Burrell boys soccer wants to muscle way into WPIAL playoffs

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, August 18, 2019 | 7:45 PM

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Starting as an underclassmen provided invaluable experience for junior midfielder Nicholas Kariotis.

Having several members of the Burrell boys soccer team in similar situations allowed them to grow together. Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, they were, at times, outmuscled last season.

“With us getting older, we have become more mature,” Kariotis said. “We should be stronger this year.”

When opponents got ahead early, Burrell had a hard time climbing back into games. But with a more experienced lineup this season, the Buccaneers are hoping to challenge for a WPIAL Class 2A playoff spot.

“One of the things that would happen is if we got behind early, we would put our heads down and lose by a larger margin,” Burrell coach Andrew Kariotis said. “Our touch and speed is better, so we want to keep our heads in the game if we go behind early.”

With a possession-oriented approach in mind, Burrell is hoping to pressure its way into a playoff spot. The Buccaneers, who finished 5-8-2 last season, return all but two starters from last season.

“Part of it is that most of them started as freshmen, so they had the skills, but were overpowered by the other kids,” Andrew Kariotis said. “This year, we have the skill, but the big difference is that we will be able to compete physically.”

Leading scorer Jake Guerrini, a junior forward, returns to lead the attack for Burrell. Nicholas Kariotis and Ian Smola will provide depth at forward, and Tajean Degore returns in the midfield.

On defense, Ryan Wurzer and Josh Mueller will play key roles.

Andrew Kariotis said the team made progress during the offseason. A club teams primarily made up of Burrell players made the finals of a tournament at Edinboro.

“It’s been a process,” Andrew Kariotis said. “During the indoor season, wins and losses aren’t important. The important thing is to play the right way and results will come. Making the finals at Edinboro was a big confidence boost.”

Nicholas Kariotis hopes Burrell will be able to keep opponents off-balance with their attacking. Possessing the ball and looking for opportunities to counter will drive the Buccaneers.

If Burrell can keep up the pressure, it is hoping to make a push toward the postseason.

The Buccaneers will have to navigate a section featuring Deer Lakes, Derry, Freeport, Leechburg, Mt. Pleasant, Shady Side Academy and Valley.

“When teams press, our fast offense will help counter,” Nick Kariotis said. “With better ball possession, it will be easier to score. We want to keep the ball and play our own style.”

Tags: Burrell