After graduating a large and talented senior class last season, the Bobcats are ready to build on the foundation left by the Class of 2025, which ended its run with a heartbreaking semifinal loss in extra time to eventual state champion Robinson.

“When you lose 12-plus seniors from last season, it’s tough to replace,” Head Coach Josh Marshall said. “But we have a group that’s ready to go, and I’m excited to see what they can do.”

A major piece returning to the Bobcats’ lineup is sophomore goalkeeper Jacob Pacheco.

“Jacob Pacheco is back for his sophomore year, and he may be one of the best I’ve ever coached,” Marshall said. “He can control the game from the goalkeeper position.”

Pacheco stepped up in a big way during his freshman season, recording multiple clean sheets and proving the moment was never too big for him. He helped lead the Bobcats to two wins in the state tournament.

At media day, Pacheco shared his offseason focus.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in the weight room this offseason,” he said. “I promised myself I’d come back better this year. We’re excited about the defense, and communication will be key.”

The defense lost a couple of contributors from last year’s squad but still features one of the top defensive players in 4A in Gio Ruiz. Ruiz was outstanding as a sophomore and took another step forward during his junior campaign. With Ruiz anchoring the back line, the Bobcats expect to remain strong defensively.

“Gio is a three-year starter, and when you have a guy like him that you can trust, you know you have something good back there,” Marshall said.

Soyne Munoz and Giovanni Piza are expected to play key roles on defense, while Yair Munoz returns as another important piece. Known for his high soccer IQ, Yair brings leadership and stability to the unit. The Bobcats will be without Nathan Sanchez, who will miss his junior season due to injury.

In the midfield, Elliott Vazquez returns for his sophomore season after earning All-State honors as a freshman.

“Elliott led our team in assists,” Marshall said. “He’s a playmaker. Whatever we need, he can make it happen.”

Another sophomore expected to make an impact is Bradley Brown, who gained valuable experience last season and is poised for an expanded role. Joseph Santamaria will also see increased minutes this year, bringing athleticism and physicality to the middle of the field. Freshman Javier Martinez could make an immediate impact as well, as coaches have been impressed with his early performances.

Dylan Mercado is a name to watch across the state. A versatile talent, Mercado served as an elite defender last year but will move around the field this season. He is one of the Bobcats’ most dangerous scoring threats and can line up at midfield, wing, or defense.

“He’s gotten bigger and stronger,” Marshall said. “He’s very physical and can play midfield, wing, or defense. He’s a playmaker — one of those kids you can put anywhere.”

Mercado also shared the team’s mindset for the year.

“We’re ready to compete for a conference title and make a run at the state tournament,” he said. “We were so close last year, and we want to get back. I just want to help this team in any way they need me.”

Up top, Lucas Sanchez returns as the Bobcats’ leading scorer from last season and remains a proven goal-scorer. Johnathan Hernandez, who showed flashes of scoring ability during his freshman and sophomore seasons, could be poised for a breakout junior year. Chris Alvarado adds speed to the attack and demonstrated his potential in key moments last season.

Seniors Omar Cardona and Kevin Lozano are also expected to have strong final seasons for Hope.

“We’re ready to get this season going,” Cardona said at media day. “We’re looking to improve and get back to where we were last year. Our chemistry with the wings and the players up top should help us score a lot of goals.”

The Bobcats will be battle-tested with a challenging non-conference schedule that includes Robinson, Hot Springs, Lake Hamilton, and several larger schools in the Clarksville Tournament. In conference play, De Queen will be the team to beat, while Nashville will present another tough challenge. Mena, Arkadelphia, Malvern, Magnolia, and Bauxite round out a competitive league.

“If you don’t bring it every night, you can get beat,” Marshall said. “Our league is tough from top to bottom.”

With high expectations and plenty of young talent, the Bobcats are set to open their season at home on Feb. 27 against Hot Springs.

Follow all the action from Hope soccer this season at SWARK.Today.