March 28, 2024

Baxter’s Richardson, C-M’s Lane to play key roles for Central Iowa United boys

Both soccer programs hoping for bounce-back seasons

A pair of area juniors figure to once again play significant roles for the Central Iowa United boys’ soccer team this spring. And a few more Tigerhawks figure to be involved for the first time.

Baxter’s Ben Richardson and Colfax-Mingo’s Austin Lane hope to be two of the pieces who can help CIU win more than the two games it won in 2022.

“As two of our more experienced players, we are hoping they can be part of the midfield and striker team and we can see a significant increase in goals scored this year,” CIU head boys soccer coach John Fuller said.

Central Iowa United is coming off a 2-13 season. Fuller is back as head coach and the squad has 22 players this spring but only two are seniors. Ten of the 22 are students at West Marshall.

The two Bolts are Richardson and sophomore Braylyn Winningham and the four Tigerhawks are Lane, freshman Gage Byal, sophomore Jermaine Cross and junior Bruno Asteinza.

Fuller said both Byal and Asteinza will see significant varsity playing time.

“(Asteinza) is a foreign exchange student who has a lot of soccer experience and Byal has select club experience,” Fuller said.

Last year’s goalkeeper was Baxter’s Tanner Scroggins, but he was lost to graduation. Fuller said sophomore Lucas Barnes will take over the position.

The two seniors are Dane Beattie and Dominic Ficken. There are seven juniors, eight sophomores and five freshmen.

The Central Iowa United program is made up of students from five different school districts. Besides Baxter and Colfax-Mingo, West Marshall, Colo-NESCO and Collins-Maxwell also are involved with the program.

Fuller wants CIU to be a possession team this spring. He thought the team got going and developed late last year, but a few injuries derailed the comeback attempt.

“We have a younger team this year,” Fuller said. “We are going to focus on good touches and developing a possession game to counter teams which may have quicker players. We only have two seniors so hopefully, we can return many of the players and continue the development next year.

“I can’t say performance in any aspect of the game was where we wanted to be last season. We really hope to improve on that and with two new assistant coaches we hope to progress quicker to where we want to be this year.”

CIU girls turn to new leadership in 2023

Central Iowa United’s girls’ soccer team won only three matches last season, but a 1-0 loss in the postseason to Newton gives new head coach Casady Myers a bit of momentum heading into the 2023 season.

Her first roster includes seven seniors and six juniors. Myers also welcomes back junior Cassidy Smith, who spent 614 minutes in goal last season and made 70 saves.

“The focus right now is getting to know the girls and learning who plays well with who,” Myers said. “When you have a team composed of five schools, it makes the beginning of the season different from any other team out there.

“We have to learn everyone’s name as well as get to know how each member of the team plays on the field.”

The Tigerhawks on this year’s roster are Smith, seniors Jasmine Gavarrete and Selena Lopez, sophomores Lily Webster and Karmylia Snyder and freshmen Bianca Lane and Lilyan Hadsall.

Myers expects Smith to be the goalie and Hadsall, Webster and Bianca Lane should all battle for varsity playing time at either midfielder or forward.

“I’m excited to already have a goalie who has experienced varsity action,” Myers said. “She’s a great leader and will be a huge asset to guiding this team through the season.”

Baxter’s contingent includes freshmen Alexis Dart and Ashley Finch and sophomore Rylee Van Beek, who is expected to see varsity action.

Central Iowa United’s top four scorers graduated last season. Sophomore Reese Jensen is back after making eight starts and scoring one goal.

Junior Sophie Comegys started 12 matches last season and sophomore Cerra Muntz and junior Karly Pfantz each played in 11 matches.

“There are some girls who have amazing skill, but until they are on the field you won’t know how they play together,” Myers said. “My focus has been trying to find out which 11 players will communicate and read each other’s moves.

“This group loves to play soccer. I do not lack any passion from these girls. They are respectful, hard-working and open to trying new things. I’m coming in with fresh eyes so where they may have played in the past might not be where they play this season.”