Quaker Valley boys soccer driven to meet and exceed program’s high standards

By: Ray Fisher
Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Quaker Valley’s boys soccer team finished 14-4-1 in 2024 in Sean Ryan’s first year in charge of the program.

QV ended the regular season with a 14-game unbeaten streak and first-place finish in Section 2-2A. The Quakers, who outscored opponents 86-8 in section play and 87-14 overall, tied with Avonworth atop the Section 2-2A standings with a 14-1-1 record.

“As much pressure as it is, the expectations are always the same at Quaker Valley,” said Ryan, a former QV assistant. “We have a strong tradition of winning our section as well as really important postseason games. Our aim is to continue that tradition. We understand how much work it will take to compete; there is strong opposition this year, as always.

“It feels very comforting to be given the opportunity to work with the boys again. I will certainly use what I learned last year to make us a threat in October and November. We’re excited to compete. ”

The Quakers have a talented group of returning players, including a trio of senior co-captains in midfielders Levi Carter and Patrick Connors and defender Tanner Schultz .

“We had a relatively young team last year, led by a very talented 2025 graduating class,” Ryan said. “In terms of starters, we have to be clear that each year we start fresh. Each player has to earn his way. Our team last year looked very different during the East-West Classic from how we ran out against Central Valley in our final section game.

“We have a senior class that earned a lot of minutes last year. Positions for us are pretty fluid; they really are a group of Swiss Army knives. Levi Carver, Patrick Connors and Tanner Schultz will be leading our team with help from veterans Sutton Hoehl (F), Liam Miller (D) and Asher Muretisch (D).”

Schultz indicated that QV’s 1-0 shootout loss to Burrell in last year’s PIAA first round still stings.

“I think this team has a fire in it after last season’s unexpected early exit,” he said, “and that’s going to be in the back of our heads every practice and game. The expectation is to use that as motivation to get back to the normal QV soccer standards.

“Our strength going into preseason is our large senior class. 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 this year.”

Schultz also served as a captain for the Quakers in 2024.

“Being a second-year captain is a great honor and having a year of experience under my belt has helped me grow more comfortable in the role,” he said. “As for the duties, not much has changed from last year — leading and putting the team in the best position on and off the field to win a state championship.

“I view my responsibilities to be doubled from last year, and after last year’s (early exit), they have to be tripled.”

Charlie Pyle, a junior midfielder, is being counted on as another impact player for the Quakers.

“I expect Charlie to continue his form from last year,” Ryan said, “making it very difficult to pick anyone else in his position.”

Senior Xander Vescio and junior Julien Tiesse will handle the goaltending duties in 2025.

“Xander will be given the keys to the defense as our goalkeeper,” Ryan said. “He has competed against older players his whole career and has already played in competitive section matches for us, as well as in the East-West Classic.

“We’re looking forward to see how he handles being the No. 1 (GK). Julien will give him tough competition for the spot, I have no doubt.”

Two other returning players on defense are junior Will Meagher and sophomore Mike Semonik.

“Will and Mike will be very important for us on defense,” Ryan said. “They will push to be in the starting lineup and will give me a good problem to have in terms of depth.”

Other players back from last season include senior forwards Isaac Williams and Corben Hopkins and sophomore midfielder Finn Thompson.

“Isaac and Corben will be relied upon to set the tempo and intensity,” Ryan said. “I look forward to seeing their effort this year.

“Finn will have to compete with older, more developed players. However, I feel he could be someone we rely upon for varsity.”

The 2025 East-West Classic will take place Aug. 22-23 at Alvernia University with the Quakers playing the same two teams they clashed with the last few years, Fleetwood and Wilson West Lawn.

Tags: Quaker Valley