Tahlequah soccer expecting both programs to return to playoffs in 2027

This was the first year Tahlequah soccer reached the playoffs in recent memory, but the team is sure it isn’t going to become a distant memory.

After losses in the first round of the State Tournament, both Lady Tigers head coach Scottie McKee and Tigers head coach Greg Hall are expecting the team to return to the playoffs next season.

The Lady Tigers lost to Coweta in their first playoff game since 2018, and the Tigers fell to a strong contender in Bishop Kelley in their first postseason game in 11 seasons.

“This team deserved it; they have a bunch of great seniors and great underclassmen, so I think they’re going to be back here the next three years,” McKee said. “I think they know how to win; they expect to come here again. I think they’re going to have confidence next year. This game is hard to play, make the playoffs and end on a high note.”

Espinzoa meg

Lorelie Espinoza sends a ball through a Coweta defender’s legs, aka a “meg.” The Lady Tigers returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, losing 6-1 on the road, Monday, May 4.

While both teams are expecting to be back in the same position next season, the shapes of their rosters are in different places. McKee’s squad is losing Audi Espinoza, Avrie Baker, Kenzie daniels, Lizzie Hubbard, Shaylee Sherrill, Lizzie Hubbard, Lorelie Espinoza, Madison Sheron and Quinn Hendrix.

However, this season, the Lady Tigers saw a strong freshman squad come into the roster and get solid, varsity minutes building toward starting minutes next season.

“I want them to think they deserve to be here, not that they just slipped in,” McKee said. “I want to think they’re a playoff team next year. We’ve been an underdog for the last eight years, hoping to get in; now we expect to get in.”

The Tigers are in a different position with only three seniors in Christian and Daniel Sosa and Isaac Williams. They will have to replace their goaltender in Christian Sosa with current sophomore Christian Falcon, who got some starts in the net this season.

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Tiger goalie Christian Sosa makes a leaping save on a free kick while Gabe Czlonka (10) and Isaac Hicks (15) look on, Monday, May 4. The Comets beat the Tigers 2-0.

THS will retain some key players for next season with current juniors Gabe Czlonka, Alex Tinajero, Caston Wilson, Colten Hale, Logan Knight, Tosh Pevic and Carlos Sandoval set to lead the roster as seniors.

“We have a solid group of guys; I hope they’ll learn from this experience,” THS coach Greg Hall said. “We have some good kids coming up from eighth grades coming up. We have a solid foundation to build on for next season.”

With a strong group of seniors returning, Hall and the Tigers are expecting to be a strong presence in the district.

After the losses, Tahlequah’s coaches are hoping it will motivate the returning players.