Rebuilding Patriot Soccer Team Remains Optimistic
The 2025 Patriot soccer season kicks off next month for a small but excited Allen County-Scottsville team. Squad members with high expectations include, from left, Assistant Coach Steve Lancaster, Taylor Watson, Shepard Morgan, Corbin Ford, Tyler Shaw, Sudraka Fachhai, Madison Vick, Maher Vela Lima, Jaxon Sims, Ryan Grow and Coach Joshua Rios. Not present were Carson Hoskins, Jan Lopez-Magana, Jaydon Stilton, Jaxon Sims, Tristan Garcia and Blake Del Rio. (Photo by Don Meador).
By Don Meador,
Sports Writer
Allen County-Scottsville enters the 2025 soccer season with high expectations despite facing a challenge. Between graduation losses, exchange students returning home, and students electing not to return, the Patriots lost 11 players from last year’s team. Still, 13 players are on the roster ready to move the program forward under second-year coach Josh Rios.
“We are rebuilding on a rebuild,” explained Rios. “We are making good progress right now.”
Two seniors will lead the way–Shepard Morgan and Tyler Shaw.
“Shepard and Tyler have been putting in a lot of work in the off season,” Rios noted. “They have improved immensely. They will be a huge factor for our team this year.”
Rios’ roster will include 11 underclassmen that will be asked to step into key spots on the pitch. In soccer, every position–whether as an attacker on offense, a back line defender, or midfielder–plays a key role in the success of a team.
“We have some freshmen coming in that have played together for a few years,” Rios said. “That’s established a connection so we will now blend them into our scheme and strategy. The four freshmen have done really well so far. We also have some new players including Taylor Watson, a transfer from Georgia. He will be key in our defense. We have some things happening for sure.”
With the season starting in less than a month, Rios adds that his team has been playing a lot.
“We just got back from the Bluegrass Games in Lexington,” Rios explained. “The results weren’t what we wanted. We lost our three games but it let us see what adjustments need to be made and positions need to be changed. It really helped us to see what we needed to do to get this team ready for the season.”
“Last year was pretty good for us and we are looking to improve,” added senior attacker Shepard Morgan. “I am really looking forward to this year with a new set of guys. It will be a learning experience for the younger ones and a learning experience for me as a senior and the captain of the team. I really like this team. Everyone is very sociable and enjoyable to talk to. Team dynamics are good.”
“I know I will have to be a leader this year,” added senior Tyler Shaw. “My goal is to help grow the younger players and show them how the game works at a higher level. With new players come new opportunities. It will have a different effect. Last year, Coach Rios came in and made an impact. We are now looking to continue to build.”
The Patriots roster also includes Sudraka Fachhhia, Carson Hoskins, Jan Lopez-Magna, Jaxon Sims, Jaydon Stilton, Tristan Garcia, Ryan Grow, Taylor Watson, Blake Del Rio, Corbin Ford, Maher Vea Lima and Madison Vick.
The Patriot boys and girls team will have their Meet the Patriots event this Saturday at 5 p.m. at the soccer field. Their season starts on Monday, Aug. 11 with a home match against Edmonson County.
