By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press

An opening season loss might leave some coach’s sour. Artesia Bulldogs soccer head coach Philip Jowers had a different reaction after opening the 2024 season Aug. 20 with a home defeat against Hobbs.

“We just played the 5A state champs and had them scared,” he said during a post-game interview.

The Bulldogs lost to the Eagles 2-1 who were on a 23-game winning streak heading into the contest at Robert Chase Field in Artesia.

The Eagles had a perfect 23-0 record last year and defeated Albuquerque Atrisco Heritage Academy claiming the large school soccer title.

Jowers believes in the team concept as the Bulldogs prepare for a tournament this weekend in Los Alamos.

“All of our boys can play two or three positions,” he said.

He said long-term goals for Artesia this season include winning 13 games and earning a top four spot in the 4A state soccer tournament Nov. 8.

Last year the Bulldogs finished the regular season with a 12-8-1 record and in District 4-4A Artesia was 4-2.

The Bulldogs were the No. 8 seed in last year’s 4A state tournament and were upset by No. 9 and fellow district team Lovington 4-0 in the opening round.

Jowers said the Bulldogs have an experienced team in 2024 as two seniors graduated from last year’s squad.

He said senior defender Othoniel Alvidrez will provide leadership for a squad that is ready to return to the postseason and earn a possible first round bye in the state playoffs.

Alvidrez has been on the varsity squad since his freshman year and played in 55 games.

He scored six goals, had three assists and five steals during his four-year tenure on the squad.

Junior defender Moises Corza is another player with leadership skills, according to Jowers.

A four-year varsity player, he has played in 59 games, scored 60 points with 82 shots on goal.

Sept. 7 the Bulldogs host the two-game Artesia Invitational and at 6 p.m. Sept. 10 at Robert Chase Field, the Bulldogs host New Mexico Military Institute.

District play starts Sept. 26 at home against Lovington.

Mike Smith may be reached by phone at 575-308-8734 and can be followed on X @MSmithartesianm.