By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Springfield Catholic boys soccer program enters 2025 with two clear advantages.
First, the team has nine returning starters.
Second, they all very vividly remember the disappointing end to the 2024 season – and are committed to avoiding a similar fate this fall.
“We have really decided to dedicate this off-season to getting physically and mentally prepared for the season,” Fightin’ Irish coach Tom Davidson said. “Our seniors are extra motivated to succeed this year.”
That fuel primarily stems from a 3-1 loss to St. Francis Borgia in the state quarterfinals last year, preventing the Fightin’ Irish from a second straight trip to the Final Four.
“Definitely a missed opportunity,” Davidson said. “We have a lot to prove to ourselves this year.”
But with the overwhelming majority of their key contributors back, there’s every reason to believe the Fightin’ Irish can improve on their 23-5 finish, contend for a third consecutive district championship and return to the Final Four.
“These guys are striving to be their best,” Davidson said. “They understand the culture of success and what it takes to be a great team.”
The Fightin’ Irish will return three all-state players in seniors Tyler Fischer, Matthew Gerety and Ben Mulherin, while junior Tyler Holum was an all-district honoree.
Fischer registered 11 clean sheets last fall and finished with a 0.88 goals-against average.
“Our keeper has become a great leader this off-season,” Davidson said. “His skills are unmatched in the area. He has been our rock in the back and made several great game-clinching saves last year.”
Mulherin anchored the Catholic backline, but was known to join the attack when needed. He scored nine goals and assisted five others.
“Ben Mulherin had a huge year last year,” Davidson. “A top-notch defender that can also run at people. His incredible skill set made him dangerous any time he was on the ball.”
Gerety, a midfielder, registered 13 goals and 21 assists – the latter tops among returning players.
“His corners were close to perfect most of the time and our finishers benefited,” Davidson said. “His decision making and leadership in the midfield was the catalyst for our goal scorers.”
And the Fightin’ Irish may have one of the program’s all-time best in Holum, who netted 24 goals and assisted 12 others as a sophomore – and is just getting started.
“Tyler Holum is one of the purest goal scorers we’ve had at Catholic since I’ve been here,” Davidson said. “A dynamic playmaker. We are looking forward to another big season from him.”
Hollum will have plenty of support on the attack, as seniors Luke Butler (13), Ethan Moellering (10) and Chris Silva (7) and junior Lucas Mulherin (11) combined for 41 goals last season.
Davidson on Butler: “His game is even more tenacious than last year. He’s becoming a great leader. Luke is versatile and possesses great speed and quickness. His hard work both on and off the field will help him have a great senior year.”
Davidson on Moellering: “His speed, ball skills and finishing abilities will be needed again this year. We will need his leadership and versatility to be a great team this year.”
Davidson on Silva: “Tenacious defender and great passer. He sees the field well and has special tactical abilities. He seems to always make a play when we need it.”
Davidson on Lucas Mulherin: “Great on the tackle and solid in the air. One of the best defenders in the area.”
All told, the Fightin’ Irish have five players coming off double-digit goal seasons. That – and the team chemistry – should bode well for their success in 2025.
“So many of these guys are really close off the field,” Davidson said. “They have worked hard to make it a family type atmosphere. This is a very fun group to coach. They have instilled our culture into the underclassmen.”
Those underclassmen include Sam Passanise, Graham Swisshelm and Finley Young, who are all poised for increased roles this fall.
Davidson on Passanise: “He has a great work ethic and field vision. Will be a great scorer and will contribute in many ways this year.”
Davison on Swisshelm: “Was a huge part of our defensive success last year. Very steady defender that can get forward into the attack. He possesses great technical ability and should have a special year for us.”
Davidson on Young: “He has answered the call this off-season. He looks confident and ready to be a big part of our success. Great left foot and technical ability. Look forward to seeing his improvement on display.
Huxley Goff will have an impact at defender in his senior season.
“(Goff is) another great defender to add to the mix. His speed and aggressiveness is what makes him special. We will need to count on him to get more minutes for our success.”
Davidson also expects big things from Danny Proctor, who returns after missing last season.
“Danny Proctor is a special player that will fit in perfectly to our system,” Davidson said. “He has great passing and playmaking abilities that should enhance our already potent offense.”
The Fightin’ Irish will travel to Harrisonville for an August 22 jamboree with the hosts, Liberty North and Pembroke Hill. They will kick off the regular season exactly one week later in Columbia against Father Tolton.
“When you play Catholic, you are going to get our best effort,” Davidson said. “We will play hard and fair. Hopefully it will take your best game to beat us.”
