[Note: This article was written before Warrenton’s 5-1 loss to Orchard Farm on Sept. 16] 

In soccer, the majority of the spotlight often goes to the goal scorer. But games are not just won up top, they are secured within the backline.  

The Warrenton boys soccer team, specifically the defense, has shown just that in its fast 6-0 start to the season in which the Warriors have allowed only two goals. 

“They (the offense) trusts us and we trust them,” senior center back Caleb Hackmann said. 

The Warriors’ four-back and junior goalkeeper Riley McGee put on a strong performance to help their program capture its third Wright City Shootout title this past Saturday, defeating Gateway 7-0 and mercy-ruling Elsberry and Wright City. 

“(McGee) saved a penalty kick to keep the clean sheet but we’re also not giving up many shots, so everybody from our forwards all the way back to our defense are doing their jobs,” coach John Schulte said. 

McGee has not conceded a goal since Sept. 4, when he gave up one against St. Charles West.

“We just communicate with him and (McGee) will always call us off if he’s coming out, and we can always trust him to get it,” Hackmann said. 

The Warriors have emphasized a smart defensive structure this season, which includes not staying flat and creating angles. 

“We’ve been trying to get out wide, play the ball slower and just move it around nicer,” senior center back Brayden Brown said. “Also, keeping the guys on the outside so they can’t cut in and staying in front.” 

The senior-heavy defensive line has built a strong bond over the years, but freshman Oscar Bynum has seamlessly fit in. 

“We’ve been playing for a while together and we’ve been on the same team since freshman year,” Brown said. 

“(Bynum) is really good. After the first practice, it was a sure thing so it’s nice having him back there,” Hackmann added.

Schulte praised the young player for his soccer IQ. 

“His defensive awareness of knowing where the spaces are and where to stop through balls from happening has been outstanding,” Schulte said. “I’ve been really, really impressed with him.” 

Hackmann and Brown make up the heart of the defense.

“They’ve been doing the same thing for the last three years, just working extremely hard. They are both smart about what they have to do back there and they’re not afraid to get in and get physical if they need to,” Schulte said. 

“I always know he (Brown) has my back if something goes past and I can trust all of the other defenders to have my back,” Hackman said. 

The Warriors' strong offense has also allowed the defense to take a breath. Warrenton has scored 37 goals in six matches.

“It really builds up a lot of momentum whenever we get those quick goals in the beginning and then they just keep coming,” Brown said. 

Leading the way on offense has been senior Isaac Wagner with 18 goals, followed by Tyler Scruggs with six, Ian Young with four, Gavin Thompson and Oscar Bynum with two and Hudson Kieffer, Caden Baum, Elijah Sheperd and Nolan Donovan with one goal apiece.

“It’s really good to spread the wealth and have a number of people who are scoring goals and getting in those opportunities. It makes us more of a dynamic team because then they can’t focus on just one person – there are 3, 4 and 5 other people that if they get the ball, they can score too,” Schulte said. 

Warrenton will play a home match against St. Charles at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 18.