66FALL ATHLETICS G O A L Six Harding soccer players take their skills to the minor leagues in the summer of 2021. KICKIN IT Preparing to kick, sophomore defender Josh Fulton runs toward the soccer ball. Fulton played for North Alabama FC, a semi-pro league soccer team, in the summer of 2021. Photo by: Jaxon Nash WITH THE HARDING men’s soccer team playing its first full season in 2021 since the pandemic, experienced players were increasingly valuable. In 2021, six Harding men’s soccer players had the chance to play semi-pro soccer with two different teams: the Little Rock Rangers and North Alabama FC. Both teams competed in fourth division of American soccer and contained players who played for the team full time. The six were Adrian Renteria, Andres Castano, Donnell Bowes, Jaelen Jackson, Joe Oliver and Josh Fulton. Bowes, a senior defender, said that he grew tremendously in his time with the Rangers. “It was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything, because I grew as a man on and off the pitch,” Bowes said. “The game speed is so much higher, as well as the pressure. Those factors shaped me into a better player.” Sophomore midfielder Castano shared a similar sentiment. “The training sessions were intense and definitely helped me improve my game,” Castano said. “I was one of the younger players on the team. The boys didn’t make it feel that way though. The atmosphere was professional and very progress-oriented.” Fulton, a junior defender who played for North Alabama FC, agreed. “I think having a bunch of players playing for different semi-pro teams will definitely help with our recruitment,” Fulton said. With this minor league experience on Harding’s roster, the players were hoping to have a successful year. Fulton hoped that his time with North Alabama would help him play a different role for the team. “Until this summer, I had never played an offensive role,” Fulton said. “I was introduced to that at North Alabama FC, and it will definitely help me at Harding.” Bowes added that men’s soccer coach Jon Ireland’s style helped him with the Rangers. “Coach Ireland is big on the small details that some people don’t care about,” Bowes said. “At the highest levels of soccer, it’s all about the details” Harding’s team could only benefit from having players at such a high level. When one also considers the recruits that this would attract, it was an exciting time for Harding men’s soccer. WRITTEN BY CARTER THWEATT getters
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