The 2024 boys’ soccer season officially kicks off next week. While Daviess County returns an experienced roster, the other 9th District teams will have several young guys and new faces stepping up to lead their teams.
Apollo: Entering his second year as head coach, Nikos Agisilaou wants to build upon the foundation he has created.
“It is very early in the year and we are learning our roles,” Agisilaou said. “Only time will tell on how we play. We’re looking to concede fewer goals than last season and bring some passion to the defensive side of the ball.”
Keenan Jackson, the most experienced returner on the roster, will be leaned on for his leadership and experience.
“We have some new additions to the team that add some depth to this year’s roster,” Agisilaou said. “I hope to see them shine and earn a consistent spot on the team.”
Daviess County: Daviess County has a veteran-led roster with plenty of juniors and seniors taking the field, and they have their eyes on competing for a district and region championship.
The team will have someone new in goal this year, with multiple players battling it out for the starting spot. There is a chance multiple players will split time in goal for experience.
“We like to be organized defensively and press teams when certain situations appear,” head coach Doug Sandifer said. “From there, counterattack quickly and spread things out offensively to allow our players the opportunity to go one-on-one with defenders.”
Owensboro: The Red Devils enter the season with one of the youngest rosters in the area, with nine underclassmen on the team. Leading the youth movement is sophomore Denis Juma, who led the team in scoring last year.
Owensboro returns key veterans including senior goalie Landon Black and senior defenders Broderick Divine and Romer Payne. Also returning is senior Ryan Sovar. He led the team in goals in 2022, but missed last year due to an ACL injury.
“Although the roster is filled with underclassmen, they are very technical, display a high soccer IQ, and they are an absolute joy to be around,” head coach Ryan Haley said. “We will be looking to grow in our physicality and possession each game to prepare for tournament play down the stretch. ”
Owensboro Catholic: Owensboro Catholic’s boys’ soccer team is young but full of energy. Leading the way are veterans Owen Brey, Joseph Kurtz, and Luke Pfeifer, and they are joined by up-and-comer JW Kurtz.
“Our goal is to implement a style of play and improve at it as the season goes on,” head coach Andy Donohoe said. “We hope to bring some of our principles about the game to the way we play. It’s a good group of lads that are eager to learn and work hard.”
