By Chris Parker
Webb City soccer has a new head coach in John Black this season. He inherits a program with five starters and eight lettermen returning.
Black wants his team to be about controlling the game in all facets.
“We want our identity to be defined by our ability to control the game with and without the ball — staying composed, organized, and disciplined in every phase of play,” Black said.
One all-conference player in Hudson Spikereit returns to the midfield where he was a second-team all-conference selection.
“Hudson Spikereit (is) a natural leader who leads by example,” Black said. “He consistently puts the team first and takes initiative in mentoring underclassmen.”
Goalkeeper Trystan Smith will be another key leader in his senior season.
“Trystan Smith acts as our vocal leader and field general. His ability to organize the defense and communicate clearly makes him a crucial presence on the field,” Black said. “(Smith) has made the most significant strides since last season. He served as the varsity backup goalkeeper last year, but dedicated himself during the off-season to improve.”
Abe Daniel (junior center back), Zane Endicott (senior center back), Jacob Annis (junior left back) and Gustavo Villanueva (sophomore right back) will be in front of Smith at defender.
Diego Aldrete (senior) and Eduardo Mejia (senior) join Spikereit in the midfield.
Up top at forward, look for Lusi Puerto (senior), Raymond Houston (senior), Sebastian Aldrete (sophomore) and Caetano Davila (senior).
Webb City opens the season with its home tournament Aug 28-30.
“We expect to be highly competitive this year,” Black said. “With our returning leadership and commitment to growth, we’re focused on taking the next step as a program.”
