Dublin — On a Sunday afternoon in early November at Big Walnut High School, Dublin Scioto’s boys soccer team was on the brink of making history. The only Dublin program yet to reach the state final four, they were determined to shed that label. Seth Silverstein struck first with an unassisted goal, putting Scioto ahead 1-0 against Westerville Central. The early lead had become a hallmark of the Irish’s playoff run.
“We reached a point where we were firing on all cylinders as we entered the postseason,” reflected Head Coach Erik Ekis. “Peaking at the right time, I guess you could say.” That Sunday afternoon marked a sharp departure from the Irish’s postseason struggles in recent years, which had often ended sooner than hoped. Achieving deeper success in the tournament had been a clear objective heading into 2024.
“We’ve had some tough luck the last few years in the tournament,” Coach Ekis admitted. “So, getting a few rounds in was another goal.” Yet, the path to achieving that goal was anything but straightforward. The team boasted a deep talent pool but harnessing it for the program’s success on the pitch required focus and cohesion. “Heading into the season, we had lots of questions,” Ekis said. “That said, we’ve always felt strongly about the abilities of these players and knew that if we could pull together and play for each other, the sky was the limit.”
What followed was a full buy-in from the players and a shared belief that the program could achieve its highest aspirations. From his vantage point, Coach Ekis wasn’t surprised by how far they had come. “You could see a transformation occur as the season progressed; you could see them start to believe,” he recalled. “I wouldn’t call the tournament run ‘expected,’ but it’s also not terribly surprising to those of us who got to work with these amazing young men every day.”
Another factor working in their favor was the team’s ability to steer clear of major injuries—a combination of preparation and a bit of luck. “We were fortunate this year not to have any major season-ending injuries, and that will again be a major goal of ours next year,” Coach Ekis said. Unbreakable team chemistry, full-strength performances on the pitch, and standout gameplay proved to be the driving forces that propelled Scioto to a historic season for the program.
The Westerville Central game concluded with a thrilling 2-1 victory for Dublin Scioto, as Angel Arellano scored late on an assist from Jesus Rodriguez. The goal secured a regional championship and marked the Irish’s first-ever state final four appearance in program history. While Arellano emerged as the hero of the match, Coach Ekis was quick to point out that others in the program deserved their share of recognition.
“Plenty of players stepped up in big ways and did special things outside of the limelight,” Coach Ekis emphasized. “Angel Arellano and Theo Koesters were goal-scoring machines for us, while Carson Burch was the usual engine of our midfield. Evan Spielberg, Alex Nettles, Thomas Kinney, and a host of other players all deserve recognition.”
Despite his passion for seeing his players celebrated, Coach Ekis is confident that none of them would trade the team’s achievements in 2024 for personal accolades. “I am certain not one of them would trade what we accomplished together as a team for some individual notoriety. That’s just who they are,” he said. This praise falls in line with the character that Coach Ekis saw on the pitch this season from the Irish.
In Coach Ekis’s eyes, the Irish were more than just a team—they were an unbreakable family that grew together and pushed each other to be their best. “An inspiring work ethic and a commitment to work for each other had to be among their greatest attributes,” he reflected. “The boys had to demand the very best from themselves and force their teammates to rise with them. They wanted to be present, play with and for each other, work hard, and have fun. The table was set for great things.”
Although the story didn’t end with a championship, the Irish’s journey was still one for the books. In a heart-wrenching state semifinal, Dublin Scioto fell to Walsh Jesuit, who made a second-half comeback to win 2-1. Despite the painful loss, Coach Ekis is already looking ahead. “This season is officially in the past, and next year’s team will have to work to build its own identity,” he said.
That said, Coach Ekis remains steadfast in his core philosophy, even as he acknowledges that this year’s success is unique and cannot be replicated. “There are several aspects of our style and philosophy that will never change, such as our goal to outwork our opponent—that’s non-negotiable,” he said. “They will have to create their own experiences. We have a fair number of players returning, and I certainly feel our program will benefit from the confidence that comes with a postseason like this year.”
The 2024 Dublin Scioto Irish boys soccer team will be remembered as the first to lead the program to a state final four. But beyond that historic achievement, they are defined by their work ethic, commitment, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the program. These qualities will outlast any accomplishments on the pitch. “This was an amazing collection of quality human beings,” Coach Ekis reflected. “We strive for those attributes every year, but in 2024, there just seemed to be an extra dose of these things.”
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