One thing first-year assistant coach Matt Cole was surprised to see at his first few practices with Fort Smith Southside was the sight of diminutive senior Wesley Carson possessing balls in the air over larger defenders.
“He wins 90 to 95 percent of the balls in the air. He’s not afraid to put his body out there,” Cole said. “I think that’s something that surprised me when I started watching him play. He’s better than any kid his age in the air.”
Apparently, Carson, a 5-6 attacking midfielder/forward, was even better after he possessed those long passes, scoring a team-high 35 goals this season. For his efforts, Carson has been named the All-Arkansas Preps Mr. Soccer for 2013.
“He’s scored from everywhere you can imagine,” Cole said. “He controlled our offense.”
Carson was named this season’s Gatorade boys soccer player of the year for Arkansas and has played internationally for the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program. His goal this season was to be the Rebels’ leading scorer.
“Me not being the biggest player on the field has taught me to play more physical,” said Carson, who finished his high school career with 77 goals.
Carson said he is a fan of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, who, while undersized at 5-7, is a prolific goal scorer with quick feet.
“Everybody wants to play like Messi,” Carson said. “I just play the game I know how to play.”
Fort Smith Southside (11-9) fell short of the last playoff spot in the state tournament on points. But Carson said he wouldn’t have traded his team for a spot on any roster.
“Those guys made me better,” he said.
Carson has signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Central Arkansas next season. He said he is spending his summer at the gym, trying to get stronger for collegiate competition.
“I’m pretty quick, but they’re big and quick,” Carson said.
Sports, Pages 29 on 06/16/2013