Moeller boys soccer kicking it to a higher level
CINCINNATI — Moeller High School is known across the nation for its football program.
Now, its fútbol program (we know it as soccer) is also drawing attention.
The Crusaders have advanced to the Division I state semifinals twice in the last five seasons – the only school in Ohio to do so. More so, they were state finalists in 2018 and regional runner-up in 2019. The 2022 squad surrendered only 14 goals in 22 games, losing in the state semifinals to New Albany.
Team records set in 2022 include:
- 70 goals in one season;
- 3.18 goals per game average;
- Most defensive shutouts in a season (14 in 22 games).
Early results in 2023 indicate Moeller may again be among the last teams playing in November. The Crusaders started the season 6-0. One of those wins was over Rockford, Michigan, High School, ranked No. 10 in the nation at the time of the Aug. 26 meeting.
The only goal scored against the Crusaders came via penalty kick, late in the opening night 4-1 win over Walnut Hills Aug. 19.
Senior captains Bradley Poppell, Maddox Miller and Sterling Segal are Moeller’s leadership core. Poppell is the reigning Greater Catholic League South Division Player of the Year, leading the league in goals (21) and points (48). Both totals are single-season Moeller records. In high school soccer, players earn one point for goals and two points for assists.
Poppell’s 21 goals were 10 more than teammate Jonah Arszman, who was second in the league. If he stays healthy, Poppell could set the school career scoring record. As of Aug. 311, he was 26 points away.
Senior Mason Cooper’s 27 assists (as of Aug. 31) left him 13 away from the Moeller career record of 40. Poppell was 21 from the record. Senior goalkeeper Austin Nowak has recorded 19 shutouts; the school mark is 32.5.
Poppell has committed to continue his soccer career at the United States Air Force Academy.
Miller and Segal, along with senior Eric Warncke and sophomore Jose Stefano, help anchor the defense in front of Nowak.
Head coach Mike Welker and his staff – Aaron Gatio, Scott Stockum, Craig Curk and Niro Wimalasena – have built the program by establishing a winning culture, off the field as well as on the field.
“Prior to the start of every game, the program prays at the statue of Mary at Moeller,” Welker said.
“Our program has host families to help welcome in all new freshmen families/new families to the program,” he said. “The host families spend time with new families to make them feel more part of the program, and help answer any questions/concerns they may have.”
Welker acknowledges the expectations when discussing the goals for 2023.
“Improve each day at training and games, to reach our greatest potential prior to the start of the (Ohio High School Athletic Association) tournament,” Welker said. “With seven starters returning from the previous season, the program has lofty expectations to advance further than 2022.
“The team is very driven to build upon our success from the past season. We feel that if we continue to improve each day, we will reach full potential by the playoffs.”
Moeller Soccer Roster
Seniors – David Antaki, Brennan Arnold, T.J. Bray, Brevin Shinkle, Mason Cooper, Jackson Glendon, Mateo Improvola, Johnny Michel, Maddox Miller, Austin Nowak, Bradley Poppell, Sterling Segal, Erik Warncke, Jack Welage, Ian Kowalski (student coach).
Juniors – Paxton Hafner, Lucas Peters, David Rimkevicius, Michael Stocks, Adam Transier.
Sophomores – Frankie Gerace, Tiago Improvola, Karson Lang, Noah Phillips, Jose Stefano, Thomas Oliver (student coach).
Freshmen – Garrett Tyra-Griffith.
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