C. Milton Wright boys soccer had a rare stumble Monday in a 3-2 loss at home.
“When’s the last time we beat them?” Patterson Mill players asked themselves as they walked off the field victoriously, heads and voices high in excitement.
The Mustangs were sloppier than normal and missed several open looks at the net. Coach Eric Riedlbauer reminded his players after the game that, while unfavorable, this result can’t distract them from their chase.
“Our goal is to win states,” he told his sulking players. “That doesn’t change.”
C. Milton Wright has done plenty of that. The school has won a pair of boys soccer state titles (2017 and 2018) and been to three other finals over the past decade (2015, 2019 and 2021). This year, the Mustangs are 9-2 with five shutout victories, and have won 20 of their last 24 games dating back to last season.
This group is as prepared as any to get back to that stage and end their brief hiatus from the top. Fueling that belief is a coach who’s finally instilled his unique style of play, and players who have his back.
“This is a lot more ‘just go out and play soccer,’” senior goalkeeper Dylan Sander said. “There’s no, ‘you need to do this, this and this.’ You just play.”
When third-year coach Riedlbauer took over a program amid a dominant run, his first challenge came off the field. Gaining the respect of his players would be paramount to continuing C. Milton Wright’s success. That was difficult at first for players used to operating with more structure on the field. Now, they’re “his kids,” senior forward Axel Lorentzen said.
“When he came into the team, I think he kind of had the feeling it was still the old coach’s team,” Lorentzen said. “We’re his kids now. We’ve really developed under him. He’s really grown into the position.”
C. Milton Wright is adapting to Riedlbauer’s style, which players say consists of more freedom, a heightened focus on maintaining possession and minimizing risks.
C. Milton Wright goalie Dylan Sander makes a save during a game against Catonsville. Sander anchors a defense that has only given up 10 goals in 11 games. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
That’s been evident throughout C. Milton Wright’s winning stretch that began midway through last season — and is producing commanding victories. The Mustangs didn’t allow a goal until their fifth game this year. They’re outsourcing opponents 39-10 through 11 games.
“Freedom,” Lorentzen said. “Play to your strengths.”
“Now that we’re built into his system and playing how he likes to coach, it’s become a lot easier,” Sander added. “The game just feels easy. It’s a lot of fun.”
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Lorentzen and Sander anchor both sides of the ball. Lorentzen, C. Milton Wright’s leading goal scorer, headlines a forward group that starts three underclassmen. The senior has taken on a larger leadership role because of the youngsters around him and becoming, in many ways, a coach on the field.
“He’s really taken control of the offense,” Sander said. “Learning from Axel is the best person you can learn from.”
Sander, a Mount St. Mary’s lacrosse commit and The Aegis’ 2023-24 basketball player of the year, is an imposing figure in front of the net. Along with three experienced seniors and Owen Davis, a sophomore defender whom Riedlbauer called his biggest surprise of the season, C. Milton Wright possesses a back line that’s flustered opponents all year.
“I don’t think there’s been one game where someone’s had a good shot,” Sander said.
The Mustangs are eyeing their third state title win and sixth championship game appearance in 10 seasons. To commemorate the back-to-back 2017 and 2018 titles, their uniforms have a pair of stars etched into them. They’re a reminder to those who wear them of the standard that must be upheld — and a signal to opponents who they’re dealing with.
The program’s history is at the forefront of current players’ minds. Lorentzen, Sander and the squad’s other seniors were only freshmen on the last team to make it to the pinnacle. When they enter their school’s gym and gaze upon the banner boasting the two championships, the urge to add another to that flag strengthens.
“All we drive for is going to the state finals,” Lorentzen said before Sander interjected. “We want to end the season on a win.”
Have a news tip? Contact Taylor Lyons at tlyons@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/TaylorJLyons.
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