Despite being young, the Mehlville High School Panthers soccer squad has some lofty goals for the 2024 season.

“Our team goal is to be in the District Final for a chance to play until one team is left standing,” Mehlville Head Coach Todd Lauer said. “My outlook is to have this young team remain confident and work through the challenges. If we can do this, I believe the wins will come.”

One of the returning players from last season’s 7-14-1 squad is senior Anel Alihodzic as goalkeeper. Alihodzic was in goal for all of Mehlville’s wins last season. He saved 52 shots. Also returning is junior defender Connor Puers and three midfielders: junior Aydin Bajric and sophomores Eldar Cavcic and Eman Cavcic. The Panthers have just three senior starters returning.

The Panthers will look to freshman midfielder Armel Omerovic and sophomore defender Christian Gardner to help out this season.

Though the group is relatively young and inexperienced, Lauer said he has seen a number of positive signs.

“Team cohesiveness and hard work in training,” he said.

The coach has also been pleased with the team’s speed and the way the players have been passing the ball around to one another.

The Panthers will open the season on Tuesday with a contest at Ladue. Lauer said his players are also looking forward to games with rivals Oakville and Lindbergh.

“As a coach, I am excited to prepare my team for every game,” he said.  “We will continue to work hard, play for one another and show good sportsmanship to all of our opponents.”