A-K Valley athletes of the week: Fox Chapel’s Emily McKee, Riverview’s Chris O’Toole

By: Ted Sarneso
Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 5:00 PM

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Emily McKee

School: Fox Chapel

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Scored her team’s only goal in a 1-0 win over Norwin on Thursday. The goal was her 20th on the season. On Monday, McKee scored four goals in the Foxes’ 5-1 win over Shaler.

What position do you play?

Center forward.

Tell me about the goals you scored on Monday. How were they set up?

The first one was a through ball that I had to run to. The goalie came out far and I had to touch it past her, but she deflected it away so I had to run after it again and put it in the net.

The second one Alyssa Quakenbush crossed one over to me, and I buried it. The third was a penalty kick I put in on the right side, and the fourth was a shot from 18 feet.

How tough of a battle was the game against Norwin on Thursday?

Really tough, especially with the rain. It was pouring, and it was hard for anyone to control the ball. We were all flagging passes down that were hard to run on to. We did have a lot of runs and crosses. They were just tough to finish on.

How did you score your goal in that one?

Someone played it to Maddie Grimsley running in, and she kicked it past the defense. I just ran up to it and put it to the back of the net.

What’s fueled the team’s success this season?

Coming off the WPIAL championship last year, we all just remember how good that felt and we all have a lot of remaining players from last year. We want it to happen again, we’re all very excited. We haven’t had a loss yet, which is nice.

What was that WPIAL championship last year, knowing North Allegheny beat you twice before that game?

It was tough. The one regular-season game they scored three on us. But going into that championship game we knew what they were going to do against us. Going into overtime, we had the momentum from the second half and it helped.

What can you say about how well the team has done defensively, where you guys have only allowed three goals so far?

Our defense possesses the ball a lot. Our outside backs sprint a lot and can cut off the opponent’s offense. Maya Dipasquale and Caylie Wilkinson, our center backs, are both composed and know what they’re doing, work nicely together.

How does it feel to score 20 goals already this season?

It feels pretty good. One of my goals was to beat my goal total from last year.

How many goals did you score last year?

24 after the playoffs and everything.

What are your individual goals for the year?

I know I could be double teamed this year so I wanted to remain composed and beat people. I also wanted to help my team make it back to the playoffs and step up as a leader.

Any opponent you look forward to playing against?

There are two. Mars because it could decide if we win the section. The other is Peters Township. We face them later on, and I know they want to play us after we beat them in the playoffs last year.

Do you play any other sports at school?

Basketball. I’m a point guard.

What gets you in the zone prior to a game?

I listen to my own music on the way to the games. I also talk to myself, what I need to do that game to help my team. I try to focus and watch some film.

Who’s your favorite athlete to watch?

During the World Cup I liked watching Sophia Smith. We play similar positions.

What is your favorite hobby?

I like to go swimming and go on my boat a lot.

If you could spend the day with any celebrity, who would it be?

I’d say Alex Morgan.

Favorite subject in school?

Science.

Chris O’Toole

School: Riverview

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: O’Toole, one of Riverview’s captains, scored a pair of goals in the Raider’s 3-0 win over Penn Hills on Monday and followed that performance up by scoring the game winner in a 3-2 victory over Trinity Christian on Thursday.

How huge was it to get the win over Trinity Christian?

It was awesome. The team played their hearts out. Everyone really wanted it last night. It’s just been an accumulation of everyone coming together to get that big win we needed.

What makes them so tough to play?

They have a really strong midfield, and their offense is really great. Their strength is their connection, and you can really tell when you play them. Their captain Luke Kost is a great play-maker and causes everyone around him to play better as well.

How did you score the game-winner?

There was a little scrap and we ended up with a throw in and my defender Matt Orbin, I know he’s a long throw, and we took advantage of that. I took a quick step off my defender and ran through with the ball and put it far side across the keeper low. Just a good team effort.

What position do you play?

I was playing striker that game.

So, you play multiple positions?

In the beginning of the season, I was playing midfield because we were missing players due to their obligation to other sports. Recently, last four games, I’ve been playing striker and helping the team get more wins.

The return of those missing pieces, is that a catalyst for the team’s turnaround from losing four straight to winning five in a row?

Absolutely, some of those players who were on the golf team really help build the team up. Guys like our other captains Drew Hunter and Quin Fischer and defenders like Carson Bodnar. They helped fill in the gaps when we were struggling.

Take me through your two goals against Penn Hills.

First one was a pass from left back Benjamin Franciscus. He threw one into the midfield, and I beat my defender one-on-one and took it around the keeper and put in in the net.

The second one, another one of our strikers was pressing their goalkeeper and he made a bad mistake and I got the ball at the top of the 18-foot and was able to put it past him.

What was it like learning you had earned all-WPIAL honors last year?

I feel very proud and humbled that other people recognized what I do for my team, value me as a player and recognize my talents. It feels really good to be recognized. It’s a high honor.

Which of your 19 goals last year do you remember the most?

The one against Penn Hills last year. We lost 4-1, but it was a really fun goal. We started off kickoff, and I was able to beat two or three guys and go right through on net. It was just a quick response from us.

Any lessons you’ve learned from being a four-year starter?

The dedication to your team, and even yourself, and constantly continuing to work.

What are your goals for the year?

Bring the team to playoffs. My teams starting my freshman year we went 0-16, then we were 1-15. Last year we were 5-12. This year me and my fellow seniors realized this is our last chance to make the playoffs. We also wanted to get a winning season to get the younger guys pumped up moving forward after we seniors have graduated.

Do you hope to play in college?

I’ve been thinking about it and gone to some camps. I really value academics as well as sports, but right now it’s up in the air.

What schools are you looking at?

I’ve been looking at Penn State main campus. My mom went there, my brother went there and both really loved it. I took some visits, and I really liked the campus.

Do you play club soccer?

Not recently. I did play for about 10 years, but it came to the point where I wanted to focus on school and get my grades up to where I could go to any school I wanted.

If you could share a meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

Cristiano Ronaldo. Ever since I was a younger player I would watch him on TV. He’s changed throughout his years and has inspired me to improve as not just a player but a person.

Favorite pro sports team?

The Pittsburgh Steelers.

Favorite thing to do outside of soccer?

Playing video games and hanging out with my friends.

Favorite meal?

I love me some good sushi. It’s light and a good snack.

Any particular place you like to get it from?

Jimmy Wan’s in the Fox Chapel Plaza area.

Tags: Fox Chapel, Riverview