Wright City Soccer Coach Kurt Laughman has been thrilled with the progress he’s seen during this preseason. The program is entering just its second year, drawing considerable interest following an …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, or you are a print subscriber who had access to our previous wesbite, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you have not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber and did not have a user account on our previous website, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
Wright City Soccer Coach Kurt Laughman has been thrilled with the progress he’s seen during this preseason. The program is entering just its second year, drawing considerable interest following an 11-7 debut season.
“For a first year program we were very successful,” said Laughman. “This year we’re going to be playing some more substantial competition that we weren’t able to get on the schedule last year, because our program started so late.”
The Wildcats have 27 players competing for spots, having lost five seniors from last season.
“Where we’re at now compared to this time last year is leap years ahead,” said Laughman. “It’s been exciting, and the guys are showing a lot of promise. It should be a solid season.”
Stepping in to fill the void of those seniors are five freshmen, who are developing quickly around a core group of returners.
“We have a really solid core coming back at the varsity level,” said Laughman.
Wright City is led on offense by senior Martin Lopez-Mora, who netted 23 goals last year.
“We expect big contributions from him this year,” said Laughman.
Meanwhile on defense, Nick Bowman will be looked upon for leadership.
“He fully understands the game and what we’re trying to accomplish out there,” said Laughman. “He really helps his teammates out and makes them better with his presence.”
Logan Kellner returns as goalie.
“He showed a lot of growth last year and looks like he’s picking up right where he left off,” said Laughman.
A plethora of players will be moving up from the junior varsity level, including Alex Delotora, Ricardo Uribe, Danny McGowan and Phoenix Andrews.
Offensively, the Wildcats will look to Logan McCartney, Dylan Hickman and Esteban Diego.
The defense will be guided by Austin Kearn and Florian Williams.
“Those guys are returning varsity players serving a huge role,” said Laughman. “I’d like to see each individual player be better at the end of the year than the beginning, then we moved in the right direction.”
Laughman anticipates Union, Elsberry and Warrenton to be among the top games on the schedule, with Hazelwood East also added to the slate.
“We’re hoping we can match what we did last year and be prepared for districts — that’ll be a successful season,” said Laughman. “I don’t care if we win by one goal or nine goals, the goal is to win and have the guys develop at the same time.”
