While Carthage did graduate several key players from last year’s strong season, the Tigers have a talented group of upperclassmen returning with the goal of duplicating the success from a year ago.
The Tigers, which haven’t had a sub-.500 season under head coach Jacob Osborne since the 2014 campaign, finished with a 16-8 record last year and finished in second place in the Central Ozark Conference standings. However, Carthage did graduate notable seniors such as MF George Laytham, DEF Kleverzon Paz, MF Eric Garcia, F Neyzer Ramos, F Jorge Mendes and GK Julio Lopez.
“We had a good season last year,” Osborne said to SoMo Sports. “It was a really fun group. The players who were a part of the team were able to see how much the culture of the team can impact the performance on the field. They worked hard on and off the field and they got along with each other really well.”
While that group of seniors certainly left its mark, the senior class for the upcoming 2023 season is just as talented.
First-team all-conference senior F/DEF Welle Welle (23 goals, 12 assists) and first-team all-conference senior MF Henry Hernandez (10 goals, six assists) lead the list of returners for Carthage.
“Welle is one of the most talented players I have ever coached,” Osborne said. “He’s a very versatile player that can stand out no matter what position he plays. He obviously brings a lot to the team on the field, but he’s also a very strong leader.”
“He’s a fantastic player who was the best player on the field for some of our games last year,” Osborne added about Hernandez. “Last year, he made the switch to the midfield from the defense and that will continue this year.”
Also returning for the Tigers is senior F Silas Laythem, a second-team all-conference performer who finished with 20 goals and six assists last year. The Tigers didn’t have a player score 20 goals in the season since 2016. Carthage had two of them a year ago.
“We aren’t a very big team, but Silas gives us great size,” Osborne said. “He’s very athletic and strong. He and Welle gave almost everyone we played last season a lot of problems because if you key in on one of them, the other will make you pay. … I look for him to continue this kind of impact this season. He’s grown a little more and has put on some more muscle. I think he will have a more recognized season than last year.”
Senior MF Anderson Reyes, and junior MF Aldo Sanchez Concinos (five goals, two assists) also return to the varsity lineup.
Back on the defensive side for Carthage are seniors Edson Lopez and Danilo Lopez.
“Last year, Edson transitioned to defense and did a great job. He will be an important defender for us.
“Danilo was voted co-Defender of the Year for our team last season. It was his first year with varsity. He’s a really good player who is also a good leader.”
Expected to take over in goal is senior Isaias Tello.
Other players returning with varsity experience who are expected to make a bigger impact on defense are seniors Marvin Najera and Bryan Ordonez as well as junior Eri Mendez, while sophomore MF Bagner Barrios and junior striker Reece Horton will provide experience depth on offense.
New faces to the varsity level this year will be senior DEF Christopher Gonzalex, junior MF Axel Vazquez, junior MF Josue Garay-Elias and freshman DEF Henry Laytham, the brother of George and Silas.
“I’m optimistic about us having a strong season,” Osborne said. “We have a lot of returning players and we have a very potent offensive attack that is returning. I believe that we will again be a very high-scoring team. As always, our skill level is a strength for us. We are very skilled and technical. We will have a very high percentage of possession and we have the attackers available to make use of that possession by turning it into goals.
“I also really like the commitment from our players. They want to be there and they want to get better. Summer workouts are not mandatory, but we still have had almost all varsity players showing up to all of the workouts. They also really enjoy being around each other. It’s been a continuation of last season in that respect because last year was one of the more enjoyable coaching seasons I have had and it’s felt the same this summer.”
Carthage opens the season with a home matchup against Republic on Aug. 29.
