By Jason Lawrence
Special to The Citizen
After losing just two starters from last year’s squad, head coach Josh Marchbank and his Park Hill boys soccer team are looking to make a name for themselves in the Suburban Conference Gold Division heading into their third season in the larger conference.
“This team has talent, experience and hunger,” Marchbank said. “They are desperate to win a district title and make a strong playoff run.”
Following a 6-17 campaign (3-9 in conference play), that included two forfeit loses for fielding an ineligible player, and a 4-3 overtime loss to Oak Park in the first round of the Class 4 District 16 Tournament, the Trojans are looking for a top-three finish in the conference with a lineup returning everyone but captain Jackson Turner and center back Gabe Rau, who both graduated after starting every game in 2017.
Leading the returners this year are senior captains Jack Austin, Aaron Simpson and Chris Munoz. Austin and Simpson will anchor the back line this fall while Munoz will lead the attack and look to create for others out front.
Citizen file photo
Park Hill players Chris Munoz (9) and senior Jackson Turner celebrate Munoz’s first half goal in a game last year against Oak Park at North Kansas City District Activities Complex in Kansas City, Mo.
“Aaron and Jack create the ideal center back pairing,” Marchbank said. “Jack is a very skillful center back that is good on the ball, in the air and in the tackle. He reads the games well and is an excellent leader. Aaron is an athletic defender with great instincts; he always makes the right decision. Chris is a very clever and technical player. He’s deceivingly quick and glides right past defenders.”
Marchbank, who is assisted by Andrew Cline, Matt Semkin, Andrew Haws and Christian Kincheloe, also expects big junior campaigns from Cameron Caldwell, Matt Lachowitzer and Nick Bender, who he said have the “hunger and desire to become big-time players.”
“Our goal the last several years has been to win districts,” Marchbank said. “I think this team has the talent, experience and motivation to be a very good team this year.”
Park Hill kicks off the season in the Liberty Tournament Saturday, August 25.