Dominant regular season sends Quaker Valley boys soccer into playoffs

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, October 22, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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The numbers 42 and 28 stand out for the Quaker Valley boys soccer program this season.

The Quakers qualified for the postseason for the 42nd consecutive year (starting in 1982) and earned their 28th section championship in school history.

QV finished 11-1 in Section 4-2A, tied for first with Avonworth, and secured a 79-4 scoring edge in league play. The Quakers won 14 of 17 regular season games by outscoring the opposition by a convincing 89-9 margin.

“I am quite happy with how we performed this season,” coach J.J. Veshio said. “We finished tied for first place in the section and while we were not happy with the loss to Avonworth, it will help us get better and ensure we are properly prepared for the playoffs. Nonsection wins against Moon and Thomas Jefferson will also help us in our pursuit for a WPIAL and PIAA championship.”

After opening the season Aug. 25-26 with two close losses in the East-West Classic, the Quakers were 14-1 against WPIAL competition this season.

QV racked up 12 shutouts and attained clean sheets in their final six games, not allowing a goal since Sept. 26.

And with averages of 5.2 goals for and 0.5 goals against, the Quakers ranked among the team leaders in Class 2A in both categories.

The QV scoring was spread out among several players. Kiril Grin, a senior forward, led in goals with 12 while Bennett Haas, a senior forward, paced in assists with 11 to go along with 10 goals.

Heading into the WPIAL playoffs, QV’s starting lineup consisted of Grin, Haas and junior Jack Karwoski as strikers; seniors Cameron Diggins, Nick Allan and Matteo Castellini at midfield; sophomores Sutton Hoehl and Tanner Schultz and juniors Andrew Vescio and Carter Turk on defense; and junior Nathan Pribik at the goalkeeper position.

“Our lineup changes a lot,” Veshio said. “We had numerous injuries this season that forced us to move players around. It’s also common practice to try some players in different spots to see what is most effective as we move into the playoffs.

“Our expectations are always the same — to win a WPIAL and PIAA championship — and we will work to achieve them again. We hope the community will come out and support the program. It always helps us succeed when we have large crowds.”

Tags: Quaker Valley