Defense holds key for Quaker Valley boys in section championship season

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Quaker Valley’s boys soccer team was a defensive dynamo during the regular season.

Defense definitely was the name of the game at Chuck Knox Stadium and beyond as the Quakers finished first in Section 2-2A with a 14-1-1 record and 94-9 scoring advantage. QV surrendered just 11 regular-season goals and posted 10 shutouts.

The Quakers’ defensive corps was led by four athletic players in seniors Asher Muretisch and Tanner Schultz, junior Will Meagher and sophomore Mike Semonik.

“We have relied heavily upon our defense this year,” QV coach Sean Ryan said. “Hugo Castellini and Aurik Severson (both juniors) have also played very well when introduced off the bench. Our goalkeepers have been excellent for us, as well.”

Xander Vescio, one of nine seniors on the team, locked down the No. 1 goalkeeping position for most of the season.

“Julien Tiesse has been equally (good) when given minutes and truly pushes Xander to be his best,” Ryan said. “And our freshman goalkeeper Bodhi Hoffman has learned a lot from his varsity counterparts and is developing really well.”

Seniors Patrick Connors and Levi Carver start at midfield for the Quakers along with sophomore Finn Thompson.

“My thoughts on the team’s overall performance are all very positive,” Connors said. “I think we are a very strong defensive team being prideful in the number of goals we let in; trying to minimize that is paramount to our success. Also, I’m very proud of our record and our style of play, giving thanks to coach Sean for his tactical mindset.

“My season, I felt, went very well, and I improved a lot. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for pushing me, and I believe I pushed them. We’re very eager for the playoffs and the atmosphere at Chuck Knox. There’s truly nothing like QV soccer playoffs.”

The Quakers have a talented group of midfielders who know how to position themselves on the pitch.

“We have a bit more rotation at midfield,” Ryan said. “However, in recent weeks Patrick Connors, Levi Carver and Finn Thompson have been steadfast in their performances — making it difficult to choose anyone else.

“With (junior) Charlie Pyle coming back from injury, as well as players like Rafa Rojas, Luca Kurumfashe and Breno Guedes pushing on from their experience and their increased minutes, it has been a little trickier to lock in that starting three. It’s a good problem to have.”

QV’s leading scorers were senior forwards Isaac Williams, Sutton Hoehl and Liam Miller. Prior to the playoffs, Williams clicked for 19 goals and seven assists, Hoehl had 17 goals and 11 assists, and Miller added 13 goals and 17 assists. Hoehl played in only 10 games because of an injury.

Schultz also contributed eight goals and eight assists.

“Our top scorers — Isaac Williams, Sutton Hoehl and Liam Miller — have excellent chemistry when playing together,” Ryan said. “Connor West and Matthew Romanyuk were close to cracking the 10-goal mark this year and have been absolutely crucial for us when either starting or coming off of the bench.”

West is one of seven freshmen on the team; Romanyuk a sophomore.

“Equally crucial for us has been (senior) Corben Hopkins, who has been able to fill in at multiple positions both in defense and attack,” Ryan said.

Quaker Valley kicked off its section schedule Aug. 26 with a 1-0 loss to Beaver, then ran the table with a 14-0-1 record in league play and 15-2-1 overall. The Quakers’ defensive average for the season was a spectacular 0.6 goals per game.

“After a tough first loss, the mentality the group has shown has been commendable,” Ryan said. ”Without a second team pushing for a starting spot, the starters lose. We have been plagued with injuries and illnesses; the boys who have come in to fill those roles have helped us stay competitive.

“We saw a lot of really physical and talented groups in the section. I said at the beginning of the season that I believed our section (is) one of the most difficult in 2A. To come out as champion makes me very proud of our group’s resilience.”

Ryan was asked about his expectations for QV for the WPIAL playoffs.

“We’ve looked really good in training these past couple days, which makes me very optimistic,” he said. “Every season, you have to take things one day at a time, one game at a time. I believe we’ve put ourselves in a really good spot to be prepared for our first-round game.”

Indeed, the second-seeded Quakers defeated No. 15 Highlands, 5-1, on Oct. 20 to improve to 15-2-1 and advance to a quarterfinal matchup Oct. 23 with No. 10 Shady Side Academy.

West scored twice and Hoehl, Williams and Connors each added a goal for the Quakers.

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