Fueled by Resilience and Teamwork, Thomas Worthington Prepares for Playoff Showdown with Dublin Scioto

Worthington — The Thomas Worthington boys’ soccer program boasts a storied legacy, with six Final Four appearances, four trips to the state championship game, and three state titles, achieved in 1991, 1998, and 2001. Now, after 23 years without a championship, the Cardinals are back in pursuit of glory. After winning a district title, the journey continues on Wednesday with a regional semifinal matchup against Dublin Scioto, a Franklin County opponent just six miles away.

Head Coach Matthew Kovach says the team’s energy is high heading into the regional round. “The vibes at training are great right now,” he shared. “The guys are having fun, and they’re excited for the opportunity to continue competing in the tournament.” The Cardinals understand the stakes are clear: win and advance, or lose and go home. With everything on the line, they’re prepared to battle until the end.

The Cardinals’ season has been a journey of highs and lows, marked by memorable moments like their September victory over rival Worthington Kilbourne. For Head Coach Matthew Kovach and the team, this season is about more than just wins and losses. “These guys love playing and training together, and we want to keep this going,” he said. “What makes high school soccer special is the chance to play the sport you love with your closest friends, represent your school, and compete in front of classmates, family, and community.”

The chemistry, determination, and teamwork that define the Cardinals took root over the summer at a team camp at PennWest University. Reflecting on their growth, Head Coach Matthew Kovach remarked, “It has become as tight of a group as I have ever coached. It’s been fun to watch them come together the way they have.” Coach Kovach credits the team’s senior leaders—Paxton Bohnert, Jack Suttle, and Jonas Brofford—for setting the tone. “They’ve led the group in being fully committed to one another and to our cause,” he said, highlighting the unity and dedication that have driven the team’s success.

For the first time since 2020, Thomas Worthington has the opportunity to play soccer in November. The last time they reached this point, they advanced to the regional championship before falling to New Albany. This year, a win would set up a November 3rd showdown against the winner of Westerville Central and Worthington Kilbourne, with a coveted berth in the state Final Four on the line.

Next in the Cardinals’ journey is Dublin Scioto, a battle-tested team with a powerful offense that has netted 19 goals in their last three games. Aware of the challenge ahead, Coach Matthew Kovach shared his perspective: “They’ve shown throughout the season that they’re extremely dangerous with their attack. We know we’ll need to stay organized defensively and defend as a unit. When our chances come going forward, we’ll need to capitalize and finish.”

Central Ohio presents a true gauntlet for any sport, and boys’ soccer is no exception. Coach Kovach attributes much of his team’s readiness for Dublin Scioto to the challenges they’ve faced throughout the season. “Every part of our path has contributed to the opportunity we have right now,” he shared. “We’ve taken something away from every match—whether it was learning to keep our composure in high-intensity games or closing out a match with a late lead.”

Coach Kovach also extended high praise to the Dublin Scioto coaching staff, particularly head coach Erik Ekis. “I have tremendous respect for Erik as a coach and know he’ll have his team well-prepared. Dublin Scioto is a really good squad. You can see how talented they are, and they’re a well-coached team,” Kovach said. Ultimately, he understands that the outcome will hinge on key moments. “In any tournament match, we know we’ll need to manage the moment and stay composed, focused on not getting caught up in the intensity,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of poise under pressure.

Regardless of what happens in the tournament, Coach Kovach has full confidence that the values his team has embraced will carry far beyond soccer. “What has been most impressive is how the team has shown the ability to apply their knowledge to their growth, both as individual players and as a team,” he said. “These values will carry well beyond the competition of this tournament. These young men will have incredible opportunities in whatever they choose to pursue. If they have confidence in themselves, courage in the attempt, and commitment to their cause, then we, as a coaching staff, did our job in using soccer to prepare them for their futures.”