Anderson County soccer aims high with experienced roster
When the Anderson County High School boys soccer team opens its 2024 season next Tuesday night, it will do so with an experienced roster.
The Mavericks had a young squad that struggled last season, but third-year head Coach Chris Curtin is hoping that the 2024 team will be a year older and a year better.
“Last year, I didn’t have any seniors at all, so that leaves me eight seniors this year,” Curtin said. “I’m excited to see how we grow this year. I have seven returning seniors and one who has never played before.
“We have a lot of individual talent, but the question is, can we come together and play as a team like we’re supposed to?” he said.
“My hope is to have a winning season and my expectation is to finish in the top two (in District 4-AA) and make it to the region.”
The Mavs will begin their 2024 quest Tuesday night (March 19) at Kingston at 6 p.m. They’ll then host Gibbs March 21 in their district opener. Kickoff for that match is also slated for 6 p.m.
The Eagles, who have constantly fielded a competitive team, have joined District 4-AA in 2024, along with Union County.
Kingston, which was formerly in the league, has been reclassified and will compete in Class A in 2024.
“I expect Gibbs to be solid and have a good showing,” Curtin said. “We played Union County last year and we beat them pretty handily. I expect that we’ll be able to beat them again.”
Anderson County has a bevy of returning players as it begins the season.
Top returners include Foster Madron (senior, defender); Kaleb Wetherington (senior, goalkeeper); Muller Gudino (senior, midfielder); Andrew Wilson (sophomore, midfielder/defender); Gavin Higgs (junior, defender); Jorge Valles (junior, midfielder); Martin Lechuga (senior, defender) and Kai Morris (sophomore, midfielder).
The Mavericks will also have three incoming freshmen, who have been impressive during the preseason and will look to make an early impact on the program.
Bryce Wade and Gavin Degenhart will play in the midfield, and Charlie Pemberton will play up top.
Curtin said he looks to have a more balanced roster in 2024.
“I have eight seniors, and seven of them are returning,” Curtin said.
“I also have four juniors, five sophomores and five freshmen, so I think we’ll be more balanced this year.”