Tough nonconference schedule paying off for Hampton boys soccer

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, September 24, 2017 | 11:25 PM

When the Hampton boys soccer team started its season, questions abounded.

Was starting goalie Chad Scherer a viable replacement for all-section performer Alec Miller?

Would senior forward Alex Rhea fill the void left by the departure of leading scorer Cullen Green?

Would senior Nick Bello, the team's only returning all-section player, as well as the rest of the seniors, be able to carry over the leadership and confidence earned by coming within an overtime goal of reaching the WPIAL semifinals last season?

The team is starting to see those boxes checked, and though it stands 4-5 overall, a 4-2 section record has the Talbots primed for another playoff appearance.

Their record would be better if not for tough one-goal losses to Indiana and Mars.

But Hampton dealt Knoch its only section loss last week and has been using a tough nonsection slate to prepare itself for a competitive section.

“There's been some ups and downs, but we've really been together to put some nice wins together,” coach Matt McAwley said.

“We play a lot of tough teams in nonconference, and we do that on purpose. We want to push our guys. Those are games we're going to struggle in. But we're in a competitive section. Nothing is easy. You see it this year with the one- and two-goal games.”

The team has been anchored by Scherer and a mostly stout defense. All four Hampton wins have been shutouts.

“Chad's done very well this year, and we knew he'd be able to do that,” McAwley said. “He keeps a level head and can really set the tone with a big save when needed.”

Rhea, who leads the team with six goals, has stepped up to become a go-to player up front.

“The pressure is on him,” McAwley said. “He was a part of that group last year in a support role and now has stepped out of that and is putting in goals when we need them.”

Midfielder and team captain Bello is enjoying a solid season and said he likes the direction the team is headed.

“It took a while to work itself out, but I think we're a lot more compatible now,” he said. “We have a lot more chemistry than when we started.”

Bello attributes some of that to younger players proving they belong on the big stage. McAwley acknowledged it helps, particularly when he can be confident bringing players off the bench.

“We have a lot more depth this year, which is awesome,” he said. “We're going to be losing another group of seniors after this season, so those guys know the roles they have to fill and the opportunity they have for the future.”

With a couple of one-goal losses to good opponents, Hampton is emphasizing finishing more of its chances.

“We always have about 10 or 20 chances every game,” Bello said. “But we have trouble with that last part. Just that last step. Once we fix that, I think we'll have some high-scoring games.”

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

Tags: Hampton