Hampton boys soccer hit hard by graduation

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, August 27, 2017 | 11:00 PM

After its double-overtime loss to top-seeded Montour in last year's WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, the Hampton boys soccer team might have been hearing echoes of success from not long ago.

It's hard to take down a No. 1 team. But it's even harder to build one back up.

That's what Matt McAwley was tasked with after taking over a program that was the crown jewel of Hampton athletics at the turn of the decade.

Between 2009-10, the Talbots won a WPIAL title and were two-time state finalists, winning it in 2010.

This year's team lost six seniors, including four all-section performers — one at forward, midfield, defense and goalie.

What remains is a strong foundation and newfound confidence that comes from success.

“We did lose some talent, but there are guys that can step into those roles,” McAwley said.

“And those guys are going into the season with confidence as well. They have a playoff goal in mind. We have that goal every year, but I do believe we are a playoff-caliber team.”

The theme for the Talbots is stepping into a graduated player's role, whether it's on the field or off.

Senior midfielder Nick Bello is the lone returning all-section performer.

His on-field distribution and off-field leadership will be key.

“A lot of seniors last year helped me develop and kind of know when to speak up,” said Bello. “The upperclassmen really helped this group of seniors step up.”

Senior Chad Scherer fills one of the most important roles on the team.

Last year, senior captain Alec Miller was an all-section goalie.

“He has experience in varsity games, and he's definitely one of the leaders on the team,” McAwley said. “He can fill those shoes and make his own mark.”

Senior forward Alex Rhea was second on the team in goals last year to Cullen Green, who also graduated.

“He's definitely ready to step up and be that leading scorer for us,” said McAwley. “Alex is definitely an impact player.”

Junior Adam Zovko will be another forward to watch. Senior captain Matt Trimble, who will help man midfield with sophomore Matt Govi and junior Harper Cook, likes the depth of this group.

“We have more subs that can fill in the gaps,” he said. “Last year, our starters were the best, but when they came off, we could hang. We were all right. … This year, I think we can stay up to beat with our subs coming in.”

The defense also returns two starters in Aaron Moon and Ben Brandeis.

“Our defense has stepped it up,” Bello said. “I think if we stay focused, calm down, I think we have what it takes to be the same caliber team of last year.”

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

Tags: Hampton