With a pair of bi-district championships to their credit in head coach Michael Westerman’s first two seasons, the third year of Brownwood Lions soccer under his leadership begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday at San Angelo Lake View.
The Lions posted a 13-12-1 overall mark last season, but several key cogs from that unit must be replaced in 2024.
“We’re in a good spot right now but there’s a lot we need to work on which we expect,” Westerman said. “We have a lot of new guys on varsity, new faces, a lot of styles we’re trying to mesh together. These scrimmages are good, we’re getting exposed and able to see our strengths so it’s been good for us. We’re taking everything and learning from it.”
Regarding the strengths of this year’s squad, Westerman said, “We’re a very technical team this year, very good on the ball, a lot of talent, speed and athleticism, which is great. This is the most technical we’ve been as this time of the year since I’ve been here. As far as weaknesses, we’re trying to build chemistry with a lot of new faces and people we’re expecting to step up this year.”
Players to watch include goal keeper Wyatt Jackson along with back row players Peter Salazar, Colton McMillian and Cristyn Villarreal – all seniors. Also returning are Caden Carnes and Caleb Clawson in the midfield, along with the District 5-4A Newcomer of the Year Raven Prado at forward.
New additions to the varsity roster include Bennett Windham in the midfield, Brody Bird at forward, and defender Malachi Wyatt.
Following Tuesday’s season opener, the Lions will face Snyder, Decatur, Jarrell and Godley, while also competing in the Georgetown tournament, before opening District 5-4A action at Lampasas Jan. 26.
“Last year was a tough district and we’re expecting the same thing,” Westerman said in looking at the 5-4A slate. “We know Salado and Stephenville are going to bring a lot of talent to the field, and we’re expecting the rest of the district to be even tougher this year. But we’re excited, pumped up, fresh, healthy, and ready to battle it out.”
As for how successful the 2024 Lions can be, Westerman said. “The sky’s the limit as soon as fully realize that. It’s a bit frustrating right now when things aren’t clicking but as soon as we find that rhythm, and they earlier we find that rhythm more success we’ll have. We take it one goal at a time but we think we can surpass what we did last year.”
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2024 LIONS VARSITY SOCCER SCHEDULE
| Jan. 2 | at San Angelo Lake View | 6 p.m. |
| Jan. 4-6 | at Georgetown tournament | TBA |
| Jan. 12 | Snyder | 7 p.m. |
| Jan. 16 | Decatur | 7 p.m. |
| Jan. 19 | Jarrell | 5:30 p.m. |
| Jan. 23 | at Godley | 7 p.m. |
| Jan. 26 | at Lampasas* | 7 p.m. |
| Jan. 30 | Salado* | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 2 | BYE | |
| Feb. 6 | at China Spring* | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 9 | Stephenville* | 7:30 p.m. |
| Feb. 13 | at Gatesville* | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 16 | Little River Academy* | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 20 | Lampasas* | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 23 | at Salado* | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 27 | BYE | |
| March 1 | China Spring* | 7 p.m. |
| March 5 | at Stephenville* | 7:30 p.m. |
| March 8 | Gatesville* | 7 p.m. |
| March 12 | At Little River Academy* | 7 p.m. |
* District 5-4A Game