Team of the Week: Turner High School boys soccer

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Some talented soccer squads don’t get the credit they deserve.

Such is the case at Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas. The Golden Bears (8-3) find themselves in a rare spot — in the Kansas Class 5A top five.

As of Monday, Turner is ranked #4 in that classification. It’s the highest statewide ranking most folks around the current program can recall.

Third-year Turner Head Coach Patrick Fessler’s team is a humble group that’s unaccustomed to being praised like this.

“We are a very talented group of boys. We’re very dedicated,” Fessler smiled.

The Golden Bears are outscoring opponents by a margin of almost three-to-one using speed, defense and sharp passes, as well as a lot of heart.

“During the summer, I promised I was going to give them everything I had this year. I’ve done everything I can to uphold that promise. Seeing that come to fruition and become tangible is a really great feeling,” Fessler said.

This program won the United Kansas Conference in 2020. This year could result in the school’s first-ever appearance in the Kansas Class 5A state soccer tournament, at least, in recent memory.

“It’s one of the prides we have in our school. It’s something we take very seriously. I feel like we give it our all, and try to represent our school the best way we can,” Alfredo Rojas, Turner center defensive midfielder, said.

“I feel like we’ve all dreamed about it, at least one day. Ever since middle school, we’ve been thinking about it,” Jordi Salas. Turner left back, said. “It’s the best feeling we could ever get.”

The school’s most recent team state championship in any sport came 20 years ago on the wrestling mat. Here in 2024, Turner has eight varsity soccer seniors who could take them to their goals.

The Golden Bears are looking forward to their upcoming regional playoffs, which begin on October 28.

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