Hampton boys soccer works overtime in run to playoffs

By: John Grupp
Saturday, October 26, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

When Hampton’s WPIAL Class 3A first-round playoff game at West Allegheny went into overtime on Oct. 19, it felt almost regular for the Talbots.

It was the fifth OT game of the season for No. 9-seeded Hampton, which escaped No. 8 West Allegheny, 2-1, on senior midfielder Caden Muchenski’s penalty-kick golden goal in the extra session.

“We knew we’d been in that situation before and we knew how to handle it,” junior forward Matteo Sciulli said. “We knew how to play in it.”

Among the 106 boys soccer teams in the WPIAL, only Trinity (seven) had played more overtime games than Hampton, as of Oct. 22.

The Talbots (12-3-3 as of Oct. 22) had grown used to the tension of extra-time games. They played a pair of 0-0 double-OT ties with Mars and a double-OT 0-0 tie with Shaler in section play. Hampton finally earned the elusive OT-win with a 1-0 victory over North Catholic in the final week of the regular season. One week later, the Talbots topped West Allegheny to earn a WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinal date with No. 1 Moon on Oct. 24.

Hampton coach Matt McAwley said the late-season victory over North Catholic provided a boost to his players, considering their previous three OT games consisted of 300 scoreless minutes.

“It gave the boys that confidence level,” McAwley said.

“It is possible to win those games instead of tying them 0-0. It was awesome, and it definitely played a part in the overtime win against West Allegheny.”

The Talbots’ defense, once again, also played a huge role. Hampton allowed one goal in its first 10 games and nine goals, with 11 shutouts, in 17 regular-season games. Entering the WPIAL quarterfinals, Hampton had held 17 of its 18 opponents to one goal or fewer.

The back row of seniors Dom Jordan and Danny Kenst, junior Garrison Docherty and sophomore Rocco Mangieri smothered opposing offenses. Junior goalie Gavin Guinn was unflappable as the last line of defense.

Docherty and Mangieri are first-year varsity regulars who have started every game at center back this season.

“They have both been incredibly strong and done an excellent job,” McAwley said. “Plus having Gavin Guinn in goal, with his vocal leadership. … We have 11 shutouts on the season, which is an awesome achievement for them. It’s definitely something that’s continued to grow as the season goes on with the chemistry back there.”

The Talbots’ offense has continued to evolve for a team that graduated 12 seniors, including three all-WPIAL players, from last year’s WPIAL Class 3A runner-up.

A trio of juniors lead the attack. Striker Xavier Ware, who scored the first goal in the playoff win at West Allegheny, has a team-high 10 goals and eight assists, while first-year starting forwards Sciulli (7g, 5a) and Mason Hall (6 g) have settled into their roles.

Other seniors are forwards Jake Killian (3g, 5a) and Gavin Copelin, midfielders Braden Cox and Liam Van Aken, and defensemen Charlie Bacasa, who missed most of the season with a leg injury, and Brody Dunstan.

After scoring only four goals in a five-game span in late September, the Talbots scored 22 goals in their next seven games.

“The offense has been a growing side for us all season,” McAwley said. “As the season has progressed we’ve started to click more and more. There’s been a lot of unselfish play up top, which is great.”

Sciulli said the excellence of the Talbots’ defense has made it easier on the frontline.

“Sometimes when we start a little bit slow, we know our defense can keep it safe in the back. We can trust them,” Sciulli said. “That’s important because it brings us confidence. We know the defense won’t concede before the offense scores a goal.”

Tags: Hampton