Gateway boys soccer learning on the fly, eyes playoff berth

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, October 1, 2017 | 11:00 PM

Growing pains are a common experience for young teams.

With only one starter back and a new coach, Gateway boys soccer is learning about growing pains this season.

The Gators (4-6-1, 2-4-1) have struggled to string wins together and are in fifth place in Section 4-AAA.

“We are young, and we don't have the depth,” coach Bernie Stiles said. “When you have that combination, you will have good games and bad games. It is difficult.

“We have had a lot of growth. We had players that we didn't consider varsity level, and now they are. We have seen different leaders step up. We are not lacking quality. We just need all the players playing to their ability at the same time.”

One of the biggest problems for the Gators has been scoring goals.

All four of their wins, including a 2-0 defeat of Thomas Jefferson, have been by shutout, but the Gators won consecutive matches only once this season.

“I think every team struggles with the attacking third and getting good final passes in, and that has been our problem to this point,” Stiles said.

In soccer, patience is key, and it can be hard for inexperienced players to realize it takes time to score that first goal after you get a read on your opponent.

“At the high school level, it is all about confidence,” Stiles said. “It is so important to get that first goal. That comes with experience, too. When you have experience, sometimes you know it takes 25-30 minutes until you break a team down. We have seen that at times.”

One thing that isn't lacking for the Gators is their determination to improve.

They are working on the same goals they set at the beginning of the season, which includes qualifying for the playoffs.

Gateway gets a break from section play this week at Penn Hills. They return to section play next week against the top two teams in the league, South Fayette and Chartiers Valley. Both games will be on the road.

“We have to meet the base goals to get to the next-level goals,” Stiles said. “We are still working on those goals and that is what we are looking to achieve at this point. Those goals are still attainable for sure.

“Every level will have a different obstacle that they need to overcome and they need to realize that. I am still proud of the boys. They have done a good job of staying positive.”

Drew Karpen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Gateway