RHS boys soccer aiming for state run

RUSSELLVILLE — The boys soccer team is off to a strong start this season and is aiming for a deep playoff run. Coach Larsen Plyler said the team has the talent, experience, and chemistry to compete at a high level.

“Our expectations, our desire is to win a state championship,” Plyler said. “It depends on how hard we’re willing to work, but I think we have the talent.”

He added the team’s success will depend not just on skill, but on the energy and effort players bring every match.

Offensively, the Golden Tigers have been led by two standout scorers. Ninth-grader Jose “Lepito” Tristan and 10th-grader Ezequiel Mateo have had high scoring early seasons. Both players are young, but Plyler said their scoring ability has been crucial to the team’s early success.

On defense, sophomore Brayden Guseman anchors the center of the back line, playing almost every minute of every game. Junior John Deleon contributes at left back and has the versatility to play multiple positions, giving the team stability and flexibility.

Plyler said the team’s chemistry is another strength. “We work together really well as a team,” he said.

Many of the players have been teammates since middle school with some starting on the junior varsity squad in seventh grade. That longterm experience has helped the team develop leadership and consistency, even with a mix of younger players and nine seniors who all contribute regularly.

While the Golden Tigers are talented, Plyler said they are still learning to maintain high energy and set the pace of games instead of just reacting to opponents.

“We’ve done better at it lately, but still have a lot of room to grow,” he said.