Moeller Soccer: Building Toward Another Strong Finish
Moeller Soccer is coming off an impressive 2024 season, finishing with an 18-0-4 record, winning the GCL Championship, and advancing to the final four of the state tournament. This year, the team hasn’t started as strongly, currently holding a 5-5-2 record. While it’s not the beginning they hoped for, there have still been bright spots—Moeller sits in first place in the GCL and has earned key results against Centerville and rival St. Xavier.
The team features many first-year varsity players, including four sophomores and several juniors and seniors stepping into new roles. Despite the growing pains, the squad continues to show promise.
Recently, the team celebrated Senior Week, honoring its senior players with daily gifts and breakfast before school. The week culminated in a Senior Night match against Lakota West, one of the top teams in the city with a 5-0 conference record. Before kickoff, each senior walked onto the field with their close family and friends. Seniors honored included Tee Munafo, Tiago Improvola, Conan O’Neill, Frankie Gerace, Jose Stefano, Karson Lang, Noah Phillips, Bryce Taylor, and Sean Herzig. The game ended in a hard-fought 1–1 draw, with Moeller’s goal scored by senior Karson Lang.
Moeller’s goalkeeping program continues to be one of the best in the state, led by coaches Craig Kirk and Colin Hanley. Senior goalkeeper Tiago Improvola shared, “Being a goalkeeper for the soccer program is great. I get to take on a leadership role as I see the whole field, and I also have the responsibility of being the last line of defense.” On the team’s culture, he added, “Moeller Soccer is like no other. We’re a tight-knit group that fights for each other every time we step on the field. We know how to be serious when needed, but we also know how to have fun.”
A major change this season was the hiring of new head coach Tony Ripberger, who replaced Mike Welker after his eight-year tenure. Ripberger brings 20 years of coaching experience and a decorated resume, including honors such as Ohio Small School Coach of the Year, Division III Public School Coach of the Year, CHL Coach of the Year, and Enquirer Coach of the Year. In Moeller’s second game of the season against Hamilton, Ripberger celebrated his 200th career high school win.
Leadership on the field also comes from the team captains—Karson Lang, Jose Stefano, and Frankie Gerace—who were voted into their roles by teammates. When asked about being a captain, Gerace shared, “It’s an honor to lead this team. We’ve faced challenges, but we’re growing together and staying focused on our goals.”
The Crusaders are currently 2-0-1 in their last three matches and look to carry that momentum into the final stretch of the regular season. Their remaining games are against Elder, St. Xavier, Fairmont Kettering, and Milford. To secure their third consecutive GCL title and earn favorable seeding for the postseason tournament, a strong finish is essential.