By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Central Lady Bulldogs soccer team went 5-17 last year and graduated six starters.
But going by their energy and mindset throughout the offseason, one might think differently.
Head coach Nathan Cardoza enters his fourth season leading Central, and while an offseason injury tossed a wrench in the proverbial spokes, positivity is running rampant for the ladies in red and black.
Goalkeeper Tension Parker is out for the season with an injury sustained during the wrestling season.
Not the way Cardoza envisioned the 2026 season, but again, the girls are welcoming the adversity.
Intensity and a collective initiative give promise to this season, expanding on the culture.
“The returning girls this year have all been on the same page this offseason,” Cardoza said. “They are hoping to repeat that culture, and that is what we are looking to do again this year, just to build a culture of everyone is a part of this team, we are going to play together, and we all care about each other on and off the field.”
Returning this spring are senior defender and 2024-25 team captain, Finley Lothen.
Lothen was named all-district last year.
“I foresee her being a captain again this year,” Cardoza said.
Also returning for her junior campaign is midfielder Journey Hill, who returns as the team’s leading scorer with 16 goals (four assists).
Hill produced 76 percent of the team’s scoring last year and was named all-conference and all-district.
“She is currently out with an injury with her club team. Hopefully she will make it back by our first game,” Cardoza said of Hill. “I think she is going to be huge for us.”
Other notable returners include junior midfielder Natalie Crosby (2025 all-district honorable mention); junior defender Steela Green (2025 all-district honorable mention); and sophomore midfielder Agnes Werner-Click.
“I believe she is a big part of who we are this year,” Cardoza said of Crosby.
As for Green, her volleyball background translates well to the pitch.
“She is a true athlete, and I really like what she does for us,” Cardoza said of Green.
The trio returns as starters this spring and look to build from last year.
While production is expected to come from the aforementioned core, reinforcements from the freshman class has Cardoza optimistic, giving a new look and balance to the team.
Those freshmen are Maisie Rockne, Ezra Wasson and Leah Squibb, whose positions have yet to be solidified.
Central varies from other area programs, as the players do not play year-round, so team chemistry is paramount.
“As far as chemistry and what is different about Central, we truly do not have soccer players. We have kids who just want to play soccer,” Cardoza said. “We try to find [those] who play other sports, who have the athletic gene. Every year is a new year for us because we truly don’t know who we are going to have. Fortunately, I have a handful of girls who are leading the charge in that and trying to recruit their friends.”
The preseason jamboree is scheduled for March 17 at Mountain View, and will feature Central, Mountain View, Hillcrest and West Plains.
Central opens the season at Liberty-Mountain View on March 24 and the home opener is March 26.
