Despite bump up to Class 4A, Plum boys soccer again among title contenders

By: Jerin Steele
Thursday, September 26, 2024 | 3:33 PM

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With only three returning starters and a move up from Class 3A to 4A, it was a bit unknown coming into the season how the Plum boys soccer team would adjust.

Through the first half of section play, it’s gone pretty well.

The Mustangs have built on their recent history of success by outscoring Section 1-4A opponents 23-3 and sat atop the standings with a 5-0 record entering a matchup with Central Catholic on Thursday night. Plum came into that match 9-0-2 overall.

“So far, so good,” Mustangs coach Raf Kolankowski said. “Coming in with only three starters back and moving up to 4A, I knew it would be a challenge, but the guys we have starting now and the seniors have done a tremendous job for us. We’ve had a tough schedule and have done pretty well, so I’m pretty pleased with how we’ve played. Moving up to 4A, the games are more physical and faster. We’ve adjusted well so far.”

The Mustangs have used a formula that’s suited them well over the last six years: strong defense and an attack that has produced numerous goal scorers.

Plum has put up six clean sheets and has allowed multiple goals only one time, which came in a 3-2 win over Norwin on Sept. 19.

Returning All-WPIAL center back Garrett Chandler anchors the defense, which is the most experienced part of the team. The Mustangs have four seniors on their back line. Mason Eber joins Chandler in the middle, and they are flanked by Zack Carnahan and Noah Smith.

“Garrett, he pretty much controls the defense for us. He’s done more than a tremendous job. We haven’t given up too many goals this year, and he’s one of the reasons why. Having four seniors in the back definitely helps. We have two good goalies, too. One is a senior, Brady McLaughlin, and sophomore Chase Eber. Those guys split time in goal.”

Gage Adinolfi leads the attack with seven goals, but Plum has had several contributors.

Bryce Bobich, Austin Kolankowski and Eli Westchak have scored a few times each. Andy Strasser, Christian Alter, Kent Holmes, Chris Taylor, Fedgi Aristyl, Luke Hoburg, Marshall Capizza and Parker Berrott all have scored as well.

Even the defenders — Chandler, Carnahan and Eber — have joined in on the fun. Chandler has a pair of goals.

“I think it’s our style,” Kolankowski said. “We don’t rely on one person. We’re more of a possession-type of team. A lot of people get to touch the ball and have a chance. That’s the way we’ve always played. The last five years we’ve never relied on one person. It’s working, and hopefully that continues.”

The Mustangs are in position to try to win a sixth consecutive section title, which would put them in a good spot going into the playoffs.

Then they’ll try to get over the hump and earn an appearance at Highmark Stadium for a WPIAL championship, which has eluded them, sometimes in extremely cruel ways.

“I always say every year that you need the soccer gods to shine on you, and unfortunately they have not,” Kolankowski said. “We’ve made it to the semifinals three times in the last six years, and just things have happened. It is what it is. Anyone who’s played soccer long enough knows, especially in the playoffs, you need a bounce here and there to help you get through, and we haven’t got them. Hopefully this year, good things will come our way.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Plum