Waynesburg Central looks to duplicate success
After a highly successful 2012 campaign, the Waynesburg Central boys’ soccer squad would like to repeat that same success and continue to build the program this season.
Last year, the Raiders posted a 12-5-1 record and finished in second place in Section 6-AA with a 9-2-1 mark.
Waynesburg qualified for the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since the 2007 season, but dropped its first round contest to West Allegheny to end its year.
“Our goals are still the same,” second-year coach Jake Yates said. “We want to be a perennial playoff team in this section and our one singular goal is to make the playoffs. Right now we are 1-2 in our section (as of Wednesday) and its going to be an uphill climb for us. I think we are capable of playing at a higher level and beating quality teams.”
The Raiders have seen their struggles on offense so far in 2013, as they have compiled a 2-4 overall record after a 4-0 loss to Laurel Highlands on Tuesday.
“It’s been tough, but we have had our fair share of tough opponents this year,” Yates said. “There are some positives and we just need to continue to build off that. I like our speed and our rush to the net, we just need to finish more chances and pass the ball deeper.”
“On defense, we lost a lot from last season. We are still trying to build that cohesive unit. I think, as individuals, we are pretty solid on defense, but, as a team, we still need to come together. We are struggling with the tactical standpoint of defense and playing sound, team defense. We can’t afford to give up four or five goals to teams.”
Waynesburg lost nine seniors from a year ago.
“We are still trying to find our identity and style of play in 2013,” Yates expressed. “A lot of kids have to step up and we are a little depleted from the backend due to losing those senior defenders from last year. We need to find a leader on the field. Not having one really hurt us and every team needs that one person to rally the troops.”
Offensively, the Raiders will be led by Micah Stanko, A.J. Ricci, Bo Ricci, Alex Yenchik and John Walters, while the team will be guided by Nathan Cole, Brady Hogue, Nate Blair and Drew Grandas on defense.
Nick Fox and Christian Wilson will share time at goalkeeper this year as well.
“It’s been a tough battle for the goalie job,” Yates said. “Both Nick and Christian are excellent athletes and they both have their strengths and weaknesses in net. We are still looking for that one guy to take the position and be a dependable option for us in net.”
Waynesburg will play non-section foe South Fayette at home this Saturday and two critical section games next week against Southmoreland (Tuesday) and at Uniontown (Thursday). A majority of the varsity games this year will start at 7:30 p.m.