Shaler barges back into boys soccer playoffs with breakthrough season

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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The Shaler boys soccer program just didn’t sneak back into the WPIAL playoffs after an extended absence. The Titans were in a tight race for the Section 1-3A crown going into their final two section matches of the season.

While Shaler wasn’t able to secure a late-season win over Hampton or Mars, coach Tyler Schultz is proud of where the program is headed. When Schultz arrived in 2021, things were bleak.

“For a lack of a better term, Shaler soccer was a doormat,” Schultz said. “I don’t think that’s the case anymore. The younger boys are going to stay to look at what we need to accomplish and what we should accomplish. When we’re playing in big games like this, it gives the guys experience where they are packed with a little bit of pressure. I always like to say pressure is a privilege.”

The Titans (12-4, 8-3) are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2009, which is the last time they had a winning season. Shaler propelled itself to the postseason thanks to a seven-match unbeaten streak in the middle of the season, which included an overtime win over the Fightin’ Planets.

“You don’t really notice it when you are in it,” Schultz said. “It’s one of the moments where we look back on it and say, ‘Wow, that was a good accomplishment.’ But it’s just the start.”

Alex Gaetano helped the Titans lock up a spot in the postseason with an overtime goal during Shaler’s 1-0 win over Indiana on Oct. 2.

Shaler had an opportunity to finish in second place in the section if it beat Mars in the final section match Oct. 14. Anthony Tylenda gave the Titans the lead by knocking in a shot from outside the box in the 36th minute.

However, the Planets rallied with a pair of goals after halftime to steal a 2-1 win. Mars coach Chris Knauff, who collected his 300th win that night, said having Shaler in the mix with Hampton made for a fun race in the section.

“It made it exciting,” Knauff said. “Shaler is a good team. They have a lot of tough, physical kids. They have a lot of smart players, and they have a complete team. They’ve going to be trouble for anybody they face in the playoffs.”

Schultz said he has a hard-working group of players. Senior midfielder Conor McClean unselfishly dropped to play in the back against the Planets.

Schultz said he is proud of this group of seniors.

“They just put their head down and work every single day,” Schultz said. “They work so hard together. They give every bit of effort on the field. … I could go on and on with all the guys here. What they do is going to be hard to replace.”

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