Jeannette boys expect turnaround soccer season

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 | 9:45 PM

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It's been a rough go for Jeannette boys soccer since 2010. The team's best season was an 8-9 campaign in 2013, and it hasn't put up more than four wins in any other season the past seven years. But during a 1-15 run last year, something started to happen.

The team held a one-goal lead at halftime against Serra Catholic.

“In previous years there's been a lot of blowouts where they lost big,” first-year coach Robert Rundle said. “They were saying that was the first time they were leading Serra at halftime.”

A team composed of mostly juniors also performed well against perennial power Greensburg Central Catholic, losing 3-0 in a game where Rundle, then an assistant coach, said “we had our chances.”

After some fine-tuning and hard work, a team loaded with rising senior leadership found itself in the thick of its spring league games versus larger schools such as Penn Hills and Hempfield. The team finished its spring season around .500.

“I actually would be disappointed if we didn't make the playoffs this year,” Rundle said. “That's the improvement I see with this team.”

Coming off a 1-15 season to talking playoffs might sound like lip service or coach speak. But Rundle and returning captain and all-section goalkeeper Luke Brummett are convinced what seemed inconceivable a short time ago is attainable.

“I would be disappointed if we didn't make playoffs,” Brummett echoed. “Last year we were able to get a feel for how everybody played. In the offseason, we've done so much. It all started in the offseason.”

According to Rundle, changing the mindset started with a little bit of everything: improved conditioning, focus, setting goals and some tactical, on-field adjustments.

“We changed the formation this spring, and it worked very well,” he said. “We're all on the same page. Between changing attitudes and them wanting to understand how the game is played a little more, just knowing that we have to play good, basic soccer and don't have to be fancy. They really understood that.”

The Jeannette baseball team won its first WPIAL championship after decades of futility in the spring, and the winning mentality became contagious.

“Once we saw the baseball team go all the way,” Brummett said, “we were all talking about it. If they can do it for the first time in school history, why can't we do it?”

Seeing is believing, but experiencing it firsthand can instill the confidence needed. Players like leading goal-scorer Tyler Elliott, also an all-section shortstop, didn't just witness such a turnaround — he lived it.

“Honestly, I think what happened with the baseball team really lifted them,” Rundle said. “They saw a team that hadn't won in the playoffs win a WPIAL championship. They believe in themselves.”

It helps to have experience, and the Jayhawks, having lost only two starters, boast plenty of depth. Rob Cecchetti, Connor Lane and Shain Scherff all return on defense. Dakota Hetherton and Dillon Corob will play at midfield and striker. Matt Stoves, Jake Mortimore and Hunter Yates will all see significant time. All are seniors.

“I couldn't tell you one player that's not going to make a difference this year,” Rundle said. “This whole team, I feel like every piece is going to play a crucial role, and I don't feel like I have a weak spot.”

It helps to have Brummett, a three-year starter who Rundle calls “a phenomenal goalie and a phenomenal leader.”

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

Tags: Jeannette