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Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. Over the course of the next several weeks, the NEST will overview EVERY high school soccer program in our state. This was done to the best of our ability using all of the information we could collect.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to support many fantastic teams, coaches, players, fans, and referees that make our game possible. One mission of this venture is to discover and centralize newsworthy information. This can only be done in collaboration with individual programs. As a whole, our sport must better promote itself in order to grow the player and supporter pool. We encourage every team to proudly and consistently advertise itself to us and the general public. The more information available, the more our game will grow. Soccer is a game historically left behind to linger in the background in the United States. That circumstance is changing, but that change will not happen automatically. Growing and covering all aspects of our sport will take effort from all of those who love it.

Disclaimer – To prepare for these articles, a questionnaire was sent to every school’s head coach and athletic director. Many of these questionnaires were returned in a timely fashion, others were not. Nebraska Soccer Talk prides itself on equal and in-depth coverage but cooperation is needed to meet that goal. Please consider this to be our reasoning when it comes to article length and accuracy.

Fremont

Head Coach – Sean Murphy

Previous Records

State Status – Front Runner, Contender, Dark Horse, Up-And-Coming, Building, Too Early To Tell 

NEST Analysis – To call this team ‘young’ would be an understatement, as they return with only a few starters. New faces will be all over the field as Fremont looks to grow during the 2021 season. For many youngsters, 2021 will be a learning experience that can be used in the future. The comparison between the start of their season and the end will be telling for the trajectory of the program. 

Undoubtedly, Coach Sean Murphy will maximize the talent at his disposal. Fremont is never an easy out for any opponent. Home games will be crucial to their success as they have thrived there in the past.

In the Tigers’ favor is the fact that they seem to have a potential anchor in net. Freshman goalkeeper Caleb Kirby is an impressive prospect with easily observable skills. Long, instinctual, and disciplined are great traits to build upon with a keeper. Others will make their marks as well and the NEST will be there with a watchful eye. 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

Chace Hutchison

Although it is rarely covered by the traditional media giants of the state, Nebraska is filled with exciting and competitive collegiate soccer programs. In fact, Nebraska contains a grand total of THIRTY programs for men and women. Those thirty programs compete across a wide variety of collegiate levels including Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and junior college.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to examine, cover, and promote all of these teams. This task has been made a bit more challenging by the circumstances created by COVID-19. Depending on the playing level, conference, and school, the season outlook changes drastically. Roster information can also be in flux, depending on the school. Despite these challenges, our staff attempted to put together the best program summaries possible. To our knowledge, we are the only outlet providing such coverage to our state’s college programs.

Just like Nebraska Soccer Talk, this column will grow and become more in depth as the years pass. In the future, we hope to provide sideline coverage of games, facility features, coach and player interviews. We look forward to the journey ahead. Thank you for being a part of our community. The sport of soccer is growing in Nebraska, and we intend to see it thrive.

Disclaimer – In the making of this article, team websites and other research sources were utilized. Although we attempt to avoid them whenever possible, errors can occur. Please contact us directly with corrections.

Bellevue University

Head Coach – Mark Heath-Preston (5th Season)

Assistant Coaches – Scott Robertson, Graeme Eaglesham

Mascot – Bruins

Nebraska Homegrown Players On Roster – 

• #7 Juvenal Jacinto – Sr – Omaha South – Mid
• #8 Zach Robbins – Jr – Omaha Burke – Mid
• #10 Ricky Reyes – Jr – Omaha Burke – Mid
• #13 Jack Finocchiaro – Jr – Omaha Westside – F
• #14 John Cover – So – Gretna HS – Mid
• #15 Morgan Penn – Sr – Columbus HS – Mid
• #17 Eli Brown – So – Lincoln East – Mid
• #18 Nate Fibich – So – Gretna HS – Mid
• #19 Marvin Ramirez – Jr – Omaha Westside – Mid
• #22 Alan Mendoza – Fr – Omaha South – GK
• #24 Jared Robles – So – Nebraska City HS – GK
• #25 Eduardo Castillo – So – Omaha South – D
• #29 Max Lambert – Fr – Papillion-La Vista South – F
• #31 Ivan Hernandez – Omaha South – D

NEST Analysis – The men’s program at Bellevue University is one of the intriguing squads in the state for several reasons. First and foremost, there are many homegrown Nebraskans that have been given an opportunity to play at the next level by the Bruins. Secondly, there is an overhanging feeling that this program is at the cusp of becoming a consistent title contender in the conference. Their 2018 season demonstrated how far this program has come in recent years, and they are looking for that to become the norm. Finally, from a recruiting and living standpoint, Bellevue University has advantages simply because of its placement in Sarpy County. Newly constructed  facilities located at Papillion Landing give the Bruins a major upgrade. Unlike many other small-town NAIA schools, the allure of the Omaha metro area is there for the Bruins to exploit.  With all of those recruiting pulls, the Bruins are a team to watch.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through multiple different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

Chace Hutchison

Although it is rarely covered by the traditional media giants of the state, Nebraska is filled with exciting and competitive collegiate soccer programs. In fact, Nebraska contains a grand total of THIRTY programs for men and women. Those thirty programs compete across a wide variety of collegiate levels including Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and junior college.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to examine, cover, and promote all of these teams. This task has been made a bit more challenging by the circumstances created by COVID-19. Depending on the playing level, conference, and school, the season outlook changes drastically. Roster information can also be in flux, depending on the school. Despite these challenges, our staff attempted to put together the best program summaries possible. To our knowledge, we are the only outlet providing such coverage to our state’s college programs.

Just like Nebraska Soccer Talk, this column will grow and become more in depth as the years pass. In the future, we hope to provide sideline coverage of games, facility features, coach and player interviews. We look forward to the journey ahead. Thank you for being a part of our community. The sport of soccer is growing in Nebraska, and we intend to see it thrive.

Disclaimer – In the making of this article, team websites and other research sources were utilized. Although we attempt to avoid them whenever possible, errors can occur. Please contact us directly with corrections.

Midland University

Head Coach – Greg Jarosik

Assistant Coaches – Rachel Smith

Mascot – Warriors

Nebraska Homegrown Players On Roster – 

• #10 Chloe Dietz – Fr – Papillion-La Vista – M
• #11 Kisa Omerovic – Jr – Lincoln – M
• #15 Sidney Wells – Sr – Waverly – D
• #16 Melissa Warner – Jr – Waverly – D
• #26 Anastasia Bitzes – Fr – Omaha Westside – M
• #29 Kennedy Kress – So – Millard North – M
• #31 Hannah DeStefano – Sr – Brady – F

7/27 = 26%

NEST Analysis – Midland represents one of the most competitive, consistent, and stable women collegiate soccer programs in the state of Nebraska. This team’s roster incorporates players from all over the United States, indicating a national recruiting strategy. Greg Jaroski and his staff appear to search high and low to find the proper additions to their team. Despite that diversity, the Warriors are able to find a common purpose once on campus. From 2016 to 2019, Midland won a combined 60 matches, an impressive mark that many programs dream about. Coach Jarosik has served as head coach for 8 seasons. With his continued leadership, Midland has a bright future competing in the GPAC. 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through multiple different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

Chace Hutchison

Although it is rarely covered by the traditional media giants of the state, Nebraska is filled with exciting and competitive collegiate soccer programs. In fact, Nebraska contains a grand total of THIRTY programs for men and women. Those thirty programs compete across a wide variety of collegiate levels including Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and junior college.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to examine, cover, and promote all of these teams. This task has been made a bit more challenging by the circumstances created by COVID-19. Depending on the playing level, conference, and school, the season outlook changes drastically. Roster information can also be in flux, depending on the school. Despite these challenges, our staff attempted to put together the best program summaries possible. To our knowledge, we are the only outlet providing such coverage to our state’s college programs.

Just like Nebraska Soccer Talk, this column will grow and become more in depth as the years pass. In the future, we hope to provide sideline coverage of games, facility features, coach and player interviews. We look forward to the journey ahead. Thank you for being a part of our community. The sport of soccer is growing in Nebraska, and we intend to see it thrive.

Disclaimer – In the making of this article, team websites and other research sources were utilized. Although we attempt to avoid them whenever possible, errors can occur. Please contact us directly with corrections.

Hastings College

Head Coach – Tim Bohnenkamp

Assistant Coaches – Cesar Herrera

Mascot – Broncos

Nebraska Homegrown Players On Roster –

• #11 Caleb Osmond – Jr – Lincoln North Star – F
• #14 Steven Castillo – So – Grand Island HS – Mid
• #18 Brendon Boatwright – Jr. – Papillion – LaVista HS – Def
• #25 Tyler Mase – Fr. – Omaha Burke – Mid
• #29 Miles Whitaker – Fr – Millard North – Def
• #32 Austin Uhlig – So – Millard North – GK
• #33 Kevin Toledo- Frutus – Jr – Lexington/CCC – Def

6/35 = 17%

NEST Analysis – One must look no further than Hastings’ jerseys to understand the standard of the program. Located just above the school logo are two stars: each representing a national championship. Its most recent championship campaign took place in 2016. Hastings has undoubtedly become the state’s most consistent and successful men’s soccer program year in and year out. Just last year, the Broncos were one victory away from adding a third star to their jersey. In his third year, Coach Bohnenkamp has put together a large and interesting roster. Like many NAIA schools, Hastings is fortunate that Nebraska is home to only two D1 soccer programs, both of which tend to recruit internationally.  Hastings always seems to capitalize on this situation by bringing in some of the best talent that Nebraska has to offer. Combining those high-level homegrown players with prospects from all over the world makes this squad a case study for success. Hastings College is an exciting program that we will look forward to covering. Any Nebraska team that produces championships, All-Americans, and professionals has our attention. 

Additionally, how sweet is this hype video?! This is what it takes to grow your brand and the game of soccer!

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through multiple different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

Chace Hutchison

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. In the following article series, we will reveal our Pre-season Top 10 rankings for the 2021 season.

This poll was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. The rankings will be updated on bi-weekly basis. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions. At season’s end, we will look back to review these pre-season rankings. What did we get right? Where did we go wrong? Which team surprised us all?

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible, any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class B Girl’s Pre-Season List

1. Omaha Skutt
2. Omaha Mercy
3. Omaha Roncalli Catholic
4. Columbus Scotus
5. Omaha Duchesne Academy  
6. Bennington
7. Hastings
8. Gering
9. Elkhorn
10. Blair

Teams on the Verge: Columbus Lakeview, Lincoln Lutheran/Raymond Central

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

Chace Hutchison

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible. 

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. In the following article series, we will reveal our Pre-season Top 10 rankings for the 2021 season. 

This poll was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. The rankings will be updated on bi-weekly basis. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions. At season’s end, we will look back to review these preseason rankings. What did we get right? Where did we go wrong? Which team surprised us all? 

Also including in each article is a section title Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible, any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class A Boy’s Pre-Season List

1. Creighton Prep
2. Omaha South
3. Gretna
4. Lincoln Southwest 
5. Papillion-La Vista South
6. Papillion-La Vista
7. Kearney
8. Grand Island
9. Lincoln East
10. Omaha Bryan

Teams on the Verge: Omaha Burke, Lincoln High, Millard West, Elkhorn South, Omaha Central, Millard North, Omaha Westside, Columbus High, North Platte

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

Chace Hutchison

Nebraska Soccer Talk is a newly established outlet that has the sole purpose of covering and promoting soccer within the state of Nebraska.

The NEST is a three-person operation that will be doing their best to cover all teams from the Metro to Scottsbluff and everywhere in-between. The authors/volunteers love this sport and have a genuine desire to grow the game throughout the state.

Follow along with our journey on Twitter or give our podcast a listen on Spotify.

This is a true community effort, so please feel free to contribute! Tips and observations are welcome! Let us know who or where NEST should be looking. Leave a comment below or email at nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com

Chace Hutchison