The 2023 boys’ soccer season will once again be a great one here in the metro area as they all aspire to make it to the WorldWide Technology Soccer in November for the state final four.
Today, we look at three teams that should be in the mix for state titles. Westminster once again will be a team to watch as head coach Dan Legters has a solid core group returning. MICDS turns the program over to Scott Lanemann this year with hopes of winning the Metro League. Troy will be a team to keep an eye on in the GAC this fall as they also return many key players from last year.
Westminster Christian Wildcats
- Head Coach: Daniel Legters
- Years at School and Coaching Record: 23 yrs—275-218-24
- Conference: Metro League
- Last Year’s Overall and Conference Record: 17-6, Conf: 4-2
- Starters Returning – 7 returning starters
- Top Returning Players: Levi Weik-Sr (leading goal scorer), Caden Collison-Sr (2nd team all-state), Blake Musielak-Jr (5 goals/6assists)
- Players to Watch: Levi Weik and Caden Collison could have a great year on offense. Caden was injured in the last third of the season and Levi started the year on defense until he got moved and started scoring goals for the team. Austin McCarthy and Blake Musielak will lead the midfield and Landon Cassidy will anchor the defense.
Season Outlook: “The team has many returning starting players and a good midfield core that understands the game’s demands and has worked together for a couple of years,” stated Legters. “There is plenty of experience with many players having multiple years on varsity who know what it takes to be successful and get positive results. We have a good balance of players who can score goals as well as players on defense who were part of a stingy defense last year only allowing 24 goals. The guys are looking forward to breaking through and winning a district championship after being denied 3 years in a row.”
MICDS Rams
- Head Coach: Scott Lanemann
- Years at School Coaching Record: First Year
- Conference: Metro
- Last Year’s Record: 9-12 Overall 4-5 Conference
- Returning Starters: Aidan Helms, Sam Singh, Max Garcia, Hans Kamat
- Players to Watch: Aidan Helms, Sam Singh, Max Garcia, Hans Kamat
Season Outlook: “The Rams are very optimistic about a deep run in the postseason in 2023! In addition to the aforementioned returning players, there is a solid core of very talented underclassmen with high school and club soccer experience, as well as athleticism, that will compete in every competition”, said Lanemann.
Troy Trojans
- Head Coach: Ben Johnstone
- Years at School and Coaching Record: This will be my 3rd year. The coaching Record is 16 wins, 27 losses.
- Conference: GAC South
- Last Year’s Overall and Conference Record: 11-11. 3-7.
- Starters Returning. 5.
- Top Returning Players: Logen Davis, Jack Patton, Landon Hupper, Liam Sontag and Jake Ladlie.
- Players to Watch: There could be a few underclassmen that rise to the challenge. There is a large group of talented and hungry younger players, it would not surprise me at all to see a few of them break out as big contributors.
Season Outlook: “We will look to build upon the strong foundation that was laid by last year’s team’” said Johnstone. “The mission stays the same, be the best we can be each and every day and see where that gets us. Lean into each other and build trusting relationships to maximize our potential as a group.”
Jim Powers has been covering prep sports in the St. Louis area for 15+ years and a part of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Championship Broadcasts for the past 11 years. Powers is also a part of the Fox 2 Verlo Mattress Prep Zone Friday nights at 10:10 during the football and basketball seasons. If you have a prep sports story, please contact Jim at japowers2421@yahoo.com. Follow Jim at @hssportscaravan
