The Saint Paul’s soccer team has been arguably the most dominant sports program in the state for the last 10-15 years, and this year’s squad looks to keep up their historical dominance for the 2023-24 season.

The Wolves missed out on a state championship appearance two years ago for the first time since 2010. However, they returned to their winning ways last season with a 2-0 championship victory over Dutchtown, with goals scored by graduated seniors Daniel Wayert and Killian Henderson.

However, the Soccer Wolves are looking to continue this dominant state championship run this season with a strong varsity squad composed of many returning seniors, most notably Owen Spath and Connor Allen.

Spath will be the main focal point of the Saint Paul’s offense once again after a season where he led the team with an impressive 17 goals. Additionally, this season, he will be paired up top with junior Liam Dannels-Smith, who contributed 10 goals while coming off the bench in his sophomore year.

These two headline an incredibly talented offense that will undoubtedly score enough goals to power the Wolves past their scrappy opponents.

Dannels-Smith believes the Wolves have what it takes to bring yet another state championship home. “Our team may be smaller this year, but I think our technical ability is much better. That, paired with the best goalie in the state, should bring us another state championship.”

The Wolves’ prolific attack is definitely what draws the attention of the fans, but as Dannels-Smith suggested, much of their success comes from their nearly unstoppable goalie, senior Connor Allen.

In Allen’s junior season, he put on one of the most impressive displays of goalkeeping one could imagine, only giving up one goal through eight district games, as well as none through the entirety of the playoffs.

While the defense had a phenomenal season last year, the unit is expected to have a slight drop off skill-wise this season, especially after losing many seniors like Killian Henderson, John Christopher, and Christian Waguespack.

However, just because the defense will lack experience doesn’t mean the defense lacks what it takes to be one of the best in the state. Headlined by seniors Brock Duncan and Jacob Kashou, the Wolves’ back line undoubtedly can propel the team to yet another state title.

In terms of weaknesses, a few players brought up size as a slight concern when evaluating this year’s prospects. It is true that compared to previous years, the Wolves lack all-around size. However, Assistant Coach Kyle Smith doesn’t think that will hinder their performance this season. “Some may say a weakness is our size; however, we make up for our lack of size with solid technical ability and team play.”

Regardless, the Wolves project to field one of the most talented and entertaining soccer teams not only in the state of Louisiana but the entire country.

This team, powered by tremendous senior leadership, coaching, and all-around skill, has fans buzzing about their upcoming season.

Accordingly, it sounds like the motto going into this season stays the same as it has been for the last 12 seasons under Coach Sean Moser: “state championship or bust.”

Fans can come out to support the Wolves as they open their season against the Dutchtown Griffins in a state championship rematch on Monday, November 13, 2023.