![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-1200x800.jpg)
![In celebration of winning his second straight state title in the 215 weight class, junior Carter Brown backflips before leaving the mat. Brown won his bout against junior Kobe Rhymes of North Kansas City High School by fall in just 41 seconds. "Carter does what Carter does. We expect [success] out of him and his goals are bigger than the state championship," coach Sam Ritchie said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2784-1200x800.jpg)
Last Friday, the Lancers entered their season opener against St. Charles West. Lafayette defeated the Warriors 55-46, regardless of continuous trouble executing free throws.
Sophomore Garrett Steins stepped up in his first varsity game, scoring 10 points with 11 rebounds, while junior Ross Houldsworth also made an impact, scoring nine.
Despite spotty shooting, returning starters juniors Nate Messer and Evan Scales still led the team with 16 and 12 points.
Although St. Charles West made 63 percent of free throws, star players Chris Percy and Davis Sodeberg lacked offensive consistency that the team needed to win.
Lafayette may have struggled with turnovers and too many fouls, but the team showed their offensive potential in the second half.
Lafayette will face athletic 2-1 Maplewood High School in the Webster Classic Tournament Thursday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m.
