The Oakville Senior High School boys’ soccer team will win a lot of games if two squads become one.
“We had a very competitive JV (junior varsity) squad from last year. They’re dedicated, devoted, willing to work hard. It was a group that had a lot of fight in them. That combination we have with the kids returning, we anticipate this to be a high-energy group willing to outwork opponents,” long-time Oakville head coach Dave Robben said.
Watching World Cup soccer games this summer and leading both boys’ and girls’ teams to state titles over the years, Robben knows synchronicity among players breeds success.
“The kind of year we will have will depend on how quickly we can come together as a team. I have every reason to believe that this team has some characteristics of those successful teams,” he said.
Those characteristics might come mostly from two teammates who will never play.
Senior John Makowski and junior Zack Klipsch will miss their third seasons as starters after suffering injuries playing club soccer in the spring.
“These two guys will be invaluable at helping those younger players mature,” Robben said. “Peer leadership and experience is what both of these guys have to offer.”
Oakville has nine players returning from last year’s varsity group. The first-time varsity players chosen to complete the roster will come from a group of 10 sophomores and three juniors.
On the field, the Tigers are strong and experienced at the back and out front.
Senior Drew Hensel has been versatile during his career, but will be a defender this year.
“Right now, we’re looking at him to be one of our main marking backs,” Robben said.
The goalkeeper could be a star on many nights.
“Josh Richter has the potential of being a big save keeper. He’s the kind of keeper that can keep us in the game. We saw real good things in him last year,” Robben said.
Senior forward John O’Brien scored the second-most goals for the Tigers last year.
“He’s one of those forwards who has a knack for putting the ball in the net,” Robben said.
Junior Jared Swierk scored seven goals last year.
“He’s one of those forwards who has a knack for putting the ball in the net,” Robben said.
Junior Jared Swierk scored seven goals last year.
“He plays well with his back to the defense. His strength is to be a target player that can hold on to the ball,” Robben said.
Junior Clay Stocker was right behind Swierk with six goals.
“His distribution is very good. His striking is very good,” Robben said.
O’Brien, Swierk and Stocker combined for 24 goals and 12 assists.
Seniors Mitchell Hunt and Rylan Smelcer return as starters in the midfield.
Oakville wants to improve on its 15-9-2 record from last season and join the many other Oakville teams that have finished their seasons in Final Four state tournaments.
Oakville Boys’ Soccer
Sept. 3 Mehlville Cup A TBA
Sept. 8 Chaminade H 6 p.m.
Sept. 9 Parkway South A 6 p.m.
Sept. 11 Webster Groves A 2 p.m.
Sept. 14 Northwest H 6 p.m.
Sept. 16 Seckman A 6 p.m.
Sept. 18 Vianney A 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 CYC Tourney A TBA
Sept. 27 Eureka H 6 p.m.
Sept. 28 Lindbergh H 6 p.m.
Sept. 30 De Soto H 6 p.m.
Oct. 6 Francis Howell Central A 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 12 Mehlville A 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 St. Mary’s A 6:15 p.m.
Oct. 19 Fox A 6 p.m.
Oct. 21 Marquette H 6 p.m.
Oct. 22 Francis Howell North H 6 p.m.
Oct. 26 CBC H 6 p.m.
Oct. 27 Kirkwood A 6 p.m.
