Most of the eighth-ranked Calvert Hall soccer team’s scoring punch this season has come from a player who was catching passes for the varsity football team last year.

Senior John Tune leads the team with 12 goals and he will be closely watched in Tuesday’s Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A conference quarterfinal against Loyola. The Cardinals have already beaten the Dons twice this season, storming back from a three-goal deficit in the teams’ first meeting with the help of Tune’s two goals. For Tune, a victory would be further justification for returning to Calvert Hall’s storied soccer program.

“I played soccer since I was four,” Tune said. “I’ve always liked to try new things. I always loved soccer. But my brother [Robbie] played football and I got to see how much fun they had and all the people in the stands. It was kind of random. I just decided to switch over and give it a try. I had a great time. I’d like to thank Coach [Andy] Moore for letting me come back to the program.”

Tune’s versatility doesn’t stop at Calvert Hall’s Paul Angelo Russo Stadium. He participates in Calvert Hall’s Peer Education program, serving as a mentor to freshmen, plays in the school’s Liturgy band and is active with the drama department.

For now, however, the focus is entirely on the Dons, who will travel to Calvert Hall for a 6:30 p.m. game under the lights with the winner advancing to face top-seeded Gilman. The other semifinal has Archbishop Curley traveling to McDonogh with the winner taking on Mount St. Joseph.

The semifinals are Thursday at the higher seeds and the finals are Sunday at Archbishop Spalding.

“This is our third night game, and it’s going to be a huge crowd,” Tune said. “We’re hoping to make it all the way to Sunday.”

Moore said Tune’s return has been a spark for the program. He said opponents must constantly account for Tune, which has helped create scoring opportunities for the other forwards and midfielders.

“He’s just a real interesting kid,” Moore said. “Last year, I would have liked to have had him out here with us, but he wanted to pursue football. I can appreciate that. He’s really having a big year.”

-- Todd Karpovich