Following a 2023 season where Lindbergh finished 23-6 and took home some hardware in the form of a third-place trophy from the Missouri State Tournament, the Flyers are hoping to reload for the fall 2024 campaign.
Jake Pittroff takes over the team after former coach Mark Geising retired, but Pittroff is familiar with the program, having coached the junior varsity squad last season.
“The biggest hurdle for myself and the varsity team is taking the one or two players that got significant minutes at the varsity level last year and then having the next core group of guys step up now that it’s their time,” Pittroff said. “Now, we’re going to wait and see if these gentlemen, young boys, and student athletes take the opportunity and carry on the traditions of Lindbergh soccer.”
After losing 18 seniors from a state qualifying team, one could assume that expectations could be changed or lowered for a squad with a number of players with little varsity experience, but Pittroff isn’t looking at it that way.
“It really comes down to belief, confidence, and our expectations,” he said. “The standard is that we’re defending the district title.”
Returning for the Flyers this season is goalie Carter Gruen, who backed up Cam Cochran last season. Gruen, a senior, logged 273 minutes, going 1-0 last season for Lindbergh.
“Carter is ready for the challenge,” Pittroff said. “He’s right there, and he’s one of our captains.”
Hassan Al-Maliki returns for his senior season. He had four goals last season.
Ado Keranovic returns. The senior had four goals and 11 assists for the Flyers last season.
Nick Tallevast returns for his senior season. He had a pair of goals and five assists last season.
Kenan Jakupovic, the Flyers defender who added a goal last season, rounds out the five returning seniors with varsity experience.
Carter Heavey and Gio Nicastro will also see time at the varsity level this season for the Flyers.
In total, Lindbergh should have 13 seniors, five juniors, three sophomores and one freshman competing at the varsity level this season.
“We definitely have a senior-laden team,” Pittroff said. “We have the ability to rely on them to go out and play and piece together one game at a time.”