The Hopkinsville High School boys’ soccer team may have some young faces this season, but head coach Aaron Hutchinson says the Tigers could be on the prowl in 2024.
“We’re young and we have some things to learn, which we found out in the Bluegrass State Games,” Hutchinson said. “We definitely have a learning curve, but I think we’re going to be a good team.”
The Tigers return three seniors including Marvin Morales, David Lopez and Alexander Mercano. Lopez will be playing left back and Morales and Lopez will bolster the depth of the team.
Junior Alex Ramirez returns to lead the offense. He had three goals and four assists in 2023. Lopez also will be counted on for leadership and experience.
“We have some kids who are going to get a chance to start this year who haven’t and have really grown,” Hutchinson said. “Mikel Ramirez is going to be really good for us and Lester Macario will have a big role for us this year.”
Another newcomer that has Tiger coaches excited about the year is freshman Erick Hernandez, who will be playing a key role on defense. Diego Sanchez, who transferred in from Clarksville, Tenn., also will be a big addition to the Tigers’ offense.
“Erick’s going to be really good for us and Diego is going to be a phenomenal player,” Hutchinson said. “Erick is more of a defensive midfielder and Diego will be more help on the offensive side.”
Scoring was a big issue for the Tigers last year and although they found the back of the net several times at the Bluegrass Games last month, Hutchinson said he was a little frustrated because he thought they could have had more.
“We had more opportunities than we took advantage of,” Hutchinson said. “I thought we struggled to put the ball in the net with the opportunities we did have. We’ve worked a lot on finishing since we have been back.”
Junior Gavin Harton is another player the Tigers are counting on for offense.
Defensively, freshman Landon Beaulieu will be battling Raul Rivera for the starting goalkeeper position.
Junior Haydon Cowherd, Lopez, sophomore Anthony Evangelista, and freshman Ethan Fabian should provide help on defense for Hoptown.
“This team has the ability to go out and win 15 games, or they could come out and not do as we should,” Hutchinson said. “I think we’ll be alright. It’s just going to take some time and take us a few games to figure it out.”
Hoptown opens the season Monday night at Murray.