Penn-Trafford boys aim to stay atop section standings

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, August 29, 2017 | 9:42 PM

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The Penn-Trafford boys soccer team has been the jewel of its section the last three years.

The Warriors have finished on top of the standings each season. While some might see the team as favorites again, Penn-Trafford coach Rick Nese made it clear his team still has a lot to prove.

“We need to come out every game and prove ourselves,” Nese said. “It is a new year, and we haven't earned anything yet. We won the section three years in a row, so everyone will be gunning for us.”

The Warriors return seven starters from a team that went 16-2 overall and reached the WPIAL Class AAAA quarterfinals.

Penn-Trafford's offense will be bolstered by Austin Kreutzberger. The senior was one of the team's leading scorers last season, an all-section selection and named co-Player of the Year by the Tribune-Review with teammate Trevor Momeyer, a 2017 grad.

“He can beat anyone one-on-one,” Nese said. “He has really good vision and can find guys that are 30 or 40 yards away. He is a natural goal scorer. We know the opposition will key in on him.”

Penn-Trafford's attack should once again be strong. Seniors Luke Deglmann and Nick Tarabrella — who also is the kicker for the football team — as well as junior Franco Catalano are expected to give opposing goalkeepers fits.

“We have played together a lot, so we have a chemistry,” Kreutzberger said. “We know how to play together. We know how to utilize our speed and skills to find success.”

Senior midfielders Jake Rausch, Alex Roman and Josh Konkus are all expected to have greater roles this season.

Senior Ryan Hilty returns after being an all-section selection last season and should lead the defensive charge. He will be joined by seniors Brady Braun and Jared Phillips.

“We return three of the four starters in the back,” Nese said. “One of the things we have been stressing in the preseason is to be organized defensively. We think those three seniors will hold opponents in check.”

If opponents do find their way past the backline, they will have to get the ball past goalkeeper Logan Kreutzberger. The junior comes in with varsity experience from last season when he split time with then-seniors Zack Werksman and Dylan Adamson.

Nese expects to see a battle every night in Section 4. But the games between Penn-Trafford and Norwin could decide the section championship.

“No matter what, P-T and Norwin will always be a tough game,” Nese said. “It is a deep section. Franklin Regional is well coached, and Kiski Area is always good.”

The Warriors will be looking for a four-peat this season but also to keep their season alive as long as possible.

“We want to win the section for sure,” Austin Kreutzberger said. “We also want to make it further in the playoffs than we have the last three years.”

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: Penn-Trafford