O’Dea 2026 Soccer Season Preview

SEATTLE-As the echoes of last season’s tightly fought battles fade—29 goals scored, 29 conceded, and a 10th‑place Metro League finish—O’Dea steps back onto the pitch with the sense that something larger is taking shape, a quiet pressure gathering within the team making them determined to push past last year’s ceiling. This season feels like a turning point, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and identity.

Last season was one of highs and lows for the Irish. They were able to create scoring chances but were also hurt by conceding too many of their own. The Irish’s matches averaged four goals per game, though not always in their favor, with scoring split between both sides. That is something the team will look to reflect on this year. Their season also ended earlier than expected with a 3–1 loss to the Ingraham Rams in the Metro League playoffs. The lessons from those moments have shaped a team that is more mature, more focused, and more aware of what it takes to win.

Reflecting on last season, Junior Midfielder Kaleb Mehari said, “Some specific areas we are improving as a team is our chemistry. Having new guys on the team every year, we need to learn how to get to our highest potential as a team.” They will need to focus on chemistry this year after graduating eight seniors, the most notable being senior goalkeeper Kellen Pierce. They will look for a new man between the posts who can organize and elevate the team during matches. The Irish also graduated three starting defenders, another area where they will need to find new talent or shift returning players positions. Despite these departures, the program’s depth and culture give the Irish confidence that new leaders will rise.

Although last season was not ideal, the Irish grew from it and have many key players returning this year. Junior midfielder Collin McKeon returns and is willing to step in and help the team defensively. Junior fullback Ethan Caoagdan returns and is ready to make an impact. He was one of the few to start on varsity as a freshman, and this year the team should count on his leadership if they hope to return to the state championship. With emerging leaders and a sharpened competitive edge, O’Dea enters the new season with the

belief that they can reclaim their place among the league’s elite.

As the Irish prepare to open a new chapter, the lessons of last season and the hunger to improve fuel a team eager to redefine its ceiling. With returning talent stepping into leadership roles and new contributors ready to make their mark, O’Dea enters the year with a clearer identity and a renewed sense of purpose. Their first test comes quickly, as they travel to face Eastside Catholic, the Metro League regular‑season champions in a challenging away matchup scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday the 12th, It’s an early opportunity to measure their growth and set the tone for the season ahead.

By Torsten, Brady, Lamar