By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
With 11 consecutive winning seasons and five district titles since 2016, the Ozark boys soccer program has emerged as one of the region’s toughest teams to beat.
That foundation is as strong as ever — and the Tigers have no plans of slowing down.
“It is a mindset at this point and a desire to play for our school, our community and each other,” Ozark coach Zack Owens said. “We have a program now that is built on competitiveness and a standard of excellence. We have also done a lot of work with our youth and growing that in our town. We are starting to see the fruits of that labor.”
Following an 18-9 season, that culture of excellence is now in the hands of a group of leaders eager to avenge last year’s season-ending loss to archrival Nixa in the district tournament.
It was Ozark’s first loss to the Eagles in five years.
“We have a lot of seniors this year and while that does not always mean good leadership, this group definitely has some good ones,” Owens said. “They understand what comes with leading this program and what it will take to be successful.”
Two of those seniors, Carson Sandgren and Brady Schupp, earned all-conference honors last fall.
Sandgren, the team’s keeper, led a defense that held opponents to 1.3 goals per game.
“We are very excited for Carson to be between the sticks for us this season,” Owens said. “He is such an amazing keeper and extremely consistent. He is the anchor of our team and a big leader for us.”
Schupp was also named to the all-district team following his eight-goal year.
“Brady might be our most well-rounded player right now,” Owens said. “He is a good leader and could play almost any position for us. We are excited to see where that might land him depending on what we need tactically and who steps up and where.”
Fellow seniors Simon Yates, Jesse Lepent, Seth Peeples and Evan Growcock will bolster the backline, while classmates James Nemeti, Trey Burton, Kaden Chapman and Luke Stanton will lead the midfield.
Owens on Yates: “Simon has had a great offseason and is ready to go. He has a huge heart for this sport and is a player ready to tackle any challenge we throw his way. He can play on both sides of the ball and could be utilized as such.”
Owens on Lepent: “Jesse is another player we are expecting big things from this season. He has been vocal this offseason about expectations from himself and the team. He is ready to take on whatever challenge we throw at him and we have confidence he will succeed at it.”
Owens on Peeples: “One of our fastest players on the team. He is hard to get around due to that quality. He will help lead our defense this year and with some consistency on both sides of the ball, he is going to have a huge year for us.”
Owens on Growcock: “Evan is another player that is smart, plays within himself and wants to get the job done. We will also be looking to get him involved as much as possible on the field. Typically a defender but can play in the attack for us on the wings as well.”
Owens on Nemeti: “James has some qualities that are hard to find such as speed, strength and can hit from just about anywhere in the attacking half. We are going to be looking for him to be a big force in the offense this season.”
Owens on Burton: “Trey has athleticism that most players just do not have. He is quick, agile, and a fierce competitor. He has a no quit attitude and is willing to do anything it takes to get the job done. We’re very excited to see him perform this season.”
Owens on Chapman: “Kaden could be stepping into a big role for us this season. We will be looking to see where he fits in best that will get him the most time on the field and be successful. He is fast and has a good mind for the game.”
Owens on Stanton: “Luke is a handful 1v1 to try and defend. He is that player working behind the scenes on footwork and skill all the time. We are looking for him to step into a big role in the attack and net some goals.”
Junior Ian Soto returns to the midfield following a four-goal, six-assist campaign that earned him a spot on the all-conference team.
“Ian has been one of the hardest workers we have on this team and it shows,” Owens said. “His junior year could be amazing for him. We will utilize him in the midfield because he has every quality to succeed there and be one of the best in the area. His consistent play is what sets him apart from others.”
Fellow junior Kian Sorlie is also back, while sophomore Beckett Sorlie and junior Carter Rickard will look to make their full-time varsity debuts..
Owens on Kian Sorlie: “Kian has a very intelligent mind for the sport. He sees the field very well and executes more often than not. He has worked on a lot in the offseason and will be a huge part of our midfield this season.”
Owens on Beckett Sorlie: “The sky is the limit for him if he is performing like we need him to. He — like his brother Kian — is a very smart player and knows the game extremely well.”
Owens on Rickard: “Carter is a good player and highly intelligent as well. He is versatile and builds his skill all the time. We will look for him to get involved in the midfield for us and take on the challenges that are in front of him.”
Seniors Eli Metcalf, Sebastian Villarreal and Austyn Mains will look to clinch varsity spots.
“All wonderful people and are hungry to get involved,” Owens said.
Ozark will host Parkview, Central and Republic for an August 22 jamboree, then kick off the regular season on August 28 at Capital City.
“I am really excited to see us get going into match play,” Owens said. “We have loaded this season with tough matches home and on the road. The record might not reflect how talented this team could be based on how difficult the schedule (is) — but we do that on purpose. It prepares us for the postseason on so many levels. It keeps us hungry and humble.”
