The high school soccer team is gearing up for a promising 2024-25 season following a rebuilding year in which young athletes gained valuable experience. With many returning players, the team is focused on building upon the foundation laid last season.
“We’re very excited about the growth and potential of the program moving into this season,” head coach Eric Stutzer said. “Last season was marked by an influx of young and inexperienced athletes. We spent much of the offseason providing opportunities for them to get more time on the ball and develop the essential skills they were lacking.”
The offseason included winter, spring, and summer training camps, with the summer camp led by professionals from the Total Futbol organization. Stutzer noted that the players have shown improvement in both their skills and confidence, which should strengthen the team’s performance.
This year, the program will field both varsity and junior varsity teams, giving younger athletes the chance to compete at developmentally appropriate levels. The majority of last season’s roster returns, led by a solid group of juniors and seniors who have worked hard to increase their soccer knowledge and improve their physical conditioning. Notable players include Ivan Ogden and Jack Simmons, who are expected to make significant contributions on both offense and defense.
“Jack has not only improved his own play but also took the initiative to work with the coaching staff to pilot programs in our elementary schools,” Stutzer said. “These programs allowed our players to coach and inspire young athletes, which has been a great experience.”
This years varsity roster includes: Gavin Gardner, Ivan Ogden, Sam Ramsey, Logan Andersen, Hayden Smith, Josh Aker, Ben Perry, Felix Lopez, Keeghan Gittins, Conner Stevens, Elisha Scofield, Jack Simmions, Eli Cruz, Levi Ayala and Kace Stevens.
In addition to the returning players, a skilled group of freshmen from the junior high program will join the team, with several, including Felix Lopez and Levi Ayala, expected to see varsity action this season. On the defensive side, senior Josh Aker, who didn’t play last year, brings much-needed speed and defensive strength, helping to offset the loss of two starters due to offseason injuries. Assistant coach Rowland Lupoli will also return to help with the defense.
“Our biggest goal for the season is unity,” Stutzer said. “We believe that if we come together as a team and apply what we’ve learned in camps and clinics, we can surprise some of the teams in our league.”
Their first game of the season, played away against the Siuslaw/Mapleton Vikings (1-0) on Sept. 3, they lost 1-9.
“Siuslaw’s team speed was a huge factor and caused us problems throughout the match,” Stutzer said. “They had six skilled players who were faster than our fastest player, which led to some ball watching and miscues. We struggled defensively from the start and gave up several corner kicks due to mental errors. That, along with a handball, led to four goals by halftime.”
The team faced further challenges when three defensive starters were lost during the match. Despite this, the team gained offensive momentum in the second half, with Ivan Ogden scoring their only goal late in the game. Stutzer emphasized this game as a learning opportunity.
“We spent considerable time in practice addressing defensive play and personnel assignments on corner kicks,” he said.
Although their very next game versus East Linn Christian was canceled, the team remains optimistic. Their next game will be played away against Junction City/Harrisburg (1-1) at 5 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 10.
