After a late penalty kick decided their fate last season and left the Liberty Christian girls soccer team just one win shy of a state championship, their eagerness to claim the title is more palpable than ever. 

The last time the Eagles won a state title was 2023. 

“I’ve been coaching for well over 30 years, boys and girls, and this is probably one of the best groups that I’ve had that can actually communicate and talk and be willing to take that first step to be a leader,” Coach Ken Dildine said. 

The team is mostly made up of returning players. Dildine said his team has plenty of underclassmen. 

“We’re still really young. I have five seniors, two juniors and the rest are sophomores or younger,” he said. “17 [on the roster] is a really good number to have.” 

This year, Liberty Christian will play in Division 1, but Dildine is not fazed by the challenge of facing bigger schools.

“We run with them really well and we will continue to run with them well,” Dildine said. “The goal this year is to keep building them up and work with the younger players.” 

Despite their youth, Dildine emphasized the team’s maturity. He often sees the players coming to him with concerns, asking to lead practices, and supporting each other both on and off the field. 

The team will have four captains: Lauren Moss, Raelee Bruno, Jubilee McGowan and Allie Brazier. 

Moss, Bruno and Brazier all shared Dildine’s goal of wanting to get back to the state championship. 

“I think we’re going to be a way, way better team than we were last year. We have more girls and more experience,” Moss said. “Everybody has a good head on their shoulders and we can see the field and ball movement,” Brazier added. 

The senior trio will play a key role in the team’s offense. They added they have a very good chemistry with each other on the field. 

“I feel like both (Moss and Bruno) can read my mind and know what I want,” Brazier said. “We know how to play with each other, and we know each other's weaknesses and strengths,” Bruno added. 

Moss will be returning to the pitch after sitting out most of her junior year due to an ankle injury. 

“With the team that I’ve got now, and with the front line we’re going to have, it’s going to be a fun season to watch,” Dildine said. “Right now, I only really see one team that could beat us and with (Moss) back, she’s the type of player that’s going to get her (goals) regardless.” 

Dildine also lauded his defense, which will be led by Trina Scheltens, Madison Scheer and Katie Edmudson. 

“They never cease to amaze me. We call (Scheltens) the lawnmower or the great wall of Trina,” Dildine said. 

The Eagles plan to play in a 4-4-2 formation, with the possibility of moving into a 3-5-2 formation. They will also focus on utilizing the outside wings to create space, then move the ball inside. 

“We try to be the chasees not the chasers,” Dildine said. 

The Eagles won its first game 8-0 on March 11 against Mid-Missouri Soccer Club. Emma Woodson had two goals and four assists. Bruno recorded two goals and three assists. Moss scored two goals and had two assists. Brazier and Elsie Kimmel each had one goal. 

Liberty Christian will take on Crosspoint Christian at 5 p.m. Thursday on the road.