After a trip to the semifinals last season the Bixby Spartans are poised for another great season and a deep run in the tournament.
Head coach Long Nguyen said the team returns 11 players from last year’s squad.
“Looking to build off of our successful season last year. This group is very talented and hardworking. Many of these players have been together for years now. I am very excited as their coach for the start of the season.”
Casey Copenhaver is a four-year starter for the Spartans and had 10 clean sheets last year.
“He was also a major reason why we won the Southern Coast Cup 2022. He also led the team to semifinals at state. He plays ECNL club soccer at Tulsa SC and is one of the top goalies in the state. Casey has cat-like reflexes, and it is very hard to beat him. Not only was Casey the goalie for the soccer team but he was also a kicker for the Bixby football team which won state this year. Casey is a leader both on and off the field. Casey has recently committed to continue his soccer with Rogers State University,” said coach Nguyen.
Carson Copenhaver, like Casey, is a four-year starter for the Spartans. Last season Carson accounted for 12 goals and is one of the fastest players in the state with the ball.
“Carson is deadly around the 18. Along with his skills he is one of the fastest players in the state. He also plays ECNL at Tulsa SC. Looking for Carson to double his numbers this year and to be an impactful player in Bixby’s success this year. Carson has recently committed to continue his soccer with Rogers State University,” said coach Nguyen.
Troy Nguyen (Jr.) is a three-year starter and an important player for the Spartans.
“He plays ECNL club soccer at Tulsa SC. He is center mid but is the glue to the back line defense. He has incredible technical skills, he has great soccer IQ, and intense tenacity. He is the type of player that you can place any player near him and his confidence makes them feel instantly comfortable. He is very coachable as he has been through three coaches in three years and responds without any glitch. As we know center mid is not a glamorous position; however, the success of the team is often centered around the midfield,” said coach Nguyen.
Other players to watch include Aaron Montgomery (Sr.), Antonio Aranda (Jr.), Bradley Thao (Fr.), Caleb Sizemore (Sr.), Caleb Kaercher (So.), Carmelo Bernal (Jr.), Carter Thao (Jr.), Dean Pappas (So.), Jack Pappas (Sr.), Jansen Ashbaugh (Sr.), Johan Mendez (So.), Logan Martin (Jr.), Mason Hahn (So.), Mason Daniels (Fr.), Michael Renteria (Jr.), Nicholas Henshaw (Sr.), Noah Foreman (Sr.), Owen Vang (Jr.), Rafael Figueredo (Sr.), Ryan Datel (Jr.), Talan Lawrence (Fr.), and Will Franks (Jr.).
