Monett soccer experiencing large youth movement

By Jared Lankford Special to the Monett Monthly

The Monett Cubs soccer team will have a much different look on the field this fall, but longtime head coach Cristobal Villa believes the foundation of the program remains strong.

Monett is coming off a 14-6 season. But, for the first time in a while the Cubs return only four varsity players — all lettermen — after graduating a massive senior class of 14 players. Despite the turnover, Villa enters his 14th season at Monett encouraged by the combination of veteran leadership and a promising group of newcomers.

The youth movement will be particularly noticeable with a freshman class that has plenty of experience playing together.

“These freshmen have been playing together since they were 8 years old and have competed at high level competition,” Villa said.

Among the freshmen expected to compete for time at forward are Jose Duran, Donavic Salas and Eric Arreola Duran. The midfield could also feature several newcomers, including freshmen David Perez, Daniel Perez and Felix Rodriguez.

They will be joined by sophomore midfielders Giovanni Mejia and Carlos Lazalde and seniors Darey Ibarra and Fidel Valenciano. Salas could also see time in the midfield.

While Monett will be inexperienced in several areas, there is little uncertainty in goal.

Senior Alex Patino returns after earning Big 8 Keeper of the Year honors last season and gives the Cubs an experienced presence behind a defense that will feature several new faces.

“Goalie, in my opinion, is one of the biggest challenges a player can have and Alex makes it look easy,” Villa said. “His experience will play a big role. His confidence and focus this year is what I want him to pass on to his teammates.”

Patino’s competitiveness and athleticism separate him from many keepers. Villa praised his quick hands and feet, ability to move within the penalty area and willingness to come off his line to cut down shooting angles.

“Alex is going to be a key player for us this season,” Villa said.

Junior Gabriel Barrientos provides Monett with another option in goal. He has played keeper in the program for the past two seasons and continues to develop.

Patino won’t be the only decorated senior leading the Cubs defensively.

Jose Garcia returns after earning second-team all-conference honors as a defender. His speed, timing and soccer IQ make him difficult for opposing attackers to beat, and Villa expects Garcia to take on an even larger leadership role as a senior.

“His work ethic is good, and continuing to do that puts the expectation for the rest,” Villa said.

Garcia will be joined on the back line by sophomores Jabier Albarez, Edgar Lucas and London Barter; senior Juan Guadarrama; freshman Denilson Paxtor; and senior Fernando Salas.

Lucas is one player who has made a noticeable jump since last season.

“He feels more comfortable every time he steps on the field as a defender,” Villa said.

Albarez also brings valuable experience despite being only a sophomore. He started every game as a freshman and has continued to play at a high level.

With so many young players stepping into varsity roles, Monett’s seniors will be asked to provide leadership throughout the field.

Villa pointed to Ibarra and Valenciano on the attacking side and Garcia, Cale Flynt and Guadarrama in the midfield and defensive areas as players capable of setting the example.

“My seniors are a great group of boys that have been showing a lot of respect to their teammates,” Villa said. “They are also bringing a lot of experience in all positions on the field.”

Villa expects that group to lead through its work ethic both on and off the field.

Despite the roster turnover, Villa believes one of Monett’s biggest strengths will be its ability to control possession.

“Our strength is going to be ball possession,” Villa said. “Our boys are very comfortable with the ball and they can keep it in their feet and move it around.”

Developing chemistry will be important, particularly with so many young players entering the lineup. Villa wants the Cubs to become more cohesive in both directions — learning to attack as a unit while also defending together.

The goal is to work through those growing pains early in the season and have the team playing its best soccer when the most important games arrive.

More than anything, Villa wants the identity of the 2026 Cubs to extend beyond wins and losses.

“We want our identity to be family,” Villa said. “One big family.”

He also wants Monett to be entertaining, competitive and represent the program with good sportsmanship every time the Cubs take the field.

“We want this team to be fun to watch when they play, show good sportsmanship and be willing to compete every game,” Villa said. “We want our team to have fun playing the beautiful game.”

Villa enters his 14th season at Monett with a 225-129-1 career record coaching the Cubs’ boys program.