Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge boys soccer returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Michael Wagner, Brady Major, Omarion Myers-Zimmermann, Mateo Ron and Shawn Roberts. Back: Raily Samayoa, Parker Schillerstrom, Brock Delanoit, Ayden Hernandez and Carol Samayoa. Not pictured: JT Laufersweiler.

The Fort Dodge boys soccer team has a luxury they haven’t been able to enjoy during head coach Joe Jackson’s tenure.

The Dodgers enter the 2024 season with 41 players on their roster.

“This is my eighth year, and it’s definitely my biggest group,” Jackson said. “We’ve had 30 a couple of times. Having 40 guys allows us to have a true varsity. The JV team will allow us to teach the younger kids and sub more freely in the match.

“This is a great attribute to have, being able to put more upperclassmen on the field and not have to rush the younger players.”

Fort Dodge has 19 juniors and seniors, while also boasting a strong group of 14 freshmen.

“It’s a tremendous class of kids coming up,” Jackson said. “There are some good players who came through the Chaos and Rec programs that have played together, which always helps.

“It will be nice to have them for four years.”

Senior Michael Wagner returns in the box for his third season as goalkeeper. Wagner had 103 saves a year ago and a 62 percent save percentage. He has 185 saves in his career.

“Michael has a lot of experience in goal,” Jackson said. “He has been working with the younger keepers (Chris Lacina and Brek Pingel). He is helping them learn the ropes and has been a great team leader for us.”

The Dodgers return their top two scorers in senior JT Laufersweiler and Parker Schillerstrom.

Laufersweiler has already made a name for himself on the football field for St. Edmond as quarterback. Schillerstrom has been FDSH’s kicker for the past three seasons on the gridiron.

Schillerstrom had three goals a year ago.

Last spring, Laufersweiler had an outstanding campaign with 10 goals, including two games with hat tricks. Laufersweiler also had a two-goal match in a tight contest against Webster City — a Class 3A state tournament participant.

“JT definitely has a nose for the goal and came on toward the end of the season,” Jackson said. “He scrambled and had a great match (versus Webster City) in a 5-5 contest that went to kicks. He’s very athletic and aggressive.

“Parker played up front with JT, and we will use his size and athleticism as a center back now, with some guys will be rotating into possessions. Parker has experience and the ability to hunt goals.”

Senior Raily Samayoa is also an offensive threat. Classmate Omarion Myers-Zimmerman is a key piece for the Dodgers as well.

Junior Shawn Roberts also had a goal a year ago.

“Raily is great at attacking from the wing and is an outstanding passer,” Jackson said. “He has a good shot.

“Omarion may be in the fullback spot. He has terrific endurance and can get up the field and back and defend. Those two are looking at getting big roles.”

Senior Brock Delanoit and sophomore Ayden Hernandez will also play key roles for the Dodgers.

“Brock has played a lot at fullback and will see more time now at center back,” Jackson said. “He has great experience and great intelligence on the field. We are looking forward to seeing him defend.

“Ayden has great speed and is good on the ball. Sophomore Mateo Ron is also strong on the ball and passes well. Carol Samayoa (junior) is another key piece.”

Jackson will be assisted by former Dodger player Austin Read.

“I really appreciate the help from Austin,” Jackson said. “He is teaching great points and has outstanding insights and instincts.”

The Dodgers open the season on Thursday at Sioux City North. Junior varsity begins at 5 p.m., with varsity to follow at 6:30 p.m.

2024 FORT DODGE BOYS SOCCER

Dodger Roster

Seniors

Brock Delanoit, JT Laufersweiler, Omarion Myers-Zimmermann, Ismael Perez, Raily Samayoa, Parker Schillerstrom, Michael Wagner.

Juniors

Walter Azurdia Ajtun, Cael Johnson, Brady Major, Erickson Morales Garcia, Shawn Roberts, Alexander Rodriguez, Diego Ron, Carol Samayoa, Chris Sorceno, Cesar Suriano Carillo.

Sophomores

Taelyn Brown, Leif Hamilton, Ayden Hernandez, Hector Juarez, Chris Lacina, Logan Moenck, Jacob Moore, Simeon Roberts, Mateo Ron, Rapas Srinarongsiri.

Freshmen

Kobe Bacon, Madden Bailey, Greyson Chance, Erwin Clarans Lam, Charles Evans, Conrad Greathouse, Eli Johnson, Erik Larson, Elijah Lawrence, Kyran McCrady, Amarie Pettigrew, Brek Pingel.

Schedule

March 28 — at Sioux City North.

April 2 — at Des Moines Lincoln; 5 — at Marshalltown; 8 — Sioux City East; 12 — Waterloo East; 16 — at Des Moines East; 19 — at Ames; 22 — Humboldt; 23 — Des Moines Roosevelt; 26 — at Mason City; 30 — at Des Moines Hoover.

May 2 — at East Sac County; 7 — Des Moines North; 10 — Webster City.