The Lancaster Golden Gales boys’ soccer team improved their skills and tripled their wins this season. The team finished the season 9-7-2, compared to last year’s 3-13-1 record. They achieved a significant accomplishment by beating Newark 7-1, which was a notable win for them, as they had tied the game 1-1 last year. Head coach Kaylib Young-Argyle said that this team has accomplished a great deal.
“This team was one of the best squads as far as a team-first mentality,” he said.
Young-Argyle hopes to build on the momentum from this year and carry it into next, so the Gales can continue to strive and win.
“We will continue investing in these players on and off the field to ensure this program continues to grow and that we are not only shaping great players but also molding these players into outstanding members of society,” he said.
LHS senior and team captain Dorian Lott was a key player this season. He has played for the Gales for a few years and said that he has witnessed the team’s progress. He said he played when the Gales didn’t have a single in-season win, and he played when they finally broke a winning record. A lot of Lott’s gratitude went to his teammates and coaches.
“This year’s season went very well compared to the last few years because we finally had a winning record after just two years of not having a single win. I’ve learned a lot from the coaches and my fellow senior teammates, especially about leadership and consistency. One thing that really sticks out is the discipline and preparation that each and every one of my teammates showed every day,” said Lott.
“My coaches, time after time, no matter what they were going through outside of soccer, showed up for all our practices and games, and it really showed how much they cared about the program and the players that play for it,” he said.
The team was full of talent. LHS senior Nick Appelfeller, another standout player, helped lead the Gales soccer team to such a successful season. Appelfeller was a center back and a defensive center mid. During his senior year, he achieved a notable number of accomplishments, including three goals and assists, which is commendable for the position he played. His senior year was one of his most memorable.
“It’s enjoyable. Long-lasting, and made a lot of memories,” said Appelfeller.
Appelfeller’s high school career is something that he will always remember: the people, the progress, and the memories.
“Definitely the players, players and coaches,” said Appelfeller.
Another outstanding player, sophomore Carter Call, was the team’s leading scorer and one of the most explosive players on the field, as he started every game except senior night. Call dominated on the field, as he had 16 goals and 10 assists.
“Last year I played in the midfield, old, but this year they moved me to an attacking position, and I didn’t like it at first, but once I learned how to play the position, it really helped me to play better than if I were in the midfield. I worked on my touch and dribbling to be a more skilled player, and that helped a lot as well,” said Call.
“We won multiple games in the OCC, which we haven’t done in multiple years. We also beat Reynoldsburg this year, 2-1, for the first time in ten years. We had eleven seniors, and they really made a difference with our team being leaders for all the younger players,” he said.
“My individual goal for next year is to start every game again and score twenty goals and ten assists on the season,” said Call.
Young-Argyle said that the season was not all about winning soccer matches but also about the team believing in themselves.
“One of the biggest challenges for this season was having the guys fully realize the greatness they were capable of,” said Young-Argyle.
Over the past few years, the Gales soccer team has gone through a rebuilding process. Lott said the coaches were very dedicated to the program, which helped them become so much better compared to recent years. The team was coming off a past losing season and beginning the 2025 season with a new head coach. As the season progressed, they began to find their rhythm and became the team Young-Argyle had envisioned.
Coach Young-Argyle said he had a personal message for his team.
“A special thanks to all eleven of our seniors; this season wasn’t possible without you guys. I am incredibly thankful to you guys for hanging in there even when things were going so well. You will always be a member of this family. As always, go Gales,” he said.
Lott also added that, although he is graduating and will no longer be on the team next season, he will be cheering the team on to improve and that he hopes to see the Gales soccer team win in the playoffs.
