Bar set high for Bethel Park boys soccer

By: Ray Fisher
Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 11:01 AM

Last season may be difficult to match for this year’s Bethel Park boys soccer team.

The Black Hawks finished second with an 11-3 record in Section 3-3A, which was won by Thomas Jefferson at 13-1. Bethel Park handed the Jaguars their only section loss Sept. 22 by a 3-1 score.

After splitting decisions with Mars and WPIAL champion Moon in the playoffs, the Black Hawks ended their banner season 14-6 overall.

“Having graduated 13 seniors, I am curious to see how this year’s team responds and what our overall strengths are,” Bethel Park coach Doug Fink said. “Our early expectations are to build chemistry, build team fitness and ultimately make the playoffs. I believe if we stay healthy, we can compete for a playoff spot.”

Two key returning starters are senior midfielder Henry Gaston and senior defender Adam Thompson.

“I’m expecting to be both a midfielder and defender this year depending on what is best for the team,” Gaston said. “The team has a lot of talent this year, and I’m grateful to be playing with such a great group of guys.

“Coming off our first playoff run in seven years, we are eager to do it again. Most of us have been playing together since we were little, and I think our biggest strength is how close we are.”

Gaston is a three-year starter and four-year letterman.

“My personal goal for this season is the same as the rest of the guys on the team: to make another run at playoffs, going as far as we can,” he said. “I also believe we can make a run at the section title. This group is special.”

Gaston is planning to continue his soccer career at the next level.

“I’m at the tail end of my recruiting process and things are going well,” he said. “I’m hoping to find my way to a great academic program that allows me to continue playing soccer.”

Thompson, like Gaston, is a third-year starter and fourth-year letterman.

“I will most likely be at center back this year because that’s where my coach put me last year,” Thompson said. “One of the goals that I want for my team is to not only make the playoffs but to have a playoff run. I think we can accomplish it if we work together as a team.

“One personal goal I have is to make all-WPIAL. I feel like I’ve been putting in the work, but it would be a huge accomplishment for me.”

Gaston and sophomore attacker Xavier Jackson ranked among the team’s leading scorers last season.

“One guy who’s really stepped up for us is Xavier Jackson,” Fink said. “He started most of our games as a freshman, and I expect him to do the same for us as a sophomore. Xavier was our third-leading goal scorer last year.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Luke Rubican also joined the varsity lineup as a freshman in 2022, sharing the netminding duties with the now-graduated Cole Shughart.

Two other returning starters for the Black Hawks are junior midfielder Jackson Friday and senior defender Dylan DeClair.

“I think we have some good players up top,” Thompson said. “Xavier Jackson and Jackson Friday are a good pair and they work well off each other.”

Jay Zeminski and Josh Kicinski are Fink’s assistants again this season.

“I would like to thank them for all their hard work and preparation they put in during the offseason,” Fink said. “The offseason is really when players can make significant gains because the regular season comes at you fast and furious (sometimes playing three games in one week).

“Jay and Josh are dedicated, passionate coaches who help our student-athletes in the weight room, on the field and with life lessons.”

Tags: Bethel Park