The Central Catholic Soccer team is competing for a playoff spot in this year’s WPIAL Tournament. Senior Matt Olon is leading the attack with 17 goals on the season against some of the toughest teams in the Western Pennsylvania. Rivals Taylor Allderdice and Plum High School are currently ranked in the top 10 teams in WPIAL AAAA. When asked about the opposition the team has faced Senior Captain Will Sproule said, “We can definitely compete with the best teams in the league. It’s a matter of executing our game plan in the vital moments of the game when it counts”. After suffering several last minute defeats, the team is turning a corner and hitting a stride. The team is now 5-5-2 after the 5-0 thrashing of Brashear High on Thursday. Brendan “the GOAT” Murray says the team is focusing on the upcoming games as the team is in a must-win situation. Murray commented, “We just have to keep our heads up. This can be a successful season for us if we maintain a positive mentality”.

The team is also led by a solid group of Juniors who are playing vital roles for the team. Dan Scherer and Andres Vasquez solidify the defense for Central Catholic while midfielders Larry Cersaucemo and Michael Gemmell help link the team’s defense to the attack. These members of the Class of 2018 are focused on making a deep playoff run this fall in preparation for their upcoming Senior year. The team also features a collection of underclassmen who are stepping up to the plate to help fill holes in the team. Sophomores Brian McMuffin and Hayden Brook have given the team a boost this season by coming off the bench and making their time on the field count. Freshman Johnathan Opalko has also been a crucial part of the team this season as he has started every game thus far.

The team seeks to continue its history of success in the WPIAL as the team takes on Woodland Hills and Fox Chapel to determine the seeding for the playoffs. The team has enjoyed the support of its fans this season and hope fans will continue to attend the team’s outings this season.

Date Opponent Time Location and directions Result

9/3 @ Peters Township * 6:30 PM Peters Township HS T 1-1 2OT

9/6 @ Bethel Park * 7:30 PM Bethel Park School District L 0-2

9/8 @ Penn Hills 7:30 PM Linton Middle School L 0-1

9/13 Allderdice 7:30 PM Central Catholic HS L 0-1 2OT

9/15 @ Plum 7:30 PM Plum Senior HS T 0-0 2OT

9/17 Brashear 1:00 PM Central Catholic HS W 2-1

9/20 @ Woodland Hills 3:30 PM Woodland Hills HS W 6-3

9/22 Fox Chapel 8:00 PM Central Catholic HS W 3-1

9/27 Penn Hills 7:30 PM Central Catholic HS W 5-0

9/29 @ Allderdice 3:30 PM George Couples Field L 0-1

10/4 Plum 7:30 PM Central Catholic HS L 2-3

10/6 Brashear (Sr. Night) 7:30 PM Central Catholic HS W 5-0

10/8 @ Seneca Valley * 10:00 AM Seneca Valley Stadium

10/11 Woodland Hills 7:30 PM Central Catholic HS

10/13 @ Fox Chapel 7:00 PM Fox Chapel Area HS

10/17 @ Upper Saint Clair * 8:00 PM Upper Saint Clair HS

10/19 Franklin Regional * 7:30 PM Central Catholic HS