WEBSTER CITY BOYS SOCCER RETURNING LETTERWINNERS are, front row (left to right): Gavin Wynkoop, Wilmer Padilla, Eric Calles, Eddy Fuentes, Francisco Arguera Chavez and Aiden Rahe. Back: Eduardo Perez, Conner Peck, David Mora Malpica, Francisco Ramirez and Walfre Lopez. (DFJ photo by David Borer)

The 2023 season was a memorable one for the Webster City boys soccer team.

Now, the Lynx are working on their encore.

A number of talented players return for head coach Craig Signorin’s squad. Webster City reached the state quarterfinal round for just the second time in school history a year ago, flanking their North Central Conference championship and impressive 14-2 overall record.

“I am hoping with the same defensive mid and similar back line, we should be solid at the back,” Signorin said. “We didn’t give up too many goals last year. Our strength will again be our chance to counter attack and our speed out wide.

“I think the chatter among the boys is trying to make another run at the state tournament.”

And for good reason. First team all-state selection Eduardo Perez returns, alongside Eddy Fuentes, who made Class 2A’s second squad. Perez and Fuentes were unanimous all-NCC picks, with Conner Peck landing on the second team.

“We are going to feed off of tose three the same as we did last,” Signorin said, referring to Perez, Fuentes and Peck. “Their competitiveness, drive, energy and passion for the game just sets them apart from other players I have coached.

“They each have an extremely important role in our system, and if they each do their job, they will make everyone around them better.”

Perez recorded 22 goals, seven assists and six successful penalty kicks in as many attempts last season. He is now a senior. Fuentes, a junior, tallied a club-best 24 goals and 10 assists.

Junior Francisco Ramirez Carmona, senior Aiden Rahe and senior Walfre Lopez are experienced players returning along the backline. Junior Eric Calles, who added eight goals and seven assists a year ago, will return to the lineup in mid-April.

Jon Magdaleno, who surrendered only 11 goals in over 1,000 minutes of action in 2023, graduated. He is being replaced in the net by freshman Edwin Ramos Nolasco.

“As Edwin begins to mature, I hope to see him take on more of a leadership role,” Signorin said.

Other returning letterwinners include Gavin Wynkoop, Wilmer Padilla, Francisco Arguera Chavez, David Mora Malpica and Francisco Ramirez.

Signorin also noted the early contributions of newcomers Israel Torres and Abisai Ramirez.

“Israel will play in an attacking mid role,” Signorin said. “I just want him to get as comfortable as possible playing in the middle. Once he does that, he will contribute immensely.

“Abisai will fill in on the back line. He is one of the most mature players at his age I’ve seen. His disciplined play makes him look like an upperclassman.”

Webster City opens its highly-anticipated campaign on Thursday at Clear Lake. The home opener for the Lynx is on Monday against Garner-Hayfield/Ventura.

2024 WEBSTER CITY BOYS SOCCER

Roster

Seniors — Eduardo Perez, Aiden Rahe, Walfre Lopez, Francisco Arguera Chavez, Cristian Banda.

Juniors — Eddy Fuentes, David Mora Malpica, Conner Peck, Francisco Ramirez Carmona, Eric Calles, Eric Torres, Fernando Rubi.

Sophomores — Gavin Wynkoop, Wilmer Padilla, Geovani Morales, Isaac Crim.

Freshmen — Edwin Ramos Nolasco, Israel Torres, Abisai Ramirez, Dany Morales, Aaron Mendoza, David Villelas.

Schedule

March 28 — at Clear Lake.

April 1 — vs. Garner-Hayfield/Ventura; 4 — Hampton-Dumont/CAL; 8 — at Belmond-Klemme; 11 — Iowa Falls-Alden; 15 — at Humboldt; 19 — at Aplington-Parkersburg; 22 — Clear Lake; 25 — at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura; 29 — at Hampton-Dumont/CAL.

May 2 — Belmond-Klemme; 6 — at Iowa Falls-Alden; 9 — Humboldt; 10 — at Fort Dodge.