After spending 15 years with Kickapoo as a player and assistant coach, Josh McCutcheon knew his first opportunity to lead a program had to feel like the right fit.

Ozark checked every box.

“It was going to take something special to get me to leave my home at Kickapoo,” said McCutcheon, the Tigers’ new head coach. “Ozark had an established program, great community support, wonderful families and kids itching to play soccer all the time.”

McCutcheon couldn’t ask for a much better foundation. Now comes the opportunity to build on it.

By The Numbers
2025 Record: 19-7-1
2025 District Finish: Lost to Nixa in the Semifinals
Returning Starters: 4
Returning Postseason Honorees: 1
District Titles Since 2009: 5 (2016, 2018-20, 2023)
Total Final Four Visits: 0

Storylines to Watch
How will Ozark adapt to a new coach?

New coaches often face early growing pains as players adjust to new expectations, but McCutcheon has been encouraged by what he’s seen so far.

“I have been impressed with the dedication of the kids to be here every day and compete each session,” McCutcheon said. “We have great kids and families. They have shown they are ready to compete this year.”

Will strength in numbers translate on the field?

With just four returning starters, Ozark’s roster features more promise than proven production.

But several other players saw varsity action last year — and the program’s overall depth is strong.

“We currently have great numbers and continue to build those through our middle school and youth teams that create our three teams at the high school level,” McCutcheon said.

How will McCutcheon shape the program?

The three-team approach is key to McCutcheon’s long-term vision.

It’s not about building a successful varsity team. It’s about building a program that consistently produces the next one.

“An Ozark team will be known for competing every game,” McCutcheon said. “We will want to outwork everyone on and off the field. Ozark soccer has three teams, and we want to emphasize development from bottom to the top.”

Who’s Back
As the Tigers work toward the future, the players already at the top will have an important role.

Ian Soto, Senior (Midfielder)

Notable: Soto played his way to all-conference and all-district honors last fall, making him the only returning Tiger with postseason recognition.
Quotable: “Ian is one of our leaders,” McCutcheon said. “He shows up early, stays late and holds everyone accountable. He has great vision and a high IQ. We look forward to seeing how Ian can lead our team this season.”

Kian Sorlie, Senior (Midfielder/Forward)

Notable: One of the team’s primary playmakers, Sorlie’s impact extends well beyond the box score.
Quotable: “He is vocal and gives us a coach on the field,” McCutcheon said. “Kian is a distributor of the ball and doesn’t care about the stat sheet. We are excited to see the season Kian has.”

Beckett Sorlie, Junior (Midfielder)

Notable: With all he brings to the pitch, it’s easy to forget he has another year of eligibility.
Quotable: “Beckett has earned the respect of his teammates as a leader even though he is a junior,” McCutcheon said. “Beckett leads by example and will always keep us honest while moving in the right direction.”

Carter Rickard, Senior (Defender/Midfielder)

Notable: With so many new faces in the mix, Rickard’s versatility is a huge plus.
Quotable: “We will ask him to play several spots all over the field,” McCutcheon said. “Carter brings composure, confidence and a sense of calm to this team.”

Oliver Bouse and Maclean Scott, Sophomores

Notable: On a team where experience is at a premium, the playing time the duo logged as freshmen is even more valuable this fall.
Quotable: “We are hoping they can provide some valuable minutes this year as well,” McCutcheon said.

New Faces to Know
A lot.

That’s both a blessing and a challenge, as the program’s abundance of young talent has made it hard for McCutcheon to round out the roster.

“We have so many underclassmen that we are still evaluating and working through everyone,” McCutcheon said. “With high numbers and a very competitive group, it’s tough to say who will be on varsity.”

Key Dates
Jamboree: TBA at Republic (Ozark, Central, Parkview, Republic)
Season and Home Opener: August 27 vs. Capital City

Final Thought
With a new coach calling the shots and a near-total lineup overhaul, the Tigers will be far from a finished product when the season opens.

But no one in the program is expecting them to be.

“We want to try and get better each day,” McCutcheon said. “This summer has been process-oriented rather than outcome-oriented. Wins and records can be used as steps to reach the ultimate goal — play to our full potential in November.”