Heading into the 2021 boys soccer season, the Wright City Wildcats have the pieces to improve off of the 10-12 record posted in 2020.

Coach Konrad Laughman believes the players coming back along with some newcomers will help to contribute as the season goes on.

“We have some exciting kids returning from last year’s roster,” said Laughman. “Our goalie, Logan Kellner, was an All-District player returning for his senior year. This will be his third year as the starting varsity goalie. His leadership will be a key to our team’s success.”

Another senior, Logan McCartney, is also coming back on the defensive side of the ball.

“Our defense will be anchored by Logan,” said Laughman. “He has worked really hard to establish himself as a leader and a ball hawk.”

Offensively, the Wildcats will have a different look than in previous seasons.

“Our offensive core will look different than in years past. We graduated some talented soccer players, but we are so excited to see what a group of juniors with excellent potential can develop into,” said Laughman. “In many ways this is a rebuilding year for us, but with a great attitude amongst our team and an improving optimism in the players, I am eager to see where this year will take us.”

Among those expected to have a big impact are juniors Austin Kim and Dylan Hickman.

“They understand the game’s inner-workings,” said Laughman. “They have purpose and serve as an inspiration to our other players to rise to. Rico Uribe and Alex De La Torre will be the offensive leaders coming into the season and have great chemistry.”

New to the team this year but expected to be a difference maker is sophomore Nathan Bowman.

“As a freshman, he showed promise and potential. Physical growth and solid effort lead me to believe he will mature into a key player for our team this year,” said Laughman. “He is always helpful to teammates who are learning the game and he anticipates movement two to three steps ahead of the action on the field. This is not something that is easy to teach, but is clear when watching him play. I anticipate Nathan being a leader among our younger players.”

Overall, Laughman has seen plenty of good things in the preseason to make him believe in his team.

“What is great about this season as we progress through practices is seeing the guys work their tails off. The effort is constant and the friendships that are developing are creating a team culture we can be proud of,” he said. “The game of soccer is as much mental as it is physical talent and ability. Our players are smart and eager to learn more, which gives me hope for our future. Our kids need to learn how to finish, ow to put the ball home. Once they gain goal scoring confidence I expect a season on par with our past performances and the potential to become even better than expectations currently show us.

“It is nothing short of an honor to coach the Wright City Wildcats. We come into the year with no expectations beyond playing hard every minute, being aggressive in ball pursuit and most importantly being good people with a good work ethic.”