SSM’s Boys Soccer program is well renowned throughout the midwestern United States. Each year, the teams consistently put up hard fought games leading to victories and more often than not, come out on top of their league to qualify for the showcase in Maryland every May. In the cold months of December, January and February, the early mornings and late nights can be hard to commit to when there are no games in the near future, but either way they persevere and show up ready to play when the games come back around again in the spring.
Apart from the soccer stand of it, being a good teammate is critical to the culture at SSM, according to Shane Merklein ‘25, the goalie for the U19 team. He said, “I would say the most important quality is being a good teammate- because to earn the respect you have to give the respect.”
Upcoming for the SSM soccer boys is the Maryland showcase, but this requires a certain amount of winning throughout the regular season as well. Luke Chwalek ‘26, a player for the U17 team said, “There’s 12 to 13 teams in our division and you have to finish top eight to advance, and I think we snuck in at the fifth spot.”
Coming in at the fifth spot in the division is impressive, but it is nothing compared to the upcoming challenge in Maryland. Coach Cade Thompson said, “Now we have all eyes on Maryland, which is the MLS next flex event. That’ll be a series of three games, and we have to finish on top of our group in order to qualify for playoffs.” After Maryland, the boys will return to campus shortly after school ends to follow through with playoffs if they turn out victorious in Maryland. The team plays their next home game on Saturday, May 3 at 11:15 a.m.
