‘Never satisfied’ Quaker Valley boys build late-season momentum

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Sensational, simply sensational.

The answer to the question, “Who has strung together a 15-game unbeaten streak prior to the postseason?” is Quaker Valley’s boys soccer team.

After two early season blips on their radar, the Quakers did not lose a game in September (9-0-1) and October (5-0) in ringing up a 15-2-1 overall record.

QV also clinched first place in Section 2-2A with a 14-1-1 mark, edging out Avonworth (13-2-1) for the title.

“I feel our team met our expectations because being a member of Quaker Valley soccer means that the goal is to always be the best in everything we do,” said Sutton Hoehl, a senior forward. “We were happy to win the section because that is what we as players and our coach expects from us year in and year out.”

The Quakers outscored the opposition 96-11 and allowed just nine goals in 16 section games. QV also shutout 10 opponents and surrendered only one goal in five other games, including the team’s two losses.

“Our strength is our large senior class that earned a lot of minutes last year,” said coach Sean Ryan. “We have nine seniors who all know what the standard has to be from our freshman and sophomore years, and we’re looking to carry and raise that standard.

“As much pressure as it is, the expectations are always the same at Quaker Valley. We have a strong tradition of winning our section as well as really important postseason games.”

QV and Avonworth were followed in the final section standings by Beaver (12-4), Central Valley (11-5), Hopewell (9-7), Keystone Oaks (5-10-1), Riverside (4-11-1), Mohawk (2-14) and Ellwood City (0-16).

The Quakers were ranked second in Class 2A behind South Park in the Trib HSSN weekly boys soccer rankings.

The Quakers’ leading offensive threats are Hoehl, senior forward Isaac Williams and senior defender Liam Miller, along with senior midfielder Levi Carver, who has been recovering from a season-long injury.

“My season was going very well for the first eight games where I had 18 goals,” Hoehl said. “Unfortunately, I pulled my hamstring and was out for the remainder of the regular season. I am back for playoffs and cannot wait to get back on the field to help my team.”

Other contributors on offense include senior midfielder Patrick Connors, sophomore midfielder Finn Thompson, senior forward Corben Hopkins, junior forward Luca Kurumfashe, junior midfielders Charlier Pyle and Breno Geudes and freshman forward Connor West.

Another senior, Tanner Schultz, anchors the team’s defensive corps. Schultz, a second-year captain, Miller, senior Asher Muretisch, junior Will Meagher and sophomore Mike Semonik make up a solid defensive group.

“Overall, I’m happy with how the season’s gone so far, but there have definitely been some moments where we could’ve done better than what we showed,” Schultz said. “I think that’s also what makes us dangerous; we’re never satisfied. Being a lone section champ was one of our goals for the season, and we’re happy that we were able to accomplish that, but we’re now focusing on our other goals for the season.

“Sutton Hoehl and Charlie Pyle were fighting injuries (this season), but they are back for playoffs, and we couldn’t be happier. They are both great players and huge parts to this team.”

Xander Vescio, an athletic senior, is the starting goalkeeper for the Quakers.

“Coming from Quaker Valley, the expectations are always high, and I feel this year is no different,” Vescio said. “I have full faith in all of my teammates to execute their role the best they can. I am pleased with our performance so far this season.

“We’ve been working hard since mid-August, and I am excited for our team to show what we can do in the WPIAL playoffs.”

The Quakers’ regular season has seen similar results as a year ago.

QV finished 14-4-1 in ‘24 in Ryan’s first year in charge of the program, ending the regular season with a 14-game unbeaten streak and first-place finish in section play.

The Quakers outscored opponents 87-14 and shared the section championship with Avonworth.

But it was a stunning 1-0 first-round playoff loss in overtime to Burrell that has motivated the Quakers throughout the 2025 season.

“After learning from last year’s fluke,” Vescio said, “we are eager for our first playoff game and excited to remind the WPIAL who Quaker Valley is and what our winning culture is about.”

Hoehl hopes to make a dramatic impact in the postseason after recovering from his disappointing injury.

“Our expectations remain the same from last year,” he said. “We hope to win the WPIAL and state championships. We are very desperate to improve on our disappointing first-round exit last year.”

Tags: Quaker Valley