Omaha South High has always been a powerhouse in soccer and has a strong history in the sport.

It all started when coach Joseph Maass was appointed head coach for Omaha South in 1999. Through his dedication, passion and hard work, South has won four state titles, 14 district titles and two state runner-up finishes. Last year, the team made it to the state finals but fell short of its goal. Will they continue their tradition of winning?

Overall, the team has improved in skills compared with last year. “It seems like we have more skilled players this year,” Maass said. Last year, the team had seven seniors, but only three started. Maass said he is excited for this upcoming team. “I would say this team’s going to be, for sure, in the top 10 teams I’ve ever coached in the last 27 years.”

South last season had a 15-3 record, losing to Creighton Prep, La Vista South and Westside. “We don’t lose games. We just learn,” Maass said. The Packers had 66 goals, 353 shots, 51 assists, four goals per match and three assists per match. Goaltending totals included 53 saves, 22 goals against, three saves per match and only one goal against per match.

Two of South’s rival teams are Creighton Prep and Bryan High. “Big home game vs. Bryan Saturday night at 7:30 this year will draw 2,000-3,000 fans,” Maass estimated. Last year, South lost to Westside in the state finals.

Maass said the team will be full of seniors, as most of the juniors last year were varsity, including big-time players like Dylan Holden, Ryan Kubiak and Brian Franco, plus many others. “We’ve got two returning all-state players and one all-Metro player, second team.” Junior Julian Rodriguez was a big role player in state and throughout last season and was a starting varsity winger when he was a freshman.

South senior Dylan Holden is a player who contributed in a big way for South last season.

Holden said he played in 18 games and scored 17 goals, one of which was in the state final against Westside which gave the Packers momentum, along with 59 shots, seven assists and nearly one goal per match.

“Soccer taught me that if you really want it bad enough, you have to work hard and trust in yourself,” Holden said.

Holden is captain of this year’s team, and he sees his leadership as a major responsibility.

“It’s been an important part of my high school career, and I’m extremely thankful to be able to be captain and lead the team to go as far as last season and even further this season,” he said.

Some goals for Holden are to be as hardworking as he can be. Last season, he had a good year, but he wants more this season.

“My goal this season is to get Gatorade Player of the Year and lead the state in every stat possible while also being the best player I can be. After a successful season for me last year, I want to reach higher things,” Holden added.

Senior Ryan Kubiak is the conductor of this Packers team. Maass mentioned that Kubiak was an all-state athlete last year. He scored his first goal which led to the victory against South Sioux City and put the Packers in the final.

“Being a part of this team means a lot, and it’s given me something to look forward to at the end of the school year,” Kubiak said.

Kubiak is confident even though they lost key players last year. He is ready for the opener and values patience and composure throughout his soccer career. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is patience and staying calm, both in life and on the field,” Kubiak said.

Personal goals are not easy for Kubiak; he has also set his sights on Gatorade Player of the Year.

“One personal goal I have this season is to be in the Gatorade Player of the Year conversation,” Kubiak said.