The 2025 boys’ soccer season officially kicked off earlier this week. Local teams have various expectations, with some eyeing deep playoff runs and others looking to create a foundation for years to come.
Apollo: Despite losing five seniors to graduation, the Eagles are primed to take the next step in a loaded 9th district. Leading the way are the trio of Keenan Jackson, Colton Anderson, and Utukufu Lukalula and are joined by up-and-comers Nolan Perkins, Franchesco Alvarez, Sillver Htoo, and Kisubi Lukalula.
“We will upgrade in some spots as we return some key pieces, but we have some holes to fill as some departures from last season,” Apollo head coach Nikos Agisilaou said. “I am confident in our roster to step up.”
Agisialou wants to see his copete throughout the season and reach the 3rd Region Tounrament.
“I want the boys to improve throughout the season and be a fun group to watch come postseason,” Agisialou said. Our goal each year is to get into region and then see what can happen from there. Our boys have shown some strengths and weaknesses throughout our preseason together, and hopefully, when we get into games, we will start to understand that more and more.”
Daviess County: It has been a wild offseason for Daviess County as long-time head coach Doug Sandifer retired, and in his stead is Dale Armistead. While the Panthers lost six seniors to graduation, they return Taylor Hoak, Jake Johnson, Harrison DiProssimo-Dunaway, Ethan Dailey, Gabe Sandefur, Silas Goebel and they are joined by up-and-comer Ashton Boarman – who impressed in the recent Bluegrass Games.
At the Bluegrass games, the Panthers finished 2-0-1, scoring 12 goals across their three games.
Armistead and the team have their eyes on another district and region title, as well as returning to the final four.
“It has been a bit of a change obviously, with having a guy that has been at the helm for over 20 years and the stats that those guys were able to accomplish,” Armistead said. “My kids played at Daviess County, so I am familiar with the tradition. When he stepped down, coaching for Daviess County High School boys’ soccer is a nice place to be. I am excited about it; I am looking forward to the season and continuing to grow the program and keep it going in the right direction.”
Owensboro: A year ago, the Red Devils snapped the Panthers’ 9th District Championship winning streak, before dropping a heartbreaker to their rivals in the 3rd Regional Championship. While they will be without multiple pivotal leaders due to graduation, the Red Devils return three players who scored 13+ goals a year ago in Peter Mbayo, Jackson Sigler, and Denis Juma. Also returning are starters Brian Payne, Patrick Alexander, Miles Morrison, and Kennedy Payne.
Owensboro head coach Ryan Haley is hoping for Kyle Hardison, Connor Cundiff, Isaiah Hardin, Alexander, and Morrison take the next steps and help replace last year’s production at their respective positions.
“For the 2025 season, the expectations of the players and coaches are high,” Haley said. “I believe everyone on the roster wants to compete for a district and regional championship this year. One goal we have is to take care of ourselves and do everything we can to stay healthy. In previous seasons, we have experienced key injuries that really hurt us down the stretch. This year, we want our guys ready and able with the ultimate goal of representing our region in the 2025 state tournament.”
Owensboro Catholic: The Aces are entering a youth movement after graduating six seniors, including star goalie Ben Dawson. JW Kurtz, Owen Brey, Joseph Kurtz, and Luke Pfeifer will be leaned on to lead the way, while Landon Danner, Mason Hardesty, Jace Obermeier, and Isaac Self will have opportunities to care out important roles for themselves.
“We will have a young group coming through, but they have a lot of quality throughout,” Owensboro Catholic head coach Andy Donohoe said. “It will be exciting to see them compete. There is a good quality to the team, and the competition for places has been very good. We will look to bring that competitiveness into the season and push on in our development as a team. We need to compete with all those teams on our schedule to fulfill any of our goals and expectations for a great season.”
