By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A new season breeds optimism and excitement.
The Branson Pirates certainly feel those vibes, as they return their top two scorers from a year ago.
If new players can fill key roles, then Branson could take a big step as a program and become postseason contenders in 2021.
“We are looking forward to this season with great optimism,” said Branson coach Dave Brenner. “Replacing the leadership and experience of our seniors is the biggest challenge we have early on. The players that will be stepping into full-time roles expect to play well and that is very exciting.
“Confidence and poise have been the focus for our offseason.”
Branson features one of the area’s top scorers in senior Carlton Epps. He accounted for 44 goals and 15 assists last season.
Epps will likely become Branson’s all-time offensive record holder this season. He needs five goals and 14 assists to surpass the current marks in each category.
“Carlton is the pivot point on our offense and defense,” Brenner said. “He leads the team by example and really sets the tone for us.”
Senior forward Brayan Barboza (15 goals, six assists) gives Branson another dangerous threat at the top.
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With a full season, Barboza will likely finish in the top 10 on Branson’s career scoring list.
“Brayan is our emotional leader,” Brenner said. “He provides a change of pace and transitions quickly when the field flips.”
Senior goalkeeper Pilot Ascone (46 total saves) leads a Branson defense that graduated two starters. Ascone is one of Branson’s most improved players.
“Pilot had a very strong summer preparing for his senior season,” Brenner said. “He went to several camps and improved himself and his skills as a goalkeeper.”
Senior Jose Najera (four goals, two assists) plays a pivotal two-way role in the midfield.
“Jose is the setup man in the middle for us,” Brenner said. “He’s one of the best midfield defenders we’ve had.”
Senior Andersen Brashers and junior Houston Myer return as center backs.
“They will (lead) our backline again,” Brenner said. “Together, they provide us with strength and experience in the middle.”
Senior Nathaniel Smith (two goals, two assists) is aiming for an injury-free season as Branson’s “utility” player.
“His vision and experience are important to our style of play,” Brenner said.
Branson, which began playing varsity competition in 2008, has elevated its play in recent years.
The Pirates finished 14-10 overall last season, marking their fourth straight season with a winning record. Branson won a program-record 19 games two seasons ago.
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Branson, which lost 3-1 to Springfield Catholic in districts, graduated five seniors from its 2020 squad.
Alex Brenner (one goal, one assist) and Sam Seitz (one goal) were key players along Branson’s backline.
“They provided us size, speed and strength that will be hard to replace,” Dave Brenner said.
Diego Paz (13 goals, eight assist) was Branson’s third scoring option and provided a unique skill set.
“(Paz) played differently than anyone we have on the team right now,” Dave Brenner said.
A handful of returning players will try to earn more prominent varsity roles this fall.
Senior Owen Dean will shift to the midfield.
Junior Diego Carrasco, a former backup goalkeeper, moved to defender last season and became Branson’s top reserve in that spot. He’s in line to join the starting lineup this fall.
Sophomore forward Ben Smith gives the Pirates size and strength at the top.
“We have three or four more players who are trying to break into the varsity (rotation),” Dave Brenner said.
Defense could determine how far the Pirates go in 2021. Branson allowed 52 goals last season.
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“(Defense) is where we hope to see improvement with Pilot really leading us,” Dave Brenner said. “Our backline is focused on keeping the ball in front of them and putting the pressure on the other team to score.”
Offensively, the Pirates will continue to play aggressively. They registered 80 goals last season.
“On offense, our plan is to keep pressing teams like we did last year,” Dave Brenner said. “Our defense starts when the other team gets the ball, and we want to keep that pressure on them for the entire match.”
Branson starts the regular season August 31 at Carthage.
The Pirates enhanced their 2021 schedule with multiple games against out-of-area opponents.
“We look forward to getting to play these teams to test ourselves and prepare for the postseason,” Dave Brenner said.
