FOREST PARK — Heading into the 2024 season, the Forest Park boys soccer team experienced highs and lows.
The highs were back-to-back second-place finishes in their region and two consecutive playoff appearances.
The low was the unexpected death of a valued teammate and friend — Josue Rodas. The team is dedicating the 2024 season his memory.
The Panthers are off to a strong start to 2024, going 6-2 in their first eight games.
Head coach Cary Hargett said the solid start is because of 18 returning players — with 10 returning starters. The Panthers also had strong classes of incoming freshmen from Babb and Forest Park middle schools.
“I am blessed to work with and coach a great group of young men who have brought in and trust the process in building one of the best programs in Clayton County,” said Hargett said. “The the team has worked hard to get better each season. Under the leadership of Leo Cabrera, Emmanuel Pantoja, Yahir Saldivar and Johnathan Hernandez we are achieving our goals.”
On offense, Forest Park scored 39 goals in the first eight games.
Sophomore Johnathan Hernandez scored 10 while Bryan Hernandez, Handy Palacios and Yahir Saldivar scored five each.
Hargett said the key to the Panthers’ success is team defense.
The defense is led by seniors Andres Laguna, Emmanuel Pantoja, and goalkeeper Leo Cabrera, who has allowed just nine goals this season.
Freshmen Gabriel Cabrera, Gael Alvardo and Brelin Duran have also been major contributors on defense, Hargett said.
Forest Park has added a junior varsity team and is playing more competitive schedule this season.
“I firmly believe playing teams like McIntosh, Whitewater and Starr’s Mill has helped my program improve,” Hargett said. “We will be battle-tested when the playoffs start.”
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