JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

The Artesia Bulldogs boys’ soccer team completed a successful 2024 campaign, achieving two of their goals: winning more games than they did in 2023, and getting past the first round of the state playoffs.

In 2023, the team compiled a record of 12-8-1. In 2024, the Bulldogs were 15-7 overall and 3-3 in district competition. They accomplished goal number two with a 1-0 victory at home against Albuquerque’s Highland Hornets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.

“The last couple of years, we were unable to break through the glass ceiling of winning a game in the first round,” said Artesia coach Phillip Jowers. “Winning the first-round game was huge for us.”

The Bulldogs’ win over Highland advanced them to a matchup with St. Pius X in the quarterfinals, where the Albuquerque school downed Artesia 2-0.

Jowers, who has been Artesia’s head coach for 10 years, said his team’s two biggest wins were a 2-1 overtime victory over 5A Roswell last August and a 2-1 victory over New Mexico Military Institute in September.

“In those wins, our team showed their true character,” Jowers said. “Our team battled from behind in both games and showed a never-give-up mentality.”

Jowers said he was proud of the Bulldogs because they always gave their best, as when Alex Madrid entered late in the game and kicked the winning goal against Roswell.

Jowers said every player, whether a starter or a reserve, must be ready to play and contribute to the team.

“I am proud of our reserves,” Jowers said. “They did not start games, but they subbed in and helped us win, which is what being a team is about.”

The Bulldogs have conditioning drills at the Artesia Junior High School weight room from 7-9 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday and at the Artesia game field from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

The Bulldogs open the 2025 season Aug. 19 with a 6 p.m. game at Hobbs.

jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X@JTKEITH1.