Navid hopes to lead Shady Side Academy boys soccer back to WPIAL final

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 2, 2018 | 10:54 PM

In last season’s WPIAL Class 2A boys soccer championship game, Shady Side Academy left wing/center midfielder Wally Navid had a game to remember as the No. 15-seeded Indians stunned top-seeded Quaker Valley in double overtime.

Navid scored a goal on a bicycle kick with less than a minute left in regulation to tie the game, then scored the game-winner in the second overtime to give SSA its first WPIAL title.

“That was the most memorable game ever for me and also for my teammates, our coaches and the school,” he said. “SSA has been around for over 100 years, and to win the first boys soccer championship was very special for all of us. Despite going into the game with a low seed and a pretty average record (9-7), we were confident that we belonged, and we stayed focused the entire game.”

Navid, now a senior, is feeling pretty good about this year’s team.

“We did lose some key players, but I think we’ll be even stronger this season,” he said. “Most of us are back, and we gained a year of experience.”

Navid scored 19 goals with eight assists last year and has been playing for the Arsenal FC of Pennsylvania team this summer to hone parts of his game.

“We won the Pennsylvania State Cup earlier this summer, and it was a good experience,” he said. “I had a chance to work on my sprinting and jumping. Overall, I’m satisfied with my overall physical game and my ability to beat players one-on-one.”

Navid hasn’t made a college choice yet.

“I’m looking at some D-III schools that have a good biology program,” he said. “Location of the school doesn’t matter. I’m looking for the best fit. I’ll continue to play soccer in college.”

He’s heading into his final season at SSA feeling confident.

“We have the ability to repeat,” he said, “and we will try to do our best every time we’re on the field.”

Marty Stewart is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shady Side Academy