The Republic boys soccer team heads into the 2024 season with a new-look roster and a high-octane attitude fueled by a group of players who are students of the game. After graduating nine seniors, the Tigers are embracing a youth movement that combines soccer IQ with year-round dedication.
The Tigers have experimented with various formations during preseason, smoothly transitioning between 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 setups. Coach Jesus Zuniga said his players’ understanding of the game has made it possible for him to experiment, even accepting ideas from the team as they work out the best approach for a given situation.
“I tell them all the time, I’m willing to listen; it doesn’t mean I’ll apply it,” he said. “If it works, great. If it doesn’t, then we try something new.”
Zuniga said he’s excited about the overall talent level, even though fewer players are on the roster than a year ago.
“It’s fun; it’s a challenge,” Zuniga said of the youth movement. “They came off of our best JV season last year, so I know it doesn’t always translate, but we do have a lot of kids who played in the offseason. Almost every single one of our players…put in time playing club ball.”
Now in his third season, Zuniga sees his players adapting more quickly to changes because they know his coaching style. Their knowledge of the sport is also a factor in that.
“We have a lot of bright kids. I would say they try to study the game,” he said.
In addition to their soccer knowledge, the team is strong technically, Zuniga said. “They all have a pretty good touch. We can always work on our first touch, but they are willing to work for each other,” he said. “They’re willing to trust one another.”
The Tigers will depend heavily on senior Diego Zuniga, the most experienced player on the team and the leading scorer from 2023 among all returners. He will primarily work from the middle of the field, but can move into a forward slot as needed to press the Tigers’ attack.
Fellow senior Miles Thomas will also patrol the midfield, and Coach Zuniga has been impressed with his passing ability during preseason workouts. Isaac Vermule, Isaiah Redman, and Mason Makoski will also play key roles in the middle. “They do some things that I haven’t seen us do as a boys’ program since I’ve been here,” Zuniga said. “Moving the ball, playing the short little one-two passes that create space to send a long ball when needed.”
Forward William Pinnell has “looked great” during the summer, Zuniga said. “He can use left, he can use right, he’s willing to cross, he’s willing to drive.”
Caleb Miclea will be playing in a forward position, as well, and also had a strong summer. He, Pinnell, and Diego Zuniga could be a “three-headed monster” on the attack, according to Coach Zuniga. Micah Wright could work his way into the varsity lineup, too.
Another important part of Republic’s flexibility this season will be Elijah Phiri, who has established himself as a strong defender. This year, Zuniga would like to see Phiri push up the field to contribute offensively up top. That happened on a run during Republic’s jamboree, when Phiri went up the right sideline, cut in through the defense, and nearly scored before a sliding save by Ozark’s goalkeeper.
Mason Tackett is another utility player with flexibility for the Tigers who will likely spend time on defense with Phiri. Sophomore Maddox Aldridge has been a big contributor to the defense during summer scrimmages, also. Kaden Fisher, Landon Otero, and Dylan Garrison may also step up defensively.
Sophomore Koal Williams is set to start in goal after a great freshman season as a field player. Even there, the Tigers have flexibility. Ben Roe, also a sophomore, is a capable goalkeeper as well. There may be times when Williams moves to a field position and Roe moves in front of the net.
“I’m excited to have that young energy out here,” Zuniga said. He hopes his younger players gain confidence quickly.
“With us being young, a lot of those kids don’t have the confidence I would love for them to have. If I’m putting them out there, it’s because I trust them,” he said.
The Tigers put their confidence to the test to open the season Friday at the Webb City Shootout.
