Boy’s Varsity Soccer

By: Drew Buckholt

            After being WPIAL and State Champions in 2008 and State Runner-Up in 2009, the SLS Boy’s Varsity soccer team is looking for a repeat of the 2008 season. After losing some key players, they are pretty anxious about this season, but they are looking forward to the test of several section rivalry games. Ecspecially those against Sewickley Academy and Bishop Canevin.

            I was lucky enough to speak to some of the players from this year’s team. I asked Roman Vukmanovich, senior mid-fielder, “ What are you looking forward to most this season, Roman?”

    He replied,   “ We are definitely looking forward to our big game against Bishop Canevin. I think if we play smart and good defense, we might have a good chance of beating them.”

           When asked, “Do you think that we might be able to make it back to Hershey this year?”  Roman responded positively, “ I truly do believe that we can.”

            After this conversation the Rebels played Bishop Canevin in a big night game up on Rebel Athletic Field. The Rebels came out on top 2-0. The game had to be called early due to lightning. Thanks to Steve Pozycki, a junior mid-fielder, the Rebels took an early lead in the first half.  The second half started and the Rebels put the pressure on hard early. Pozycki took the ball all the way down the side line and crossed it into the goal box where Ben Aiello and Roman Vukmanovich we waiting to put the ball in the back of the net. About five minutes later lightning struck, and the referees had no choice but to make teams and fans clear the field. After 30 minutes of waiting for the lightning to pass they had to call the game. The Rebels took the 2-0 victory.

            The next big test for the Rebels was against the Panthers of Upper St Clair. Before the game, I talked to another senior, Jon Kotek. I wondered, “ Jon, what do you think about tonight’s competition?” Jon responded,  “ Umm. I think that we have a good chance of staying in the game with them. If we can stop them offensively, then we may have a chance.”

           I also asked Jon,  “ Do you think that there are any players that stand-out on this team this year?” “ No, I don’t,” said Jon proudly. “ We are all one team. We win and lose together.”

            The Rebels took on the number one Triple A team in the state, and the game ended in a 0-0 tie. It was a huge morale victory for the Rebels, but a terrible morale loss for Upper St Clair.

            After this and a few more wins, the Rebels are currently 6-0-1 overall. It would be great if we have the same amount of fans that came to the Canevin game come to all of our home games because it pumps us up. So keep cheering for all the Seton La- Salle teams and us.

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