CORTEZ – Optimism is high in the Panthers boys soccer camp – and for good reason.
Perhaps the largest initial turnout in the program’s history gives third-year head coach Juan Soto a different palette from which he can paint a program that’s hungry for a return to the top of the Intermountain League. Over three dozen Panthers arrived at the early days of practice – many of which are underclassmen – which bodes well for M-CHS to develop depth for years to come.
“We’ve got a team that consists of players with different backgrounds, skills, techniques, and personalities,” said Soto, who lauded his team’s offseason workout mentality, with more than 30 athletes showing up to conditioning sessions throughout the summer.
The Panthers return seven seniors, many of whom saw significant action in last year’s 2-11-1 squad, with senior multiyear starter Samson Lein leading the team from his goalkeeping role, while classmates Ben Hoffman and AJ Hafner anchor the defense.
M-CHS will lean on Atticus Keel, Leop Morey, and Matthew Denison for senior strength on the ball in the midfield, while Carter Tanner sits up top in the formation as the Panthers hope their goal production continues to flourish this fall.
“We have all the ingredients to make a successful team,” added Soto, “and it starts with our players being strong and courageous.” With the larger group, the Panther coaching staff has grown accordingly, with Soto’s son and former all-stater Raul Soto joining a staff that also includes Robby Moy and Bryce Tanner.
The optimism extends to the massive youth movement for the program, as M-CHS will field a junior varsity program this fall for one of the first times in recent memory, a cornerstone for building toward the future. “That group looks really solid,” said Soto of his JV group, “and they’ll be ready to take the reins when they get their opportunities.”
Soto and his team have collaborated to set high goals for the upcoming slate. “We believe that we can compete to be at the top of the IML, and it starts with each individual gaining skill and technique through putting in 100% at practices,” said the Panther head coach.
The Panthers (0-1) opened the season with a narrow 2-1 loss to Ridgway, and will spend a majority of their first half of the season on the road. A match against Eagle Valley (Aug. 31) prepares that Panthers to open league play on the road in Pagosa Springs on Sept. 3. A trip to Telluride (Sept. 6) and Moffat County (Sept. 7) continues the road swing.
M-CHS will open their home schedule at 4 p.m. on Sept. 21 against Caprock Academy, followed by their three league foes all paying a visit to M-CHS over the following two weeks. Senior Day will be Oct. 11 against Bayfield, before the Panthers hit the road for their final four matches of the season, capping the regular season with a trip to Alamosa on Oct. 25.
