By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Branson Pirates boys soccer team will be under new leadership this season as alum Kyle Sutton has returned to his alma mater to lead the Pirates after the retirement of former head coach David Brenner.
Sutton served as an assistant under Brenner for two years prior to taking over the program.
This year, the Pirates, after graduating 10 off last year’s team, including the top two scorers in Cash Hedricks and Sean Dailey, return four experienced, vital pieces in Yandel Hernandez (senior defender); Jansen Stout (senior defender); Camilo Miranda (senior forward) and Dylan Hill (junior midfielder).
Sutton said roughly 90 percent of the team’s scoring graduated, but returning seven seniors will help balance out the attack this fall.
Those seniors include Hernandez, Stout, Miranda, Azariah Boyd (D); Romeo Loa (MF); Javen Conway (D) and River Fronterhouse (D).
Key additions include Connor Cox, a junior forward; Kale Hinkle, a sophomore forward, and Liam Hill, a junior goalkeeper.
Hill is expected to flourish with another offseason under his belt, Sutton said.
The outlook this fall is simple: build off what has already been established.
The Pirates authored a 12-13 record last year, netting 69 goals while surrendering 50.
Sutton expects that to change with another offseason and the progression he has seen over the summer months corroborates that vision as nine lettermen return.
Said Sutton: “We definitely have some experience. The younger guys have played some here and there the past couple of years, [and they] now are getting the chance to step it up on the varsity squad. This summer I have seen a lot of willingness to understand a new system, to understand a new coach and a willingness to compete, which I think will be our biggest asset moving forward.”
While fans know the names Hernandez, Stout, Miranda, Boyd, Loa; Conway and Fronterhouse, the development of the younger players will play a crucial role this fall … and seasons to come.
“We are kind of moving to that phase in our program, where it has been built up the past couple of years. We have the talent that we need. It is just getting that mindset in line with where it needs to be in terms of the mentality of going into games ready to compete, ready to win instead of playing not to lose. It definitely has shown up this summer with guys showing up for our offseason, ready to compete and doing what needs to be done to win.”
The program’s shift is including elements from Brenner as well as Sutton’s stamp on the program.
The changes are constant but relatively familiar.
“There is definitely a lot that I have taken from Coach Brenner,” Sutton said. “Having been through the program and playing for him, I have seen what works. As a player, what I thought could have been different, so I think that gives me a really good perspective on seeing things. Definitely a lot of influence from Coach Brenner in what I do, just going about it in a different way. Same ideas, same principles. Just giving it to the kids in a different avenue is a big thing for me.”
On Aug. 25, the Pirates will travel to Lebanon to battle the Yellowjackets and the Liberators of Bolivar for the preseason jamboree.
Branson kicks off the season Aug. 28-30 at the WC Kickoff Classic before heading to Nixa on Sept. 2 and Ozark on Sept. 9.
The home opener is scheduled for Sept. 18 against Kickapoo.
