Penn Hills boys soccer seniors hope to take next step

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, August 26, 2017 | 12:27 AM

After only one season under coach Ryan Hankey, the Penn Hills boys soccer team has approached this season with a new, positive attitude.

The Indians, who finished last season 6-11 overall and 4-8 in Section 3-AAAA, have to replace graduates Andrew Yuill, Quinn McGuire, Nate Wolf and Matt Kalkstein. McGuire was an all-section selection during his senior season.

“I know we have an uphill battle, and I'm just looking forward to keep continuing to work with these guys. They want it and now we got to show it,” Hankey said.

Hankey expects this year's group of seniors to take the next step. The senior class includes midfielders Evan Weston, Tim Hoolahan and Jaden Rouse, as well as midfielder/striker Ryan Iezzi.

Senior Luke Greenway, a Grove City commit, takes over full time in net this season. Greenway was in goal for the Indians' win over Central Catholic and a close loss to Plum. Greenway will join Hoolahan and Iezzi as captains.

The junior class will be led by midfielder Stephen Salah and midfielder/forward Malik Paolucci, while the backline will be manned by Matt Lloyd, Shane Myers and Brent Starr.

“We have to communicate and pass the ball,” Salah said. “We are really good at being creative offensively. We had a lot of talent last year, but we didn't get to use it that well.

“I think we utilize our strengths a lot more than we did last year. We might not have the skill, but as a team we can make a big mark this season.”

The Indians also are looking for strong contributions from sophomore defenders Mike DeVito and Javon Williams.

Hankey points to a handful of games last season that provided some confidence they can play against anyone.

Last season, the Indians lost 2-1 in double overtime to Allderdice, the Section 3 champion, after holding a second-half lead. Also, the Indians beat Central Catholic, 1-0, in their first match.

Finally, Hankey pointed to the Indians' 1-1 tie with Plum as another game that showed improvement in the program. All three opponents qualified for the WPIAL playoffs last season.

“I think they feel they can play with anybody,” Hankey said. “It's now about being level-headed and just keeping their head up if things aren't going the right way. They need to continue to work. They are really a good group of guys.”

Hankey continues to instill a new culture at Penn Hills as they try to shake an old stigma.

“I know Penn Hills had a bad reputation of a lot of red cards. Last year, we only have two red cards. Now, it's getting to be humble. Your level of play speaks louder than words,” Hankey said.

“I want to keep showing them that they've got to keep proving themselves. Everyone is out there thinking that Penn Hills is nothing and playing the underdog.”

Salah believes it's about keeping every game in perspective as they try to navigate a section headlined with Allderdice, Plum and Fox Chapel.

“The attitude was very poor, and this year is about positivity and helping each other to get better,” Salah said. “This year is not about winning but getting better as a team.”

The Indians open their season at 1 p.m. Sept. 2 against Ringgold in the Canon-McMillian tournament.

Andrew John is a freelance writer.

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