First-year head coach Zach Malik is reshaping the St. Louis Catholic boys soccer team through a focus on cognitive understanding of the game. The Saints have quickly adapted to his strategies, achieving victories against five top-10 teams this season, including Central Lafourche and Bossier. Their impressive performance has elevated them to a ranking of No. 2 in the Division III power ratings.
Malik emphasizes the importance of players being intuitive on the field. “I think that’s the toughest thing to teach — to try to get the kids to think on their own and play what you see,” he explained. He encourages versatility in play, urging his team to switch between long and short passes depending on the situation. The Saints’ adaptability has been evident as they transitioned from winning four of their first seven matches to claiming six wins in their last seven games.
St. Louis Catholic’s current record stands at 9-4, reflecting their growth in understanding the game. Malik noted that the ability to play short passes has been crucial, especially as other regions, such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette, develop more advanced soccer tactics. “If you can’t play short, then you’re playing into the opponents’ hands,” he said, highlighting the need for a well-rounded skill set.
The Saints’ recent victories include a significant 1-0 win over Bossier, a team that previously eliminated them from the playoffs. Additionally, they triumphed over Ascension Episcopal and Catholic-Baton Rouge, both of which competed in the semifinals or finals last season. Most recently, they secured a commanding 4-0 shutout against Sam Houston, with standout performances from players like Ty Pousson, who scored twice and assisted another goal.
Malik credits the team’s chemistry, bolstered by the presence of ten returning starters. Midfielders Drake Hinton, Tucker Williams, and Bryce Foreman, along with forwards Ty Pousson and Griffin Hanks, have developed strong connections on the field. Malik expressed confidence in their technical capabilities: “They have the IQ. They have the ability and technical quality to be able to do it too, for the most part.”
The coach also highlighted an impressive moment during a match against Ascension Episcopal, where the team completed nearly 15 consecutive passes to advance the ball. This level of coordination illustrates the effectiveness of Malik’s focus on combination play and team dynamics.
Looking ahead, the Saints aim to refine their finishing abilities before the postseason begins in February 2026. Malik pointed out that while the team creates numerous scoring chances, converting those opportunities remains a key area for improvement. “We just need to take chances too,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on opportunities to differentiate successful teams.
As St. Louis Catholic continues to build on its recent successes, the combination of strategic thinking, technical skill, and team chemistry places them in a strong position as a contender in state-level competition.
