Boys soccer 2025: Avon Lake driven by Sweet 16 loss last year

A chance to play for a regional title eluded Avon Lake when a two-goal lead evaporated in the second half of a regional semifinal loss to Lake Catholic. This year, with nine seniors on the roster, the Shoremen don't only have their eyes on the Sweet 16, they want to go even further. "They're not just set on winning SWC, they want to win a state championship," Avon Lake coach Pete Klepek said. "We made it to the Sweet 16 last year in Division III. We're in D-II this year, which is just as tough or tougher." What makes the 2025 team different is they don't rely on one or two superstars, they are winning as a team. "This year we have a bunch of really good players, we love each other and want to succeed," Klepek said. "They hold each other accountable. When someone doesn't have their best game, their teammates pick them up, work with them and talk to them. Everyone on this team really holds each other accountable." This is a senior class that grew up around Avon Lake soccer, so things such as communication and knowing each other's style of play, come easily. "This group of seniors is so strong," senior midfielder Lincoln Rose said. "We've been playing since we were six or seven years old. Now, it all gets to come together. It's moments like these we've dreamed of since we we're younger." Rose is one of three captains for the Shoremen, along with fellow seniors Drew Krupitzer and Guy Goldyn. "We're trying to push each other as captains, leaders and seniors," Rose said. "We want to hold each other accountable while pushing each other to be the best." The early returns have been impressive. Avon Lake has begun the season 5-0 and has the first five opponents to a combined two goals. "I think the season is going pretty good so far," Krupitzer said. "Our schedule pushes us to get better with every single practice. We know we're going to have hard games, close games. We look forward to those tough games." Like all of the captains Krupitzer likes to talk about how the close bonds this team has created with each other have been crucial to the fast start. "Our brotherhood and relationships are better than they've ever been," Krupitzer said. "For high school soccer, relationships are the most important things, sometimes even more than the skill on the field. We've done a lot of team bonding and it will continue to grow as the season goes on." Last season's abrupt ending taught Goldyn and his teammates to never look too far ahead. "You have to take it one day at a time, practice and then the next game. You have to live in the moment," Goldyn said. "We have to stay focused. We had that 2-0 lead against Lake Catholic and then eventually we wound up losing that game. Keeping a strong metal fortitude is really important." It's not just the seniors that have played a key role in Avon Lake's early-season success. Junior Alex Soloff leads the team with five goals and Krupitzer singled out sophomore midfielder Alex Bellenir as a key component on defense. When the three captains work well as a unit, Klepek likes that they all bring something slightly different. "Drew brings pure leadership and he is one of the top defenders in the area," Klepek said. "Drew could play anywhere out there. I can get him to push forward if we need too. "Lincoln was kind of in the background last year. Now this year he's controlling the midfield. He's very strong, very athletic. He works hard, communicates well and always wants to please the coaches. He'd be able to play anywhere on the field. And Guy understands his role, and that's an important thing for a high school kid to embrace that. He doesn't want the glory, he just wants to make sure his team wins." The Shoremen realize the toughest part of the schedule is coming but they think they up to the challenge. "We haven't played our toughest games yet but we're playing with outstanding composure, and I'm confident we're going to keep improving," Rose said. Contact Todd Shapiro at (440) 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.