With several returning players, the Liberty Christian boys soccer team will look to improve on its 2024 season, when it finished second in the MAC.

“I really feel if we’re going to do anything, this is the year we do it with the talent that we have,” Coach Ken Dildine said.

This year brings some changes, such as Dildine’s coaching style.

“I am turning over a new leaf. I’m going to be more demanding and I’m going back to my old style,” Dildine said. “That has gotten me a lot of results and the boys are going to probably work harder than they ever had.”

Another difference this year has been communication.

“They’re a lot more vocal and I haven’t heard that in a long time with these boys. They’re not yelling at each other. The attitudes are where they need to be and they’re picking each other up,” Dildine said.

Junior wing defender Cole Nelsen has also seen a shift. 

“We have a lot of potential,” he said. “I think we can really progress in state this year and win the conference tournament – we have a really good chance.”

Nelsen added chemistry will be one of the key strengths for his team this year.

“We all like each other and we work very hard out here. We have fun, but we also take it seriously,” Nelsen said.

Another strength is the offensive attack of Zion and Luke Meyer. Landon McCarthy said he’s pretty optimistic about his team’s offense.

“One of our strengths is our scoring ability and just being able to put it in the back of the net,” McCarthy said.

Tommy Meyer, Willy Mueller and McCarthy will be the team’s captains this year. Dildine sees them as key figures for the team.

“They’re going to be very intricate in what we do,” Dildine said.

Dildine said defense will not be a problem for his teamsince the entire defensive line returned.

“One of our biggest strengths has been our defense being able to shut (other teams) down and keep them from scoring,” Dildine said.

Although Liberty Christian has a relatively young team, it brings plenty of experience to the field. Dildine plans to field a roster of around 19-20 players that will focus on creating and exploiting space, while moving the ball quickly and efficiently.

“We’re going to be so much stronger this year,” Dildine said. “This is 11 kids relying on each other to make plays and do things together as a good, cohesive force, and I think these boys have really got it.”

Liberty Christian will kick off its season at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 26 at home against Heritage.

“We’ve got a pretty brutal season coming in, so I’m looking forward to it – it’s a new attitude this year,” Dildine said.