A-K Valley athletes of the week: Kiski Area’s Ellie Arnold, Freeport’s Angelo Porco

By: Ted Sarneso
Saturday, September 7, 2024 | 12:35 PM

Ellie Arnold

School: Kiski Area

Class: Freshman

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Arnold scored both of Kiski Area’s goals in a 2-0 win over Elizabeth Forward in a Section 4-3A showdown Wednesday. After an 0-2 start, the Cavaliers are 2-1 since section play began.

How long have you been playing soccer?

Since I was 5 years old.

How did you get started in the sport?

Through a local program called Castle.

What position do you play for Kiski Area?

Left winger, left midfielder.

What’s it like playing on a varsity team?

I’m very thankful and blessed that coach (Dave) Anderson feels that I deserve a spot. It’s amazing to play as a freshman and all the girls trust me to fulfill a role.

What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from your teammates?

To be myself and confident with the ball and in my skills.

Are you nervous going up against veteran competition?

It’s a little intimidating, but I know I have the skill to go against older players and I have played at very high levels.

What’s been a reason for the turnaround after the 0-2 start?

We had some great team bonding, and I think that was a huge part of it. At the beginning of the season, it was a little shaky, but as the season goes on, we continue to click with each other.

How did it fell to score both of your team’s goals?

Really great.

How were your goals Wednesday night set up?

The first was a long ball from center back Alexis Zidek. She played a through ball, I caught it and took on the defender, got by her and scored. The other was a 50/50 ball down by the box, which I won and took a shot and it went in.

What’s the most goals you’ve ever scored in a game?

Three. That was in February for the National League Pro soccer.

What are your individual goals for the year?

Keep playing my hardest and help my team to a section title.

Will you play any other sports at school?

I’m a competitive gymnast, and I also run track. I run the 100 meters, and, in middle school, I ran the 4-by-100 and the 200. I beat the middle school girls 200 record, and my team also beat the middle school 4-by-100 record.

Do you participate in any clubs or other activities at school besides sports?

I’m a part of Key Club.

Favorite musical artist?

I don’t have a favorite artist, but I do like to listen to rap music, anything that gets me hype before a game.

Do you have a specific song you like to listen to before games?

No. I just put on a playlist and try to lock in, get in the zone for the game.

What is your favorite hobby?

Boating and tubing with my family.

What celebrity would you most like to meet or spend the day with?

Professional soccer player Erling Haaland.

Favorite vacation spot?

Anywhere on the beach. My family and I also went to Montana one year. It was nice and cold up there and the mountains were beautiful.

Angelo Porco

School: Freeport

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: The striker scored two goals in Freeport’s 3-2 win over Armstrong on Tuesday night. Porco has scored seven goals and has four assists through the first five games. The Yellowjackets are 3-1-1, including 1-1-1 in Section 1-2A.

What does the team need to do to succeed in section matches?

Our main problem is during big games, we get a little bit shaken up sometimes because we are a smaller-sized team. We just need to focus on our game, do what we need to do to win and not be concerned with the other team.

How did you score your goals Tuesday?

On my first goal, the opposing midfielder passed the ball back to the goalie, and he misplayed it. I was able to get in there quickly and put it past the keeper. My second one, I got a pass from Dante Treglia on the outside, took it down the wing and cut inside. I was able to sneak the ball in on the near post.

Do you get most of your goals in or around the box?

Most of my goals are scored within 20 yards of the net.

How badly do you want to make the playoffs this year?

I really want to make them this year. I know we have a really good chance at making it. I want to do everything in my power to get us to the postseason.

Which opponent do you look forward to playing?

Shady Side Academy. We played a pretty good game against the them first time, and they’re a solid team all-around. It’s good competition, and I think we could beat them this year. I’m looking forward to our second game against them.

Do you play Club soccer?

I play for Steel City FC. It’s very different from high school. Just playing with different kids from other schools and getting used to their play styles is not easy.

Do you have a specific pregame routine?

Usually, I get to the field 20 minutes before warmups, and I drink at least two bottles of water prior to the game. Then I use my muscle massager before I start stretching.

What’s your favorite pregame jam?

Whatever Dante has on his playlist.

Have you gotten any interests from colleges?

I’m currently talking to the coach of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.

What are your goals for the year?

Make playoffs. I really don’t mind if I score that much. If my game is successful and it helps us get to the playoffs I’ll be as happy as I can be.

What athlete do you like to watch the most?

Kylian Mbappe.

Favorite pro sports team?

Juventus, they’re a professional soccer team in Italy.

Do you play any other sports at school?

I’m thinking about running track and field this year.

Do you participate in any clubs or other activities?

I’m on the student advisory council. It’s comprised of team leaders from each team, and we participate in fundraisers and food drives.

Last film you saw?

“Deadpool & Wolverine.”

Favorite meal?

My grandmother’s pasta. She makes the best.

If you could share a meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

Kanye West. I think that would be pretty cool.

Tags: Freeport, Kiski Area