The Iowa Central men’s and women’s soccer programs will have a similar look to them this coming fall.
Long-time men’s assistant Jordan Sibenaller has taken over the women’s team, while veteran head coach Pablo Rodriguez remains in charge on the men’s side.
Sibenaller, a former Triton player himself, is a native of Carroll. He joined the Iowa Central staff in 2017 and worked under Rodriguez.
Last year, Iowa Central went 4-9 on the women’s side, posting wins over Hawkeye, Scott, Southeastern and Iowa Lakes. They fell in the Region XI Tournament to Iowa Western.
Poppy Goffin, an all-region selection, returns along with Lauren Chetty. Goffin saw action in all 13 games, while Chetty did the same, scoring two goals.
Former Indianola standout Abigail Jensen and Des Moines Lincoln graduate Lydia Zaragoza are two key newcomers for Sibenaller.
“The preseason has gone well,” Sibenaller said. “The team brings a lot of energy to practice. I am very excited to see what they can do this year.”
The ICCAC will once again provide a stern test for the Tritons.
“We want to compete for a conference championship,” Sibenaller said. “And we want to ensure the players have a positive experience.”
On the men’s side, the Tritons return Giovanni Kachan, Federico Bellintende, Ben Richardson, Kolby Godbolt, Ombeni Mubake, Henry O’Leary, Kaan Yuecel, Mario Saldana and Rigue Ngenda.
Bellintende and Richardson are both captains.
“This is a great group of guys who have done an outstanding job during the preseason,” Rodriguez said. “We had a great friendship with Clarke University.
“We have great hopes for our season, but maintain a humble approach because we know the excellent competition that we will be going against in the best region in the country for soccer.”
Mubake had four goals and two assists last year, while O’Leary had two goals as the Tritons went 8-8 overall. They fell to Indian Hills in the regional tournament.
Diego Orellana, Samule Orozco, Bryan Vallejos, Benjamin Venegas, Caden Ruff, Ian Mercil, Matias Vila, Abraham Ruiz and Guilherme Filho are among the newcomers for Iowa Central looking to contribute.
Rodriguez will be assisted by Alex Fonseca with Carl Legore returning as a volunteer for his third season.
Next year, the Tritons will make the move from NJCAA Div. I to Div. II.
2022 IOWA CENTRAL SOCCER
Schedule (Men’s/Women’s doubleheaders unless noted)
Aug. 20 — at Carl Sandburg (men); 26 — at St. Louis (men); 27 — at John Wood (women); 31 — Northeast.
Sept. 3 — at NIACC; 6 — Southeastern; 10 — at Hawkeye; 14 — at Scott; 17 — at Indian Hills; 21 — at Iowa Western; 28 — at Iowa Lakes.
October 1 — Indian Hills; 4 — Marshalltown (men); 8 — Iowa Western; 18 — at Marshalltown (men).
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