Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Returning letterwinners for the Fort Dodge boys soccer team are, front row (left to right): Ericson Morales, Hector Juarez and Mateo Ron. Back: Ayden Hernandez, Oscar Suriano, Rapas Srinarongsiri and Shawn Roberts. Not pictured: Madden Bailey.

Fort Dodge boys soccer coach Joe Jackson likes the numbers he has on the pitch.

The Dodgers will have to replace the majority of their offense and fill some holes with over 35 athletes on their roster.

“We are trying to fill in some spots, but we have great numbers to find a way,” Jackson said. “We need to be able to play together defensively, keeping our positions and relying on each other and not into other people’s spots.

“We haven’t played together as a group yet, so we have to figure out the shape and keep it in the back line and midfield.”

Returning letterwinners for the Dodger boys are seniors Ericson Morales, Mateo Ron and Shawn Roberts II. Also back are juniors Ayden Hernandez and Rapas Srinarongsiri.

Sophomores Madden Bailey and Oscar Suriano are also back for FDSH.

Morales, Roberts and Bailey all had goals for the squad last spring.

The Dodgers will look to replace graduating leading goal scorers JT Laufersweiler (four), Raily Merida-Samayoa (three) and Ismael Perez (two).

“This group is willing to learn and listens very well,” Jackson said. “They work hard at the different coaching points that we try to get across, and transfer over into the field and they do it well.

“We have guys with skills who can score once we get to that last finish.”

Looking to play the backline for the Dodgers will be junior Jacob Moore, sophomore Elijah Lawrence, junior Simeon Roberts, sophomore Oscar Suriano, along with sophomore Kobe Bacon.

“They’ve all played back there and are looking to step up and learn their spots,” Jackson said. “We have a few to fill in when we need them.”

Pushing for time as midfielders will be seniors Erickson Morales, Miguel Ceto Corio, Mateo Ron and junior Ayden Hernandez.

Senior Shawn Roberts will be at wing, and up front will be sophomore Conrad Greathouse, alongside freshman Bryson Hansel and Bacon.

Bailey will be up as forward.

“Madden is an excellent defender,” Jackson said. “He went to Spain this past off sesaon and learned some good skills while there.”

Freshman Caleb Huss, as well as junior Rapas Srinarongsiri, are other Dodger offensive options.

Sophomore Brek Pingel will be in at goal, and freshman Alex Berger will see some time as well. Pingel saw some varsity action last year for Fort Dodge.

Jackson got a glimpse of the team early during a scrimmage inside Dodger Stadium.

“We saw some nice passing,” Jackson said. “There was some one- and two-touch passing and we worked the ball through. We need to work on the last pass before a shot.”

With a solid returning group, Jackson likes the depth his squad is showing it could develop.

“We have a bunch of freshmen and sophomores that have funnelled in from the Fort Dodge Soccer Association,” Jackson said. “They will use their athletic ability to get stronger.”

Jackson will be assisted by Nick Huse and Parker Schillerstrom.

The Dodgers open the season on Tuesday when they host Des Moines North at 6 p.m. in a varsity only matchup. They will also entertain Sioux City North on Thursday, with junior varsity at 5 p.m. and varsity to follow at 6:30 p.m.

2025 FORT DODGE BOYS SOCCER

Roster

Seniors — Miguel Ceto Corio, Mateo Ron, Shawn Roberts II, Erickson Morales, Alex Jensen, Max Nguyen, Tung Nguyen.

Juniors — Ayden Hernandez, Simeon Roberts, Rapas Srinarongsiri, Jacob Moore, Carlos Cervantes.

Sophomores — Conrad Greathouse, Madden Bailey, Elijah Lawrence, Oscar Suriano, Kobe Bacon, Brek Pingel, Kyran McCrady, Eli Johnson, Greyson Chance, Liam Lewis, Jenson Litwiller, Giancarlos Diaz, David Cardenas Jr., Izzam Mejia.

Freshmen — Javier Barillas Palencia, Alex Berger, Caleb Huse, Ayden Le, Bryson Hansel, Oseas Lopez, Ryan Patterson, Grant Maxson, Anthony Turcios, Joshua Townsend.

Schedule

April 1 — Des Moines North; 3 — Sioux City North; 8 — at Des Moines Hoover; 11 — Ames; 14 — at Sioux City East; 17 — at Waterloo East; 22 — at Mason City; 25 — Des Moines East; 28 — at Humboldt.

May 2 — at Marshalltown; 8 — at Des Moines Roosevelt; 9 — East Sac County; 13 — Des Moines Lincoln; 16 — at Webster City.