forward with the ball and has the ability to strike a dangerous ball from distance.”
Rogers on Thompson: “He is a natural defender but has great vision in putting our offensive players in attacking space.”
Long and Stack will also feature prominently in Glendale’s defense.
Rogers on Long: “Riley has played on our back line since his sophomore year. He has great speed and is very strong in defending balls in space against fast opponents.”
Rogers on Stack: “Kirsten is a great example to our younger players. He is a natural positive leader. He shows up to train when no one is around and has a desire to push himself to be his best.”
Despite the senior-heavy roster, players like Ross Hertel, Cash Hutches, Dylan Moran, Kruse Mitchell and Andres Garcia will have the opportunity to claim spots in the starting lineup.
“All have the ability to be impact players for us this year,” Rogers said.
Cole Guillot, Memphis Tuttle, Koy Carroll, Luke Squires, Cooper Washam, Logan Green and Blake Stone are younger Falcons who could push for varsity playing time.
“All have the technical abilities and experience to help us make a postseason run,” Rogers said.
With new faces in the lineup, the Falcons will once again lean on a program philosophy that’s shaped decades of sustained success.
“Our kids play year-round and have lots of technical skills and play various formations,” Rogers said. “I have been playing the same system for the last 30-plus years, but we adapt based on our strengths and opponents. We always use the season to play the best teams we can to expose us and hopefully put us in a position to peak in late October.”
Glendale’s first action of the fall will come on August 26, when they travel to Kickapoo for a jamboree with the Chiefs and Nixa. The regular season officially starts September 5 at Vianney.
“We will always get an opponent’s best game,” Rogers said. “I know many teams look forward to playing us and we always expect hard-fought, close games.”
