Moeller Soccer Kicks off 22-23 Season

By Ryan Mechley

The soccer team looks to have a big season this year after coming off a tough tournament loss last year.

Charlie Niehaus, Coach Welker, and Luke Wilson freshman year

Charlie Niehaus, Coach Welker, Luke Wilson Senior year

The Moeller Crusaders soccer team has started off the year 2-0-2, already playing big games against the best teams in Cincinnati. After the first two weeks, they are ranked number one in the city. Their schedule does not get much easier either, as they prepare for a big game against New Albany, currently ranked one in state.

Senior captains Ryan Gramza, Luke Wilson, and Charlie Niehaus lead the soccer team. Charlie and Luke have been playing together on varsity for four years, and it is now their time to lead. I talked to captain Ryan Gramza about the team and season, and asked him how he feels to be named one of three captains. Gramza explained how much it means to him and that he always aspired to lead after following all the past captains. Gramza said it ”gives me a sense of pride and responsibility,” as he knows that he has a lot to carry on.

Gramza believes that this year’s soccer team is ready to make a state run and progress even further than last year. Last year’s team was led by a big group of seniors, and even though they were talented, Gramza feels this year’s group has the right attitude and dedication to go further. This year, the team wants to focus on pushing one another to be the best they can and have better leadership.

I asked Gramza how he feels about his team’s back-to-back ties against Mason and Lakota West. Gramza explained it was “very disappointing as we should have won both of those games.” He went on to point out that it is “still early” in the season, and that once everything clicks, he’s confident the Crusaders will be “rolling through teams.”

The Moeller soccer team is ready for a big and bright season ahead of them!