Shaler soccer player Jashinski becoming more of a goal-scoring threat

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, September 10, 2017 | 11:00 PM

Jake Jashinski isn't going to complain about the scoring touch he has shown through four matches. But the midfielder for the Shaler soccer team could do without the notoriety.

By scoring in the Titans' 4-3 overtime loss to Obama Academy on Saturday, Jashinski has six goals, one short of his career high.

Such production likely will receive increased attention from opposing defenses. Handling the attention is something Jashinski will have to grapple as Shaler opened Section 1-4A play against Butler on Tuesday. Results from the match against the Golden Tornado were too late for this edition.

“That is something I have to figure out,” Jashinski said. “With the position I play in cup, I am a more defensive player, so I don't have to deal with that. I have to rely on my teammates.”

Jashinski has shown a knack for being a quick study. After joining the Titans tennis team last spring, he earned the top singles spot.

All the while, Jashinski was developing into a more attacking presence on the soccer field. Titans coach Adam Hunter saw a change during an offseason tournament.

Jashinski was a vital cog on a team that reached the finals of the Elizabeth Forward 7 vs. 7 tournament.

“At that tournament, he kind of picked the team up and carried us,” Hunter said. “A lot it is through his club soccer experience and getting good touches all year long. He elevated his game and stepped up.”

In the season opener Sept. 2, Jashinski recorded three goals to help Shaler top Plum. Against Hampton last Tuesday, Jashinski scored two goals to help defeat the Talbots, 4-2.

“I think I've been finding a lot of success playing behind their midfield,” Jashinski said. “I've been able to play free in the system we play.”

Shaler forward Tanner Grzegorczyk has played with Jashinski since they were young. He never has seen Jashinski score at this rate and described him as more of a playmaker.

“Jake's an overall good player,” Grzegorczyk said. “With me, him and a couple other kids up top, we can pick apart the defense.”

While Jashinski won't be asked to be a goal scorer in college, Shaler will need him to score. Hunter said he believes his background as a defensive player has made Jashinski more well-rounded.

“Going forward, he'll be a defensive player in college,” Hunter said. “Whether it's playing a holding mid or outside back. Getting that exposure in club soccer is helping him become a smarter, attacking player.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shaler