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By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Everything came together at the right time for the Central Bulldogs.
Central won nine of 10 games to close the regular season then captured a district championship with wins over Kickapoo and Waynesville.
With many key pieces coming back, the soccer Bulldogs are hoping to duplicate – or top – their 2019 success.
“Hopefully we can return with the same type of playing style,” said Central’s coach, Dr. Christine Welch. “We had an incredible group of freshmen last year who elevated the upperclassmen to play at game speed every day. I think that there are some new players this year who will contribute to that same mindset.
“We have at least three-to-four players at each level (on varsity) who will continue the game speed and skill level with which their graduated seniors expected of them.”
Central returns two senior starters on a predominantly young team.
Forward Noe Winston is one of the area’s top returning goal scorers. The first team All-Ozark Conference selection netted 25 goals last season.
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“Noe is a powerhouse on offense,” Welch said. “Last season, he quickly became a strong and vocal leader for his teammates and continues to elevate his conditioning, speed and technical skills.”
Former midfielder Sam Nance thrived in a new role last season: defense.
“He is a quiet leader and is consistent with continuing to learn new skills, sharing them with his teammates and offering constructive opinions to his team and (coaching) staff,” Welch said.
Brett Turner returns in goal. The junior tallied 178 saves and an 83% save percentage in nearly 1,600 minutes played.
Like Nance, Turner – who was second team all-conference – also adapted quickly to a new position.
“Brett came up big in districts against Kickapoo and in several conference games,” Welch said. “He actually stepped into the goalie role voluntarily last season with little experience.
“He worked hard throughout the season to find his footing and style as a keeper and in the end, his persistence and hard work elevated his entire team.”
Fellow junior Will Young (five goals) is one of Central’s top returning goal scorers.
“Over the last two years, he has developed into a player who is willing to take risks and put himself out there for his team,” Welch said. “He continues to develop his speed of play, is tough against any opponent and reliably makes plays that can and have changed our direction for the better.”
Central returns a trio of sophomores who all have significant varsity experience: Julian Hom, Boston Hawkins and Spencer Henderson.
“Julian was an impact player immediately as a freshman,” Welch said. “He is a powerful and smart player. He’s intentional in everything he does. He started as a midfielder then was asked to use his strength on the defensive line and truly found his ideal place.”
Hawkins, a midfielder, made a name for himself with his focus, competitiveness and versatility.
“He’s one of those players who is easily adaptable to any position on the field,” Welch said.
Henderson, another midfielder, became a vital bench player for Central in the second-half of the season.
“We looked to him to not only fill any offensive (role) but also bring strength on the field. He built his confidence and skill throughout big games,” Welch said. “We look for him to take an even bigger step this season to fill positions left behind by graduating seniors. He is one to watch.”
The Bulldogs could bring in another talented rookie class this fall.
“We will have some incoming freshmen and possibly transfers, but at this time, their status or playing ability is unknown,” Welch said.
Central finished 15-7 overall last season, highlighted by its district championship.
The Bulldogs beat Kickapoo 2-1 in double-overtime in the district semifinals and topped Waynesville 3-0 in the title match. It was Central’s second district title in program history and first since 2015.
Central’s season ended with a loss to Jefferson City in the sectional round of the Class 4 state tournament.
The Bulldogs graduated a pair of experienced varsity players in Jung So and Wyatt Helm.
So, the Ozark Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year, tallied 24 goals in his senior season and was named all-state. He finished with 46 goals and 27 assists for his career.
So plans to continue his soccer and academic career at Drury University this fall.
“Jung made an impact the moment he stepped onto the field for us in 2017 and earned several accolades over his career,” Welch said. “He’s a strong center-mid with incredible power, skill and drive. He was creative in his play and was extremely smart in developing the next move for him and the entire team.”
Helm, who finished with three goals in his senior season, was a four-year varsity player who began in an offensive role.
“During his junior year, we tasked him with attempting the role of center defender and he quickly made that position his home,” Welch said. “He’s one of the smartest and most vocal leaders we’ve had in the program. He teaches and guides his teammates on the field.”
Like everyone, Central had an abbreviated offseason program.
“We usually do a camp with Parkview and combine our players to work on basic skill work, conditioning and small scrimmages,” Welch said. “However as (COVID-19) has progressed, there have only been a handful of our players who have participated in the allowable types of practices.
“Many players have been conditioning on their own and have been given suggested workouts to do throughout the summer. Things are very different these days as far as coming together as a team to train.”
The Bulldogs start the regular season August 28 at home against Springfield Catholic.
“Our team outlook for this season depends largely on reopening,” Welch said. “A majority of our team has been conditioning together throughout the summer and working on leadership, skill work and team bonding.”
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