Boys’ soccer 2023: Lexington’s top teams, best players and biggest games this season
In 2022, Paul Laurence Dunbar’s defending state champion boys’ soccer team lost 12 seniors to graduation, including a leading scorer who now suits up for Louisville City on occasion.
And the Bulldogs didn’t skip a beat.
Dunbar now has three straight 11th Region titles, two straight state championships and no shortage of foes who’d like to see both of those streaks end.
“We’ve been lucky to have some good players to roll through the program, but we’ve got a talented group again,” Dunbar Coach James Wray said. “I’ve got to replace some leadership, so we’ll see.”
Six starters return for Dunbar this season, including some of their most significant offensive threats: Gio Chavez, Kasen Johnston and Ryan O’Hara, all seniors. But Chavez says there’s no pressure to keep up the Bulldogs’ ridiculous pace.
“I’m not really looking at how much pressure there is,” Chavez said. “I’m really just out here to enjoy it with my teammates. We’ve been together for a long time now. We’ve accomplished everything we could accomplish. Now, we’re just looking to do it again.”
It will not be easy.
Lexington had five teams in the final Maher Rankings’ top 25 last season and the other four of those, No. 3 Frederick Douglass, No. 12 Lafayette, No. 22 Tates Creek and No. 23 Bryan Station have significant players returning.
While Douglass graduated 18 seniors, it returns battle-tested standouts like leading scorer Cooper Ranvier and speedster Ombeni Shendera. The Broncos have lost to Dunbar in the 11th Region Tournament each of the last three years in penalty kick shootouts, last year in the finals.
“Three straight years to lose in PKs can be hard, but we’re coming as hard as we ever have,” Douglass Coach Omar Shalash said. “The guys want this so bad, and they know how much it takes.”
Henry Clay, the last team not named Dunbar to hoist the 11th Region trophy, suffered through one of its worst seasons in program history last year, but it could be on the rebound in 2023. The Blue Devils will look to regain the form that helped them win the 2019 state championship.
“By the end of last season, we were starting four freshmen and three sophomores,” Henry Clay Coach Jason Behler said. “I remember better starting 11s that I’ve coached, but I don’t remember starting 11s where I went as deep. ... that’s fun — fun to train, fun to work with.”
Meanwhile, a familiar face returns to the 43rd District as Coach Todd Bretz takes over at Lexington Catholic, his alma mater, after three seasons at Sayre. Bretz began his career at Dunbar and led the Bulldogs to their first four state titles. He entered this season tied atop the all-time boys’ coaching wins list with St. Xavier’s Andy Schulten.
The 2023 season began Monday and Fayette County Public Schools will be hosting some of the other best high school programs in the state at the annual FCPS Soccer Showcase this weekend. The two-day event should give Lexington teams a good idea of where they stand in the quest for postseason glory.
Here’s a look at Lexington boys’ soccer with teams ordered according to their approximate finish last season. Player honors and stats are from the 2022 season. Quotes are from the coach.
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Coach: James Wray (fourth season).
Last season: 19-2-3. 43rd District, 11th Region and KHSAA state champions. Claimed second straight state title with a penalty shootout win over St. Xavier in the finals.
Standing out: Kasen Johnston, sr., all-city first team, state title game MVP (5 goals, 4 assists), “one of the top players in the state … great field vision;” Gio Chavez, sr., all-city first team (11 goals, 8 assists), “his one-on-one abilities coupled with his field vision make him dangerous;” Ryan O’Hara, sr., all-city second team (5 goals, 8 assists), “crafty with the ball and usually picks the right pass;” Will Harper, sr. (2 goals), “played a huge part in solidifying our back line … he makes very few mistakes.”
Coach says: “I feel like we have a team that can make another deep run this season.”
Notes: Dunbar returns six starters and four other players who saw significant playing time. Chaz Rich, a junior, scored three of his nine goals in Dunbar’s playoff win over Tates Creek. Dunbar has six state titles.
Frederick Douglass
Coach: Omar Shalash (seventh season).
Last season: 17-1-4. 42nd District champion and 11th Region runner-up.
Standing out: Cooper Ranvier, sr., all-city first team (17 goals, 5 assists), “very fast, very physical, and very skilled;” Logan Atkinson, sr. (4 goals, 4 assists), “he goes non-stop and gets better every practice/game;” Luke Wiles, sr. (3 goals, 2 assists), “he can finish with either foot and has a lot to show this season. Noah Jones, sr. (4 goals, 4 assists), “speed and tracking are top-notch;” Ombeni Shendera, jr., (5 goals, 3 assists), “explosive attacker up top. Once his voice gets louder on the pitch, he will be unstoppable.”
Coach says: “I think, technically, we are the same as last year. We lack depth, but I think this team will turn heads, and we are eager to show it.”
Notes: Four starters return. Douglass hasn’t lost a home game in two seasons. Ranvier needs six goals to become Douglass’s all-time leading scorer. Broncos add FC Cincinnati Academy player Juan Piedra Figueroa, a junior, this season, who Shalash calls “an instant impact guy.”
Bryan Station
Coach: Manes Preptit (11th season).
Last season: 12-6-2. 42nd District runner-up.
Standing out: Zachary Gentry, sr. (5 goals, 7 assists), “ability to see the big picture lifts our play in both the offense and defense;” Hope Iranzi, jr., all-city honorable mention (1 goal, 3 assists) “ability to change pace is unmatched,” Buhari Kadusi, sr., all-city honorable mention, “lots of strength and confidence on the ball;” Mudege Kinyunda, jr., “brings a lot of speed and tenacity to our back line.”
Coach says: “My boys are hungry and ready to eat. We are a fairly young team but from what I can tell from our practices and our first scrimmage, teams better not overlook us.”
Notes: Seven starters return. Bryan Station pushed eventual state champion Dunbar to penalty kicks in the first round of last season’s 11th Region Tournament, losing 5-4 in the shootout.
Lexington Catholic
Coach: Todd Bretz (first season).
Last season: 8-7-6. 43rd District runner-up.
Standing out: Michael Barnett, sr., all-city first team; Cohen Otte, sr., all-city second team (2 goals, 8 assists); Charlie Nichols, sr., all-city honorable mention. “All three are very talented players that can play in multiple areas of the field. They have a fantastic work ethic that has set the tone for the team. These three will be the engine that will drive this team.”
Coach says: “Our goal is to be the best team we can be and play the best soccer we can. Based on the effort and desire so far, I think we will reach that goal.”
Notes: Five starters return. The Knights defeated Lafayette in a penalty kick shootout in both the regular season and the district semifinals. The second victory earned LexCath its second straight trip to the 11th Region Tournament.
Lafayette
Coach: Chris Grimm (16th season).
Last season: 11-7-0.
Standing out: Sawyer Trowel, sr., all-city first team (1 goal, 1 assist), “he is strong, fast, physical, and an excellent 1-v-1 defender. I expect him to be the best defender in the region;” Angel Montiel, all-city first team (4 goals, 2 assists), “one of the most technical players in the region;” Nadeer Duek, jr., all-city second team (3 goals, 1 assist), “technical midfielder who has excellent range in his distribution;” Alecx Castro, jr., (4 goals, 5 assists) ”creative and dynamic on the ball.”
Coach says: “There is a sour taste from how the season ended in the postseason last year, so the expectations are high and the hunger to do more is apparent.”
Notes: Seven starters return. Trowel, Castro and Duek are full-time USL Academy players with Lexington Sporting Club. Castro and Duek reached the USYS club nationals with their LSC 07 team.
Tates Creek
Coach: Albert Gross (10th season).
Last season: 10-5-2.
Standing out: Jair Leal Gutierrez, sr., all-city first team, “his work ethic and desire to compete is second to none;” Asukulu Chantike, jr., all-city second team, “can play multiple positions across the field … the only position we won’t use him is at keeper!” Luke Haubenreich, sr., “can create opportunities multiple ways and knows how to finish;” Drake Poole, sr., all-city honorable mention, “will control our back line and manage our defensive tactics.”
Coach says: “We have a combination of experience and youth which might limit some early-season success, but I believe by postseason we will have a competitive team that will be able to compete with anyone.”
Notes: Six starters return. Due to the installation of new turf on its home field, Tates Creek’s fall outdoor sports teams have had to train at Henry Clay and Lafayette.
Henry Clay
Coach: Jason Behler (eighth season).
Last season: 5-16-1.
Standing out: Diego Sanchez, sr. (2 goals, 2 assists), “injured most of last season, but very talented in front of the net;” Noah Tinch, sr., “injured most of last season, but a vocal and physical leader for our team;” Marco Messerli, jr., all-city second team (13 goals, 8 assists), leading scorer; Connor Taylor, so., all-city honorable mention (4 goals, 9 assists).
Coach says: “We were very young last season, and had many freshman and sophomores logging minutes, and those guys gained a lot of experience,”
Notes: Five starters return. Henry Clay forfeited six games last season after self-reporting an ineligible player on its roster that was initially missed due to a clerical error.
Sayre
Coach: Griffin Miller (first season).
Last season: 6-8-3.
Standing out: Zabe Nash, sr., “leadership ... calm under pressure,” Braeden Collett, jr., all-city honorable mention (7 goals, 4 assists), “incredible speed and outstanding footwork;” Gannon Rice, so. (1 goal, 1 assist), “ability to switch the point of attack is great and his crossing is terrific;” William Woodworth, so., “his shot is powerful and accurate.”
Coach says: “We are a very young team with a new coach. … We want to focus on getting better every day and being a much improved team by the end of the season.”
Notes: Three starters return. Sayre has opted against playing 42nd District rivals Bryan Station, Henry Clay and Frederick Douglass this regular season and will accept the fifth seed in the district tournament.
Lexington Christian
Coach: Zachary Barnhart (first season).
Last season: 3-13.
Standing out: Andrew Claxton, sr., all-city honorable mention (146 saves), “has worked really hard to become a leader for our team both in and out of goal;” Sam Kibler, sr., all-city honorable mention (1 assist), “a vocal leader for our team on the field … work ethic is top tier;” Logan Skinner, sr. (1 goal), “tremendous vision and understanding of what we are trying to do as a team;” Carlos Fukushige, so. (1 goal, 1 assist), “can adapt quickly to different roles and situations.”
Coach says: “I think we should be competitive in any game we play with our new system.“
Notes: Seven starters return. LCA has 13 seniors on the roster.
FCPS Soccer Showcase
Friday’s games
6 p.m.: Bryan Station at Woodford County; Ryle vs. Frederick Douglass at Henry Clay; Boyle County vs. Tates Creek at Lafayette
8 p.m.: McCracken County vs. Paul Laurence Dunbar at Woodford County; North Oldham at Henry Clay; Dixie Heights at Lafayette;
Saturday’s games
11 a.m.: Boyle County at Bryan Station; Dixie Heights vs. Frederick Douglass at Henry Clay; Woodford County at Paul Laurence Dunbar.
1 p.m.: North Oldham vs. Lafayette at Bryan Station, Ryle at Henry Clay; McCracken County vs. Tates Creek at Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Season’s best matchups
Here’s a look at what should be some of the best games for Lexington teams this season. Complete soccer schedules including kickoff times and scores can be found at KHSAA.org. District games marked by an asterisk (*).
Aug. 8: Frederick Douglass 3, Paul Laurence Dunbar 3
Aug. 12: South Warren at Lexington Catholic, 3 p.m.
Aug. 15: Frederick Douglass at Bryan Station*, 8 p.m.
Aug. 17: Paul Laurence Dunbar at Boyle County, 8 p.m.; Frederick Douglass at Lafayette, 8 p.m.; Lexington Catholic at Henry Clay, 8 p.m.
Aug. 19: Boyle County at Lexington Catholic, 3 p.m.; George Washington (Charleston, W.Va.) at Henry Clay, 2 p.m.
Aug. 22: Highlands at Bryan Station, 8 p.m.; Lafayette at Lexington Christian*, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 24: Paul Laurence Dunbar at Bryan Station, 8 p.m.
Aug. 26: Lafayette at Lexington Catholic*, 8 p.m.; Henry Clay at Highlands, 1 p.m.
Aug. 29: Paul Laurence Dunbar at Lafayette*, 8 p.m.; Henry Clay at Bryan Station*, 8 p.m.; 11th Region All “A” Classic: Frankfort vs. Lexington Christian, 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 31: Henry Clay at Tates Creek, 7:45 p.m.
Sept. 2: Indiana vs. Kentucky Challenge: Paul Laurence Dunbar at Evansville Memorial (Ind.), 4 p.m.
Sept. 5: Tribe Shootout: Boyle County vs. Bryan Station at Madison Central, 6 p.m.; Scott County at Bryan Station*, 8 p.m.; Lexington Catholic at Frederick Douglass, 8 p.m.; Paul Laurence Dunbar at St. Xavier, 7:30 p.m.; Tates Creek at Lexington Christian*, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 7: Tates Creek at Lafayette*, 8 p.m.
Sept. 8: Tribe Shootout: Bryan Station at Madison Central, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9: Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati) at Henry Clay, 3 p.m.; Tribe Shootout at Madison Central: Somerset vs. Bryan Station, 10:45 a.m.; Elliott Wells Classic at Daviess County: Madisonville vs. Paul Laurence Dunbar, 11:45 a.m.; Paul Laurence Dunbar at Daviess County, 6:15 p.m.
Sept. 12: Paul Laurence Dunbar at Henry Clay, 8 p.m.
Sept. 14: Tates Creek at Bryan Station, 8 p.m.; Lexington Catholic at Paul Laurence Dunbar*, 8 p.m.; Frederick Douglass at Henry Clay*, 8 p.m.
Sept. 18: Warhawk Classic at Great Crossing: Lafayette vs. Bryan Station, 6:15 p.m.; Great Crossing vs. Frederick Douglass, 8 p.m.
Sept. 19: Covington Catholic at Lexington Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 21: Tates Creek at Paul Laurence Dunbar*, 8 p.m.
Sept. 23: Dixie Heights at Paul Laurence Dunbar, 7:30 p.m.; Cathedral Prep (Erie, Pa.) at Frederick Douglass, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 26: Scott County at Sayre*, 5 p.m.; Lexington Catholic at Tates Creek*, 7:45 p.m.; St. Xavier at Frederick Douglass, 8 p.m.; Lafayette at Henry Clay, 8 p.m.
Sept. 28: Trinity (Louisville) at Paul Laurence Dunbar, 8 p.m.; Henry Clay at St. Xavier, 8 p.m.
Girls’ soccer 2023: Lexington’s top teams, best players and biggest games this season
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