Tough schedule prepares Mooney soccer team for tournament

By John Bassetti | October 5, 2008 at 6:52p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — For Cardinal Mooney’s boys soccer program, there is no regular season anymore.

That happens when a state championship symbol sits in a trophy case.

Following Mooney’s ascension to the Division II title in 2002, the Cardinals saw the need to maintain a high level of competition.

Mooney, which also finished as state runners-up in Div. III in 2004 and 2005, went heavy on its 2008 schedule in hopes of benefiting in the postseason.

The Cards have already beaten state-wide powers Massillon Jackson, Perrysburg, Bay Village and most recently, Columbus DeSales.

Mooney had back-to-back losses to Lakewood St. Edward and Worthington Christian.

St. Edward was nationally ranked most of 2007 and Worthington Christian was a Div. III state semifinalist.

“We like playing a strong schedule,” said coach Larry Lencyk. “When you play the best, it makes you better.”