Soccer

Communication helps 13 Westmoreland schools maximize turfs

September 6, 2019

It’s a muggy late summer day in Harrison City.

Highlands’ Gabe Norris (right) had 23 goals and 20 assists in his first two seasons.

Highlands’ Gabe Norris is connecting the dots for the Golden Rams

Getting off to a good start is important for any young player and Highlands midfielder Gabe Norris is off to one of the best of his high school career.

Norwin’s Paloma Swankler is embraced by teammate Katelyn Kauffman, right, after Swankler scored the first goal of the game against Hempfield on Wednesday night, Sept. 4, 2019 at Hempfield Area High School’s Spartan Stadium during girls’ WPIAL soccer.

High school roundup for Sept. 4, 2019: Swankler powers Norwin to girls soccer win

September 4, 2019

Paloma Swankler scored two first half goals to lead No. 3 Norwin (1-0, 1-0) to a Section 3-4A girls soccer victory over Hempfield (0-1, 0-1) on Wednesday.

Freedom’s Jayden Sharpless moves the ball upfield during a game against South Side Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, at Freedom.

WPIAL schedules eligibility hearing for soccer star Jayden Sharpless

September 2, 2019

North Catholic transfer Jayden Sharpless, the top WPIAL girls soccer player last season, will learn this week whether she can play this fall.

Gateway girls soccer aims for deep playoff run

August 30, 2019

Gateway’s seniors know too well how difficult it is make the playoffs and how challenging it is to stay there.

Big roster gives Thomas Jefferson girls soccer plenty of optimism

The Thomas Jefferson girls soccer team has lofty goals for 2019.

The 2019 Thomas Jefferson boys soccer team.

TJ boys soccer returns plenty of experience for another run at PIAA playoffs

With 16 returning lettermen, the Thomas Jefferson boys soccer team has great expectations for the 2019 season after reaching the WPIAL semifinals and PIAA first round last year.

Sewickley Academy’s Mary Grace Gordon (5) tries to beat out a Springdale player for the ball during a scrimmage Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, at Nichols Field.

Young Sewickley Academy girls soccer learning on the go

Sewickley Academy’s girls soccer team hopes the process equals results. The Panthers, who graduated 11 seniors from last year’s team, have a new look this fall.

Senior Fiona Benge is one of two returning starters on defense for Quaker Valley.

Quaker Valley girls soccer eager to gain experience

Quaker Valley’s girls soccer team can’t wait to open the regular season.

Senior Brenna Springer during soccer practice at Greensburg Central Catholic in Hempfield Township, on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019.

Westmoreland County soccer players to watch

August 29, 2019

Players to watch

Valley’s Jordan Kirkwood (right) brings playing experience to Valley’s midfield.

Young Valley girls soccer team ‘on the right track’

The Valley girls soccer team has the foundation for a bright future in Section 2-AA.

Valley’s Evan McGinnis heads a ball during practice Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, in New Kensington.

New coaching staff inspires Valley boys soccer team

Optimism can be hard to come by following an 0-16 season, but a new coaching staff has rejuvenated the hopes of players in Valley’s boys soccer program.

Senior Ron Boyle during soccer practice at Greensburg Central Catholic in Hempfield Township, on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019.

Westmoreland high school soccer notebook: Early boys rankings

A new WPIAL soccer season opens this weekend and a number of Westmoreland teams are perched among the TribLive High School Sports Network’s preseason rankings.