Republic boys soccer enters its fourth season under Jesus Zuniga with unprecedented depth and the benefit of having its first four-year senior class under his leadership. The Tigers kept 40 players this year, using every uniform available and creating competition at every position.
“It’s my first group of four-year kids,” Zuniga said. “They understand the expectations, the standards, and the upperclassmen have held the underclassmen to those.”
The summer training focused on small-sided games rather than traditional 11-on-11 scrimmages. The Tigers played in a 7-on-7 league and traveled to Kansas City to face three teams from outside the area. “Instead of just 11 kids on the field, we had 14 kids on the field constantly playing,” Zuniga said. “It’s a smaller field, so now they have to think quicker, they have to play quicker, they get more touches on the ball.”
Senior William Pinnell returns as the team’s top goal threat after scoring 11 goals and adding four assists last season. He contributed to 15 of Republic’s 44 goals last year. Mason Tackett moves from the back line to attack after showing promise as a target during his sophomore JV season. Josh Hart transitions from outside back to the wing, while Sam Richardson brings versatility as either a center attacking midfielder or wide player. Landon Otero, Micah Wright, and foreign exchange student Sieb Kleeven from the Netherlands provide additional attacking options.
The midfield underwent changes after losing two of four graduating seniors who controlled the center. Juniors Isaiah Redman, Micah Wright, and Adiel (Angel) Urquiza have improved since last fall. Senior Leighton Perez returns after sitting out last season, while Mason Makoski and Isaac Vermule can contribute from their defensive positions.
The back line brings back significant experience with seniors Mason Tackett and Isaac Vermule anchoring the defense. Junior Maddox Aldridge started every game as a sophomore at center back and provides leadership as an upperclassman. Kaden Fisher and Dylan Garrison both return as juniors, with Fisher bringing size and Garrison offering soccer intelligence despite his smaller frame. Logan Renkoski adds depth.
Junior Koal Williams enters as the projected starting goalkeeper after a strong summer. He and fellow junior Ben Roe combined to allow the fewest goals in Zuniga’s three previous seasons with 55 goals against.
The Tigers return six varsity starters and 14 lettermen, creating competition throughout the roster. “No starting spot is safe,” Zuniga said. “We’re deep enough this year where our level of play doesn’t drastically drop whenever we go to the bench.”
Republic faces a demanding schedule that includes three teams from St. Louis and two from Kansas City. The Tigers open at the Webb City tournament before facing Springfield Catholic and traveling to St. Louis. “If we end up around .500, that’s actually very good with how tough our schedule is,” Zuniga said. “But I think this group has higher expectations than that.”
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