Photos courtesy of Iowa Central: The Iowa Central men’s soccer team for the 2024 season.
Many new faces will play important roles for Iowa Central’s football teams this fall.
On the women’s side, head coach Jordan Sibenaller brought in 19 freshmen to join returning sophomores Eden Palkovic and Perla Rios. Last year, the Tritons finished the season 15-4 and were led by Landry McCoid, who was named ICCAC Div. II Player of the Year and Co-Athlete of the Year.
Iowa Central has played its way into the national rankings with a 7-1 record in conference play and a perfect 8-0 record at home. They are ranked 10th in the preseason poll, while conference rivals Northeast and Hawkeye are also in the top 20.
Striker Palkovic scored 19 goals and provided the most assists on his team in 2023, with 26 goals and 1 assist on the season. Defender Rios played in 16 games and provided one assist.
“With 19 newcomers, we were very busy preparing our team for our first game,” said Sibenaller. “We are very excited to see what this group can achieve.”
Photos courtesy of Iowa Central: The Iowa Central women’s soccer team for the 2024 season.
McKenna Hilton and Sydney Hagen are two of the new recruits looking to make an immediate impact. Hilton scored six goals and four assists for Ankeny Centennial this spring, helping the Jaguars reach the Class 3A quarterfinals.
“Our recruiting has changed dramatically,” said Sibenaller. “The majority of our players come from Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.”
The Tritons finished second in the preseason coaches poll behind four-time defending champion Northeast in Div. II. Iowa Lakes, Hawkeye and NIACC round out the top five in the 10-school league.
At the helm of the men’s team is head coach Pablo Rodriguez, who is entering his eighth season as coach. Iowa Central has won 28 games since 2019 and posted a 3-4-5 record last year – including a 3-2-3 record in the conference.
Genaro Dumestre, Facundo Brunig Leites, Edgard Salazar Buenano, Kaisei Hara and Raymond Fruend are key sophomores. Dumestre scored one goal and had one assist in 12 games last fall, while Buenano scored four goals in eight appearances.
“The preseason went really well, with training seven days a week since August 1st,” said Rodriguez. “The athletes have worked really hard and we showed in our practice game against Grand View that we are ready for the season.”
New additions Leandro Romero, Walter Palacios, Leonardo Pierangelo Stralla and Erick Rodriguez will look to fill the void for the Tritons, who were ranked seventh in the league’s preseason poll, with Iowa Lakes, Northeast, Hawkeye and Western Iowa Tech taking the top spots.
Iowa Central will play all of its home games on the brand new artificial turf field built on campus. Previously, the Tritons had played at the Rogers Sports Complex.
“Our players are looking forward to a better gaming experience,” said Sibenaller. “They are looking forward to training and playing on the grass.”
Rodriguez echoed these views, saying: “It’s great to have grass on campus and we’re lucky to have such a great facility.”
Sibenaller is supported by Matthan Kots. Brett Harris and Carl Legore support Rodriguez.
2024 IOWA CENTRAL SOCCER
Men’s schedule
August 22nd – at NIACC; 24th – Carl Sandburg; 28th – in Marshalltown; 31st – at the State Fair.
September 4th – at Riverland; 7th – Iowa Lakes; 11th – at Minnesota West; 14th – at Neosho; 21st – Southeastern; 25th – at Western Iowa Tech.
Oct. 2 – Northeast; 5 – at Hawkeye; 12 – at Iowa Lakes; 16 – at Northwest Iowa; 19 – NIACC; 23 – Marshalltown.
Schedule for women
August 23rd – South Suburban; 29th – at Kellogg; 31st – at Heartland.
September 4 – in Johnson County; 9-Iowa Western; 13 – East Central; 18-Indian Hills; 21 – Southeastern; 25 – at Western Iowa Tech; 28 – in Scott.
Oct. 2 – Northeast; 5 – at Hawkeye; 12 – at Iowa Lakes; 16 – at Northwest Iowa; 19 – NIACC; 23 – Marshalltown.
