Deer Lakes uses quick-strike offense to down Quaker Valley in clash of elite 2A programs
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Monday, October 27, 2025 | 10:03 PM
Deer Lakes' Collin Rodgers, left, scored both goals as Deer Lakes defeated Quaker Valley in the WPIAL Class 2A boys soccer semifinals Monday, Oct. 27, 2025.
Deer Lakes’ Jacob Orseno (left) attempts to get past Quaker Valley’s Levi Carver on Monday night at Fridley Field in a WPIAL Class 2A semifinal.
Deer Lakes' Jacob Orseno (right) attempts to shield Quaker Valley's Matthew Romanyuk from the ball.
Deer Lakes forward Peyton Kushon corrals a throw-in during the first half of a WPIAL Class 2A semifinal against Quaker Valley Monday night at Fridley Field.
Patrick Connors (12) runs to the sidelines and asks for noise from the Quaker Valley student section Monday night at Fridley Field in a WPIAL Class 2A semifinal.
The Deer Lakes boys soccer program already has built the foundation of its burgeoning blue blood reputation. The Lancers added another story on top of it during a 2-1 WPIAL Class 2A semifinal win over Quaker Valley on Monday at Fridley Field.
Collin Rodgers scored twice in the first 10 minutes after halftime to propel the Lancers to the final at Highmark Stadium for the third time in five years. Deer Lakes won the WPIAL in 2020 and 2022.
“It’s something you build on, something you live up to,” Rodgers said. “When you come into the program, it’s something you want to achieve as a Lancer.”
The No. 2 Quakers are one of the most storied programs in WPIAL history, collecting 10 crowns, with the last one coming in 2021.
The Lancers (17-3-1) will play No. 9 Beaver in the final. The Bobcats advanced by beating No. 4 Avonworth, 8-2.
Isaac Williams broke through first, punching a shot over Deer Lakes keeper Wesley Boyle in the fourth minute for Quaker Valley (17-3-1).
The Lancers applied pressure for the rest of the half but were unable to find the back of the net. Colton Bish had Deer Lakes’ best scoring opportunity, smashing a volley that was punched over the bar in an acrobatic effort by keeper Xander Vescio.
“We weren’t rattled in the first half,” Deer Lakes coach Aaron Smith said. “We understood that it was a fluke goal. They had a counter and caught us. Quaker Valley is a great team, don’t get me wrong. We weren’t going to change anything.”
Rodgers tied the score with a goal in the 48th minute. He scored the winner nearly two minutes later.
Quaker Valley coach Sean Ryan said the Lancers were able to use their good size to their advantage
“Some big kids and some really good set pieces,” Ryan said. “They have good delivery and tall players.”
Rodgers never lost his cool.
Deer Lakes, collectively, was never sweating.
“We were more confident down 1-0 than we typically are,” Rodgers said. “We were trusting in the process. We had a bunch of solid half chances in the first half. We knew one was destined to come in the second half. We knew we would get one no matter how long it takes.”
Tags: Deer Lakes, Quaker Valley
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