Graduation took a toll, but St. Joseph boys aim to maintain success

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, August 29, 2017 | 11:55 PM

St. Joseph boys soccer has been on a roll lately, compiling a 28-9 record over the past two seasons.

That includes last year when the Spartans went 15-3 overall, 10-2 in section play.

With a number of key players graduated, notably two-time Valley News Dispatch Player of the Year Vincenzo Schiano di Cola, ninth-year coach Matt Skoda wants to keep the train rolling.

“I don't approach every year the same way,” Skoda said. “You try to come up with at least a few little wrinkles. My coaching style and what we're going to do, strategically, it's worked the past two years. You want to mix things up and also simplify things with the younger team that we have.”

Midfielder Jack Farrell and goalkeeper Austin O'Hara also are among the starters who need replaced.

Last season ended with a 3-1 setback to Eden Christian in the opening round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs.

Sophomore Mason Hurlbut is in line to start in goal when the Spartans compete this weekend at the Avonworth tournament.

St. Joseph garnered a pair of victories in last year's Avonworth event.

“It's always good to get a couple of games in before section play,” Skoda said. “You can iron out a few things and key in a couple of issues we might have. The competition's always good in that tournament.”

The Spartans take on Carlynton at 4 p.m. Saturday and return Sunday to face the host Antelopes at 4.

Returning to try and maintain the winning ways will be midfielders Daniel Fábregas, a junior, and sophomore Eli Swierczewski. Senior defenders Nick Ammon and Nate Sullivan also are back.

Forwards Lucas Willmer and Dom Ferrante are expected to contribute, along with sophomore Luke Zagurski, who is transitioning to a defensive role.

Freshman Andrew Sullivan is among a group of ninth-graders who Skoda feels will eventually contribute.

“It'll probably take some time for the freshmen to get acclimated to the speed of the game,” Skoda said. “Right now, Andrew is the closest to being used to that.”

Skoada sees improvement among St. Joseph's section foes this year, with Greensburg Central Catholic and Winchester Thurston leading the way.

Skoda's father, Ed, will be a returning assistant coach, along with Paul O' Donnell and Lou Ammon.

The Spartans once again will play their home matches at Freeport Community Park, starting with the Section 2-A opener Tuesday against Serra Catholic.

Other teams in the section this year are Jeannette, Trinity Christian and Geibel.

The top four teams in each section make the playoffs.

George Guido is a freelance writer.

Tags: St. Joseph