First-year head coach Zach Malik is transforming the St. Louis Catholic boys soccer team into a competitive force, focusing on enhancing players’ game intelligence. The team has shown remarkable progress, securing victories against five top-10 teams, including Bossier, Ascension Episcopal, and Catholic-Baton Rouge. Currently, St. Louis holds a record of 9-4 and is ranked No. 2 in the Division III power ratings.
Malik emphasizes the importance of adaptability on the field. “We try to be intuitive,” he explained. “It’s tough to teach kids to think on their own and play what they see. If the long ball’s on, play the long ball. But if it’s not, you’ve got to be able to play short.” He has implemented a strategy that encourages players to understand when to play wide, through, or over the defense, fostering a more dynamic style of play.
The Saints began their season with four wins out of their first seven games but have recently shifted gears, winning six of their last seven matches. This turnaround can be attributed to their growing comfort with a short-passing game. Malik noted, “We were asking them to play short, try to build up from deep, try to be brave and play out. That’s tough to do.”
St. Louis has faced tough competition, with four of their recent victories coming against teams that reached the semifinals or finals in the previous season. This includes a crucial 1-0 win against Bossier, the team that eliminated them in last year’s quarterfinals. The Saints also triumphed at the Teurlings Catholic tournament, defeating Ascension Episcopal 2-1 and Catholic-Baton Rouge 1-0. Most recently, they secured a 4-1 win over Archbishop Hannan.
Team chemistry has been a vital factor in their success, with ten returning starters including midfielders Drake Hinton, Tucker Williams, and goalkeeper Nick Jackson. Malik expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to perform under pressure, noting, “Even in the summer, you could tell these guys have chemistry. The combination play has been impressive.”
Sophomore midfielder Cameron Dufresne has emerged as a key player, leading the team with six goals. Other contributors include Williams and Harrison Hurt, each with four goals, while Ty Pousson has recorded seven assists. The team achieved its tenth victory of the season with a 4-0 shutout against Sam Houston on January 12, 2026, where Pousson scored twice.
Malik praised Jackson’s performance, highlighting his ability to make crucial saves and dictate play from the back. “He’s been huge,” Malik said. “His distribution has been fantastic. Not every keeper is able to do that.”
As the postseason approaches in February, Malik aims to refine the team’s finishing skills. “The main thing lately is finishing the attack,” he stated. “We have so many good attacks. We just need to take our chances.” With their current momentum, the Saints are poised for a strong finish to the season, driven by a combination of strategic thinking and skillful execution.