By: Don Rebel 
Sunday, December 26, 2021 | 6:56 PM

he past year wasn’t one giant leap for mankind, but 2021 was one big step back toward “normalcy” for all of us, especially the high school athletes from around the WPIAL.

They were able to do what they love to do: compete on area fields, courts, mats and pools. They did so in front of fans again as the return of the loud and raucous student bodies to various events was like hot cocoa on a frigid night.

As has become a yearend tradition, Trib HSSN winds down the year with a daily countdown and a look back at the top 21 WPIAL stories from 2021.

No. 16: How the west was won … again

The PIAA returned to its “normal” postseason format with more than just district champions qualifying for the state playoffs.

The WPIAL dominated the “western” side of the state bracket in the boys and girls soccer playoffs. For the second year in a row, four boys and four girls teams from the District 7 played for state soccer gold in Hershey.

In the 2020 PIAA finals, the WPIAL finished a combined 3-5.

However the Elite Eight from D-7 flipped the script this past fall, winning five state championships and earning silver in three others.

The golden five were Hampton boys in Class 3A, Quaker Valley boys in 2A, Winchester Thurston boys in A, Moon girls in 4A and a repeat for Mars girls in 3A.

Seneca Valley boys in 4A, Avonworth girls in 2A and Greensburg Central Catholic girls in A all brought silver back home to Western Pa.

The five championships sets a PIAA soccer record for most state titles won by any district in a single year.

By: Bill Beckner Jr. 
Thursday, December 9, 2021 | 4:42 PM

Adam Brownold guided the Winchester Thurston boys soccer team to its first PIAA championship, its second WPIAL title and a 23-0-1 record.

The run of success this season led to him being named to the WPIAL Class A co-coach of the year.

But the wins, and accolades, kept coming.

Brownold added another honor this week as he was named the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year for Class A, joining three other recipients from the WPIAL.

J.J. Veshio of Quaker Valley (Class 2A boys), Matt McAwley of Hampton (Class 3A boys) and Bill Pfeifer of Moon (Class 4A girls) also received top coaching nods from the state association.

Winchester Thurston posted 18 shutouts, including five in the playoffs, and won its final 22 games.

Veshio was the WPIAL 3A coach of the year as well. Quaker Valley won its 10th WPIAL title and third in six years, before topping it off with a state championship in Hershey.

The Quakers (23-2), who had last season shut down because of covid-19 protocols, won their last 10 games and outscored eight playoff opponents, 45-3, with six shutouts.

Hampton (23-1) blanked 17 opponents, seven in the postseason, en route to its first WPIAL title and second PIAA championship. The Talbots showed a flair for the dramatic, winning the WPIAL title 1-0 over West Allegheny and then clipping the Indians again in the state semis, 2-1, on penalty kicks.

Pfeifer, who has more wins than any girls soccer coach in state history, led Moon to a 20-1-1 mark, its fourth WPIAL title and fourth state title.

The Tigers went unbeaten across their final 13 games and allowed one goal in seven playoff contests.

Pfeifer has coached at five schools over a 27-year career — most of it spent at Moon — and has a record of 465-81-2 with five WPIAL championships and three state titles.

Find the full list of state coaches of the year and past winners here.

Trib HSSN Fab 15

Player of the Year

Anthony DiFalco

Sr., F, Franklin Regional

Special talents like Anthony DiFalco don’t come along that often.

By: Bill Beckner Jr. 
Saturday, December 4, 2021 | 8:14 PM

So when the four-year prep career of a player of his caliber comes to a close, the accomplishments, the full body of work, tend to be that much more impressive.

Consider what DiFalco did at Franklin Regional:

• He was a three-time All-American, three-time All-Region and three-time all-state player.

• He scored a school-record 118 goals.

• He won two WPIAL Class 3A titles, added a runner-up finish and made the PIAA semifinals twice.

After guiding the Panthers to the WPIAL semifinals again this season, DiFalco is the Trib HSSN Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Peters Township’s Andrew Massucci, Rowan Kriebel of Quaker Valley, Zach Panza of Hampton, Landon Mohney of Butler and Eben McIntyre of Charleroi also received consideration.

DiFalco, who remains undecided on a college, netted 33 goals and distributed 27 assists for the Panthers (17-5), who adjusted to a new coach and system but hardly missed a beat.

DiFalco was the only WPIAL player selected for the High School All-American Game later this month.

All-stars

Evan Anderson

Sr., F, North Allegheny

All-U.S. Region II East … All-state … All-WPIAL … Led Tigers to WPIAL 4A semifinals.

Johnny Dragisich

Sr., MF, West Allegheny

All-WPIAL … Had team-high 25 goals … All-section … Led Indians to WPIAL final and PIAA semifinals.

Sam Farner

Sr., MF, Shady Side Academy

All-State … All-WPIAL … Liberty commit … Helped Bulldogs to section title, WPIAL 2A quarters.

Alex Hauskrecht

Jr., MF, Winchester Thurston

All-section … All-WPIAL … Led Bears to WPIAL and PIAA championships, 23-0-1 record. … 30-plus goal scorer.

Kalala Iragi

Sr., MF, Brashear

All-state … All-WPIAL … All-section … Led Bulls in scoring.

Luke Kolankowski

Sr., MF, Plum

All-state … All-WPIAL … Named Section 3-4A Player of the Year.

Rowan Kriebel

Sr., F, Quaker Valley

All-U.S. Region II East … All-state … All-WPIAL … WPIAL Class 2A Player of the Year … Led Quakers to WPIAL and PIAA 2A titles.

Beaux Lizewski

Jr., MF, Seneca Valley

U.S. Region II East … All-state … All-WPIAL … Key part of Raiders’ WPIAL championship run.

Andrew Massucci

Sr., F, Peters Township

U.S. Region II East selection … All-state … All-WPIAL … Guided Indians to WPIAL 4A runner-up and state semifinals.

Eben McIntyre

Sr., F, Charleroi

All-state … All-WPIAL … Pitt commit … Scored WPIAL-best 70 goals and finished with 167 for his career.

Landon Mohney

Sr., F, Butler

All-U.S. Region II East. … All-state … All-WPIAL … WPIAL 4A co-player of the year.

Zach Panza

Sr., MF, Hampton

All-WPIAL … All-section … Scored game-winning goals in WPIAL and PIAA championship wins for the Talbots.

Nathan Prex

Sr., F, Seneca Valley

All-state … All-WPIAL … WPIAL Class 4A co-player of the year … Seneca Valley won a WPIAL title and finished second in the PIAA.

Caleb Yuricha

Sr., F, Norwin

All-state … All-WPIAL … Netted 28 goals … Led Knights to 14-2-1 mark and WPIAL quarterfinals.

By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, November 28, 2021 | 11:01 AM

Quaker Valley’s soccer legacy climbed a notch higher this season.

The QV boys team rolled to section, WPIAL and PIAA championships in 2021, finishing 23-2 overall.

With nine starters and five of the top six scorers back from last year’s 11-1-1 squad, the Quakers started the 2021 campaign with great expectations. And the overall results plus their final numbers proved to be truly astonishing.

“I am so thankful for this team and for every player that contributed to it this season,” QV’s second-year coach J.J. Veshio said. “It was such a fun ride and one to remember forever.

“It ultimately doesn’t matter how you win in the playoffs, as long as you get the victory. But I always want to play quality soccer and win in a respectable way.”

The Quakers earned the No. 2 seed for the WPIAL playoffs, where they ran by Burrell, 5-1, East Allegheny, 14-0, Ambridge, 3-2, and section rival North Catholic, 5-0, in the championship game Nov. 4 at Highmark Stadium.

QV then posted four shutouts in the PIAA tournament, blanking Grove City, 8-0; Somerset, 7-0;, North Catholic, 2-0;, and Lewisburg, 1-0, in the finals Nov. 19 at Hersheypark Stadium.

“By allowing only three goals in the playoffs, having six shutouts, and scoring 44 (plus the shootout victory),” Veshio said. “I think it let the rest of the league know that we are serious about playing good quality soccer. And we did just that.”

QV has won WPIAL boys soccer crowns 10 times in school history: 1985, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’96, ’99, 2012, ’16, ’19, ‘21.

The state title is the Quakers’ third in five years (2017, ‘19, ‘21) and ninth overall. It is one the players, particularly sophomore defender Nick Allan, will remember for a lifetime.

QV battled with District 4 champion Lewisburg in a scoreless tie through 80 minutes of regulation and two 20-minute overtimes. The Quakers held a 17-6 advantage in shots and 11-3 edge in shots on goal.

“The weather played a large role for both teams, but we ultimately just tried to possess the ball and be very strong defensively,” Veshio said. “I think we did that and while we weren’t able to finish during the run of play, our confidence and composure going into the shootout paid off.”

Allan, the lone sophomore in starting lineup, was clutch. Allan knocked in his attempt as QV’s fifth participant in the shootout, giving the Quakers a 5-4 penalty kicks win.

“That moment is the exact reason why we practiced penalty kicks every day during the playoffs,” Veshio said. “Lewisburg is an excellent program and we fully expect to see them again in the future, so a credit to their players and coaches for a hard-fought match.”

Rowan Kriebel, Ryan Edwards, Keller Chamovitz and Wil Dunda also connected for QV goals in the shootout.

Chamovitz and Kriebel, both senior forwards and one of the WPIAL’s strongest offensive tandems, led Quaker Valley in scoring this season with 90 goals and 45 assists between them.

“Any team would be lucky to have just one dynamic player like Keller or Rowan, but to have two just opens up so much for our offense and makes us more multi-dimensional,” Veshio said. “It allows the team to be more creative offensively, knowing we have the guys up top — and not just Keller and Rowan — to do some amazing things in the attack.”

Chamovitz finished with 50 goals and 20 assists this year, and Kriebel netted 40 and 25.

“I was very happy with the end result this season,” Kriebel said. “You couldn’t ask for more from the team. I thought the playoffs went especially well. Even with some tighter games, it was fun, and we played well.

“I’ve had a great journey at Quaker Valley, and I’m very glad to end on a high note especially after last year.”

QV’s soccer teams not able to participate in the 2020 postseason because covid-19 issues. 

Two other offensive catalysts for the Quakers this year were Edwards, who contributed 17 goals and 49 assists, and Dunda, with 16 goals and 13 assists. Both are senior midfielders.

Senior Zach Buhr and junior Isaac Waller shared the majority of the team’s goalkeeping duties, flanked on defense by seniors Blaise Burns, Jhon-Fredy Krebs and Tim Smith; juniors Colin Wood and Ben Henry; and sophomore Allan.

Buhr logged a 0.50 goals-against average in 17 starts (including all eight playoff games). Waller’s had a 0.125 GAA in seven starts.

“Defensively, our job is to be difficult to play against,” said Sean Ryan, one of two QV assistants along with Landon Grant, who played for the Quakers from 2014-17. “For us, that means relentless and organized pressure as well as making sure to close the gaps left by our midfielders as we progress the ball forward. 

“It was difficult at the beginning of the season to reassure our defenders that the right decision was to step forward, not back, when they see the ball being passed out of the back, this would sometimes cause a gap to open up in the middle third of the field. It was one of our main coaching objectives to be able to press as a team by the end of the season and I think the players executed quite well.” 

Key reserves for QV at the state finals included Carter Turk, a freshman midfielder, Cameron Diggins, a sophomore forward, plus Ian Morrison and Kellen Auth, both senior midfielders. 

The Quakers opened the season with an 11-game winning streak — including two victories in the East-West Classic. Their only losses this year were to Peters Township and West Allegheny, the WPIAL runners-up in 4A and 3A, respectively. 

“We came into this season with the highest of expectations and wanted to go beyond the norm or just winning a championship, making the season even more special, and I think we did that,” Veshio said. “Our players broke records, had spectacular goals scored, recorded 19 shutouts, and won our first state championship in a shootout. These players, from freshmen to seniors, stepped up to the task of being great and absolutely accomplished their goals. 

“Now, it’s time to prep for the 2022 WPIAL and PIAA finals.” 

By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, November 28, 2021 | 11:01 AM

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They say defense wins championships in football.

The same could be applied to soccer.

Quaker Valley’s boys soccer team entered the postseason as the Section 4-2A champion. Not only were the Quakers unbeaten at 12-0 in the section, they did not allow a goal.

Remarkably, QV outscored the opposition 99-0 in its 12 section games. And the Quakers continued their stout defensive effort in the postseason.

Quaker Valley, which went 23-2 overall, allowed only three goals in four WPIAL playoff games, then impressively recorded four shutouts in the PIAA tournament.

“By allowing only three goals in the playoffs, having six shutouts and scoring 44 (plus the shootout victory),” QV coach J.J. Veshio said, “I think it let the rest of the league know that we are serious about playing good quality soccer. 

“And we did just that.” 

In all, the Quakers, who won section, WPIAL and PIAA crowns and ended the year on a 10-game winning streak, outscored the opposition 123-8 in the regular season, 27-3 in the WPIAL playoffs, 18-0 in PIAA action and 168-11 overall.

Quaker Valley blanked 10 of its first 11 opponents this season and ended up with 19 shutouts in 25 games, including nine in a row at one stretch. 

The goalkeeping duo of senior Zach Buhr and junior Isaac Waller was flanked by a near-impenetrable defensive corps that included seniors Blaise Burns, Jhon-Fredy Krebs and Tim Smith, juniors Colin Wood and Ben Henry and sophomore Nick Allan.

Buhr logged a 0.50 goals-against average and 0.76 save percentage in 17 starts (including all eight playoff games).Waller started seven times and had a 0.125 GAA and 0.93 save percentage.

“Zach was incredibly confident going into the final and the shootout. I know it gave the boys a boost,” said Sean Ryan, one of two QV assistants along with Landon Grant, who played for the Quakers from 2014-17.

Ryan serves as goalie coach for the Quakers.

“For us, the goalkeeper department has been a whirlwind,” he said. “We started off the season with Zach recovering from a broken tibia; however, we ended the season with a serious shoulder injury to Isaac. Through these injuries, our level never dropped, and we were able to go from one to the other with complete confidence.

“Both goalkeepers are incredible competitors who push each other to be better, and more importantly, cheer on each other’s success.”

The Quakers allowed just 57 shots on goal all season — or less than three per game — and a total of 15 in eight playoff games. West Allegheny was the only opponent able to reach double figures.

Burns, Krebs, Smith, Henry and Allan were in the starting lineup in the team’s 1-0 shootout victory over Lewisburg in the PIAA championship game Nov. 18 at Hersheypark Stadium.

“I think the entire team plays a role in our success,” Veshio said, “but considering you don’t hear about the defense a lot because they don’t show up on the stats sheet, our back line was fantastic this year.

“Specifically, our outside backs, Jhon-Fredy Krebs, Nick Allan and Colin Wood, all played with such confidence and determination to win every 50-50 ball. Plus, their abilities on the ball allowed us to bring them up(field) offensively, which just added to our attack.”

QV’s defenders were joined against Lewisburg by Buhr, senior forwards Keller Chamovitz and Rowan Kriebel, and senior midfielders Kellen Auth, Ryan Edwards and Will Dunda.

“We played with a back four and two holding midfielders,” Ryan said. “Ben Henry was the most defensive of these two holding midfielders, which allowed Wil Dunda the freedom to create going forward. It is a simple yet incredibly physically and mentally demanding position.

“Our back four changed, first due to ingenuity, second due to necessity when Colin Wood sustained an injury. Our original back four of Jhon-Fredy, Nick, Blaise and Colin played very well together but left Tim Smith on the bench for a good deal of the season. We wanted a way to get Tim’s talent on the field as well to use the skills of our defenders more effectively. We were able to push Nick Allan out to right back and use him more to develop the attack.

“I would classify Blaise, Tim and Jhon-Fredy as dominant ball-winning defenders, players willing to throw themselves at the ball in order to win it back. Nick and Colin are incredible at bringing the ball forward to give the midfield room to push on and create a two-on-one somewhere along the flank. 

“We knew we had the players to do it, and luckily they were intelligent enough to implement the change with lots of positive effect.”

Graham Thompson and Spencer Wiehe, both juniors, senior Grant Huddleston and sophomore Kiril Grin provided depth on defense as integral reserves.

“Although we did not often substitute our defenders,” Ryan said, “it was important to our team to have players like Graham, Spencer, Grant and Kiril. They were our second-team defenders and without them, we cannot train at the highest level. 

“We cannot push ourselves if we do not have constant desire and ambition from our (non-starters), Tim Smith being a prime example.” 

The Quakers defeated Burrell (5-1), East Allegheny (14-0), Ambridge (3-2) and North Catholic (5-0) in the WPIAL playoffs. QV then blanked Grove City (8-0), Somerset (7-0), North Catholic (2-0) and Lewisburg (1-0) in the state tournament. 

No fewer than 20 players scored goals for QV this season. 

Along with the team’s scoring leaders, Chamovitz, Kriebel, Edwards and Dunda, QV goal scorers included Smith, sophomore F Bennett Haas, Burns, senior MF Ian Morrison, Grin, Henry, Allan, sophomore F Cameron Diggins, freshman MF Jack Karwoski, freshman MF Carter Turk, Wiehe, senior F Luca Raymond, Auth, freshman MF Andrew Vescio, Huddleston and junior MF Jean Noel. 

The Quakers have won 10 WPIAL titles and nine PIAA crowns in school history.

By: Michael Love 
Friday, November 19, 2021 | 6:25 PM

As sophomore Nick Allen stepped to the ball as Quaker Valley’s fifth shooter in a tiebreaking penalty kick shootout Friday afternoon, he found himself in the middle of a moment he had pictured for years.

Allen converted his attempt past Lewisburg goalkeeper Tony Burns to send Quaker Valley players, coaches and fans into a frenzy as the Quakers claimed their ninth state championship with a 5-4 penalty kicks victory over the District 4 champion Green Dragons at Hersheypark Stadium.

“As a kid, you always think of playing for your high school in the state championship (game). The game’s on your back, and you’ve gotta score and win,” said Allen, who, along with his Quakers teammates battled through a scoreless tie with Lewisburg through 80 minutes of regulation and two 20-minute overtimes.

“I was a little bit nervous before the shot, but I was mostly confident,” Allen continued. “This is amazing. This is probably my most favorite year, the whole season. It’s going to stay with me my whole life.”

Rowan Kriebel, Ryan Edwards, Keller Chamovitz and Wil Dunda also converted their attempts in the shootout.

Lewisburg got penalty kick goals from Nick Passaniti, Philip Permyashkin, Rudy Gural and Carter Hoover.

The only miss for the Green Dragons was on the third attempt by Simon Stumbris, whose shot skimmed off the crossbar.

This was the first time penalty kicks were used to decide a soccer state champion since they were instituted for the PIAA finals in 2011.

For Quaker Valley, the state-final appearance comes on the heels of the 2020 season when the Quakers were not able to participate in the postseason because of issues with covid.

“Since the day we knew we couldn’t participate last year, it was about prepping for right now,” Quaker Valley coach J.J. Veshio said. “This is validation for these seniors and the struggles they went through last year and everything the pushed through this year.”

Quaker Valley capped its season at 23-2, and it is the Quakers’ third PIAA title in five years (2017, 2019). The Quakers finished the postseason allowing just three goals in eight games.

“There is relief and excitement that we did this, all of us, every single person,” Veshio said. “With these guys, I am just so proud to be a part of this team.”

Lewisburg (20-2-1) came into the game 4-0 against WPIAL teams in state championship games. That included a victory over Quaker Valley in the 2016 Class 2A final and last year’s dominant 6-0 triumph over Deer Lakes.

“To decide a game on penalty kicks with two good teams, it is very difficult,” Lewisburg coach Ben Kettlewell said. “I don’t know a better way, because you could tell the last five minutes (of the second overtime) that both teams were really, really tired. It was a tough way to end the season.”

Lewisburg’s state semifinal game against District 4 runner-up Midd-West also went to penalty kicks.

Quaker Valley ended the 120 minutes of regular play with a 17-6 advantage in shots and was 11-3 up in shots on goal.

Four of the shots on goal came in the two overtimes as the Quakers put up several close calls from Chamovitz and Kreibel.

Lewisburg’s first shot of the game didn’t come until the 12th minute of the second half, but the attempt from 25 yards landed in the waiting arms of Quaker Valley keeper Zach Buhr.

Burns made saves to his left, his right and above his head throughout the game.

“Lewisburg had a really good plan and they did a good job of making our shots difficult,” said Chamovitz, who also had a dangerous attempt early in the first overtime stoned by Burns. “We were looking for different ways to get a goal. But in the end, we got the win, and that’s all that matters.”

Parth Upadhyaya

Beaver County Times

We have a winner

WOW. Quaker Valley sophomore defender Nick Allan just sunk the state championship-winning goal for the Quakers, who beat Lewisburg 5-4 in PKs. FINAL: Quaker Valley 1, Lewisburg 0 (5-4 in PKs). The Quakers are your 2021 PIAA Class 2A Boys Soccer champions!

Still scoreless through two OT periods

Though Quaker Valley has clearly continued to outplay Lewisburg, we're headed to penalty kicks after neither team was able to score through 120 total minutes of action. For reference: Quakers have taken 17 overall shots, with 11 on goal; Green Dragons have taken only six total, with three of those on goal.

Kriebel, Chamovitz staying aggressive

Just a little over two minutes into the second overtime, Kriebel penetrated the Green Dragons defense and got a clean shot off. The shot was on goal but was easily grabbed by Burns. Then, with 12:37 remaining, Chamovitz gets control of the ball in the middle of a handful of Green Dragons players before sending a strike toward the box that sailed well past the right side of the goal.

It's golden goal time

Though there are 20 minutes in this second OT period, just as there were in the first, the team who scores the first goal here wins.

Second OT set to begin in two minutes

Even through 20 minutes of extra time, we've still got a scoreless contest. Once again, Quaker Valley — led by Chamovitz — had several close calls in the first overtime but couldn't get the job done. An extra 20 minutes will be added to the clock.

Match appears headed to second OT

With about four minutes left in the first overtime period, neither team has scored. Quaker Valley has had three shot attempts, with two of those on goal — all on the foot of Chamovitz. Lewisburg has registered only two shot attempts in the extra time, with both coming on free kicks and just one on goal.

We're headed to OT

Quaker Valley had 11 shot attempts through 80 minutes of regulation — including seven shots on goal — but couldn't find the back of the net. Lewisburg took five shots overall, with one nearly sinking with 55 seconds left in the contest. Now, they'll play a 20-minute overtime.

Chamovitz nearly ends game in regulation

With just 10 seconds left in the contest, Chamovitz sprints down the left side of the pitch before collecting a ball in-stride and taking a shot that nearly sealed the deal for the Quakers. The senior's strike bounces off of a Green Dragons defender before barely missing the bottom left corner of the goal.

Chamovitz lthe best player on the pitch

The star senior forward has put the moves on several Lewisburg defenders this half — most recently at the 11:25 mark, when he split two Green Dragons before taking a shot from the left side of the pitch that was no more than a foot away from sinking into the top left corner of the goal.

Lewisburg finally registers a shot attempt

With just about 28 minutes remaining in the contest, the Green Dragons finally get off a shot attempt. The shot — from point blank range — is on goal, but the ball hits Quaker Valley goalkeeper Zach Burr right in the chest for an easy save. We're still scoreless here.

Quaker Valley knocking on door

First, with 31:35 left in the second half, it's Edwards again with a nice look. But the shot sails just over the goal — the senior puts his hands on his face in shock. He can't believe it. Then, with 30:11 to go in the half, Chamovitz uses a shifty move to split a pair of defenders before sending a strike toward the goal. That shot, too, doesn't sink — this time, it's saved by Burns, who lunges out to collect the ball.

Scoreless first half

The half ends with a 0-0 tie, as the Quakers looked to be picking up steam. Several near goals for Veshio's squad and still no shot attempts for Lewisburg isn't a great sign for the Green Dragons.

Quaker Valley the clear aggressor through opening half

Sophomore midfielder Cameron Douglass (2:03 mark), senior forward Keller Chamovitz (1:43) and senior forward Rowan Kriebel (0:03) all put quality shots on goal, but Burns came up big for Lewisburg each time. 

Parth Upadhyaya

Beaver County Times

HERSHEY — Nick Allan grew up dreaming of a moment like this. 

OK, well maybe this wasn't quite how he'd draw it up when he’d kick the soccer ball around in his backyard as a child. Not with an 18-mile-per-hour wind gust in 40-degree weather. Not with an entire student section to his right collectively chanting “Fold!” Not with redemption on the line.

Those details didn’t matter on Friday afternoon. The Quaker Valley High School sophomore defender stepped up as the fifth and final member of his team to shoot a penalty kick in the biggest game of his career. And Allan sank the shot, allowing the Quakers (23-2-0) to beat the Lewisburg Green Dragons (21-2-1) 5-4 in penalty kicks and come out with a 1-0 victory in the PIAA Class 2A Boys Soccer Championship at Hersheypark Stadium.

“This was probably my favorite year — the whole season,” said Allan, lost for words after helping the Quakers bring home the program's ninth state title. “It’s going to stick with me my whole life. And to end it like this makes it even better.”

But the reasons the past few months have meant so much to him have to do with a lot more than his game-winning shot. Or the fact that he did it as only a sophomore on a team loaded with veteran talent.

“I had full faith in him,” said Edwards, a midfielder who’s headed to Division I Florida Gulf Coast next fall. “He’s such a composed player. He’s big in the moment.”

Allan was everything the Quakers needed him to be against the Green Dragons.

At the end of regulation, it was evident that Quaker Valley had outplayed Lewisburg for the better part of the contest. The Quakers had put seven shots on goal of their 11 shot attempts, while the Green Dragons had registered only five shots total. Chamovitz, a slender and shifty forward who’s one of the team’s go-to scorers, couldn’t even find the back of the net.

Edwards struggled, too, failing to convert on at least a couple quality looks through the first 40 minutes of play.

“It (was) frustrating, but obviously, props to their coach and their backline and their goalkeeper,” Chamovitz said. “They all had a great game. And they shut us down quite a bit.”

Second-year head coach J.J. Veshio encouraged his players to stay the course. He reminded them to continue to play their brand of soccer. A former Quakers player himself from 1999 to 2003 and a longtime assistant, there are few more familiar than Veshio with what that entails.

So, Quaker Valley did just that. 

Chamovitz laughed off his misses each time and told his coach they’d “get the next one.” They never stopped believing a breakthrough was coming. Still, no one could’ve scripted the ending that came after regulation and two 20-minute overtime periods. 

Even though any of the Quakers’ leaders are quick to rave about Allan’s progression from last fall to now, seeing the ball fly off of his foot and into the goal was certainly surreal. As was seeing him run down the field while ripping off his jersey in jubilation when the match ended.

“Nick’s proven himself,” Kriebel said. “It was incredible to see him make that last PK. The pressure, obviously, was immense.”

For Allan, to be the one to write the last chapter of Quaker Valley’s storybook ending to 2021 was more special than he could ever describe in words. That’s probably why he didn’t have very many to offer when a reporter asked him to elaborate on the feeling of being his team’s unexpected hero minutes after the Quakers’ trophy celebration.

“I mean,” he chuckled as he paused. “I don’t know what to say.”

Contact Parth Upadhyaya at pupadhyaya@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @pupadhyaya_.

By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, November 21, 2021 | 11:01 AM

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They are two of a kind.

As 17-year-old athletes, both hail from long-standing soccer families, and both are super talented on the pitch.

Quaker Valley cousins Rowan and Chase Kriebel displayed their senior leadership skills admirably throughout the fall soccer season.

Rowan Kriebel, a 6-foot forward and captain on the boys team, led the Quakers in scoring in the regular season with 32 goals and 19 assists. He was complemented offensively by Keller Chamovitz, also a senior forward.

“Rowan is a consistently hard worker and someone that always tries to do everything in a professional manner,” boys coach J.J. Veshio said. “Whether it’s his demeanor or his play on the field, he is a tremendous leader and someone that represents our program with integrity.

“He holds a high place among the many top players that have come through here. To be able to see him succeed at such a high level and help those around him is very nice to see.”

Rowan was a four-year varsity player who ranks in the top five in career points at CV. He has been named All-WPIAL twice and was voted all-state this season by the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association.

Rowan also was lauded as the co-player of the year in Section 4-2A.

“He has performed as good as anyone in the history of our storied program,” Veshio said, “and his contributions have certainly been a big part of our success. He found a way to elevate everyone around him with his strong play and positive work ethic.

“I’m very proud of everything Rowan has done as an individual and for the team. I thank him for continuing the legacy of this program.”

Chase Kriebel, a 5-7 senior striker/midfielder and one of four co-captains on the Quaker Valley girls squad, ended the regular season with a team-high nine goals after finishing with seven goals in 2020.

“Chase’s perseverance, physical and mental strength and confidence on and off the field are just a few attributes to describe the type of player she is,” said Maggie Behun, co-coach of the girls team with Rachel Loudermilk. “Chase is a hard-working and gifted athlete. She’s always been willing to adjust where she’s on the field depending on what the team needed. Chase played defense and midfield when we needed her to. But most of all, she has a nose for the goal and for the past two years has been one of our leading goal scorers.

“Alongside her many accomplishments, she is extremely kind-hearted and down-to-earth.”

Loudermilk said Chase has been a prominent presence in Quaker Valley’s girls program since day one.

“Chase made an impact from the first day she stepped on the field as a freshman,” Loudermilk said. “It is rare to have a freshman come in with such confidence, skill, relentless drive and leadership, and she has carried that throughout her career. As a freshman, if we were down, it was Chase we looked to in order to motivate the other girls and raise our level of play. That is a lot to put on a freshman, but she handled it and that hasn’t changed for four years. I think that speaks to just how much Chase has impacted this program.

“The hope is that from her example, others can step up and continue to elevate the program.”

Prior to the boys’ state playoff game against section rival North Catholic, Rowan Kriebel had racked up 40 goals and 24 assists in 2021, boosting his career totals to 93 goals and 61 assists. He scored eight goals as a freshman, 20 as a sophomore and 25 last season in a pandemic-shortened fall schedule.

“Chase and I have always been great friends,” Rowan said. “We have supported each other and have a great bond. We live about 10 minutes away from each other and, yes, we did grow up playing soccer together. We see each other pretty often to play games and have family dinners. My dad and uncle both played soccer.” 

Chase Kriebel said the cousins are competitive by nature but also believe it’s important to encourage and support one another.

“Rowan and I have a good relationship,” Chase said. “We are good friends and are very competitive with each other. In sports, school or when we play fun games, we’re always trying to win. We live very close to one another. I live near town and he lives in the heights. Our families try to get together at least once a month for a family dinner.

“Growing up, we would play soccer together at his house, sometimes with our whole family. We both joke around with each other. We’re also very encouraging and supportive, always trying to motivate each other.”

Chase, who began playing soccer around the time she was in kindergarten, said competing on the pitch runs in both families.

“Pretty much everyone in our families have played soccer,” she said. “Both of our dads played soccer. My mom did play in high school, too. But our dads are probably where we both get our passion for soccer.”

Chase’s sister McAuley and brother Nick grew up competing on area soccer fields.

“My sister stopped playing soccer in high school to pursue volleyball while my brother continued through high school,” Chase said. “Rowan and Nick were lucky to have the opportunity to play together (at QV), and even win WPIAL and state championships in 2019. That was Rowan’s sophomore year and Nick’s senior year. It was super fun watching them play and win together. I was so proud for both of them.”

Loudermilk believes Chase’s motivation to succeed comes from her siblings.

“Chase attributes her drive to her brother,” Loudermilk said. “She looks up to both of her siblings and says both have been an inspiration to her when it comes to sports.”

Chase said her dad, who competed on the pitch at Fox Chapel, has been her No. 1 fan.

“The biggest influencers have been all of my family, especially my dad,” she said, “and each coach I’ve had in my career. I’ve played with so many different teams, and every coach I’ve had has taught me something new to help me improve. If it weren’t for my coaches, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”

Chase discussed the special bond she has developed with her father.

“My dad has been my No. 1 supporter,” she said. “He’s taken me to every game, tournament and practice until I was able to myself. We constantly talk about soccer and are always on the same page when it comes to talking about my games.

“He inspires me to do better and push myself. I’m so grateful for his support and trust.”

Chase Kriebel has been an all-section selection the past two yearsand was named All-WPIAL this season, leading the Quakers to a WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinal appearance and a 7-9-2 record.

“I’m sad our season ended shorter than we wanted it to,” she said, “but I’m super proud of every one of my teammates. I’m excited for the spring to come to start lacrosse season and hope to succeed there, as well.”

A four-year varsity starter at QV, Chase plays lacrosse in the spring and has been a starter at the varsity level in that sport since her freshman season.

Rowan Kriebel, meanwhile, has experienced many big individual moments in his soccer career at QV including a few this season.

He netted two goals against Ambridge to lift the Quakers to a 3-2 win in the WPIAL Class 2A semifinals. Tied 2-2 in the early minutes of overtime, Kriebel delivered a clutch game-winning goal off a pass from Chamovitz.

No. 2 Quaker Valley went on to defeat ninth-seeded North Catholic, 5-0, in the finals to claim its 10th WPIAL title in school history.

Early in the season, Rowan peppered in five goals in an 11-0 victory against Freedom. He achieved three hat tricks at Freedom over the past three seasons.

On Nov. 16, the Quakers blanked North Catholic for a fourth time in 2021, winning a 2-0 decision in the PIAA quarterfinals. It was the 700th win in program history and upped QV’s record to 22-2 on the year.

QV, which won by scores of 3-0, 7-0, 5-0 and 2-0 against the Trojans this season, advanced to the PIAA finals Nov. 19 in Hershey to play District 4 winner Lewisburg.

Joshua Carney

Beaver County Times

It all comes down to this. 

After impressive runs to the boys PIAA Class 2A and girls PIAA Class 4A championships for the Quaker Valley Quakers and the Moon Tigers, respectively, it all comes down to one final match on Friday, Nov. 19, at Hersheypark Stadium for the ultimate Pennsylvania prize: a state championship. 

Below is a capsule look at the two PIAA soccer championship games involving teams from The Times' coverage area on Friday in Hershey.

BOYS Class 2A

Quaker Valley (22-2) vs. Lewisburg (21-1-1)

Details: 1:30 p.m. Friday at Hersheypark Stadium

A COVID outbreak ended its shot at back-to-back state championships last fall, but after playing with a chip on its shoulder all season long, the Quaker Valley boys soccer team is right where it wants to be: one win away from glory.

The Quakers have cruised through the PIAA Class 2A playoffs, outscoring their opponents by a margin of 17-0, with wins over Grove City, Somerset and North Catholic to set up a PIAA Class 2A championship game match against the Lewisburg Green Dragons on Friday at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey.

Led by senior standouts Keller Chamovitz, Rowan Kriebel and Ryan Edwards, along with stout senior centerback Blaise Burns and senior midfield captain Wil Dunda, the Quakers have dominated the competition en route to a WPIAL Class 2A championship, and now an appearance in the state final for the fourth time since 2016 — a year in which the Quakers came up short against the Green Dragons. 

Noah Hiles

Beaver County Times

Highlights, scores and results from Tuesday's high school soccer action throughout the Beaver Valley in the PIAA postseason. Coaches, athletic directors and statisticians can submit results and stats via email at timesscores@gmail.com.

BOYS 2A

Quaker Valley 8, Grove City 0

The WPIAL Class 2A champions continue to roll, blowing out District 10 runner-up Grove City 8-0 at home on Tuesday. Keller Chamovitz had three goals, while Rowan Kriebel and Wil Dunda each scored a pair. Ryan Edwards also had a solid performance with four assists. The Quakers will face District 5 champion Somerset on Saturday at a time and location to be determined. 

Noah Hiles

Beaver County Times

PITTSBURGH — It isn't common for a head coach in the game of soccer to have a number. Yet, as Quaker Valley's J.J. Veshio roamed the sidelines as his team played at Highmark Stadium on Thursday evening for the WPIAL Class 2A championship against North Catholic, he subtly had the No. 24 displayed on his person. 

This season, No. 24 belongs to midfielder Carter Turk. While the freshman has had a solid season in his first year with the varsity team, Turk isn't the player Veshio is paying tribute to. 

The XXIV written on Veshio's right hand represents a different Quaker. One that wasn't someone who played under him, but rather along side him. The No. 24 once belonged to Veshio's late friend Robby Hague Jr. 

On the other hand, Veshio's knuckles display not numerals, but letters. G-E-N-O reads clearly and hits home to anyone close to the Quaker Valley boys soccer program. The "Geno" on Veshio's left hand is for former Quakers' head coach and WPIAL Hall of Famer Gene Klein. 

Both Hague and Klein played a significant role in Veshio's life, both on and off the soccer pitch. On Thursday night, in the biggest game he's coached in since taking over the program in 2020, Veshio found a way to make sure both could be there along with him as he directed his squad toward WPIAL gold. 

A FRIEND FOR LIFE

Veshio will be the first to admit that he doesn't have many friends. From early on, he always kept a tight inner-circle, and Hague was a part of it. 

"I'd known him for my whole life," Veshio said. "His dad and my dad both taught at Quaker Valley. We're both the same age, so we would've met in kindergarten." 

The two shared numerous interests, with soccer being one of the more prominent connecting points in their friendship. Hague and Veshio played together for the Quakers from 1999 through 2003, where they were a part of teams that won WPIAL championship (1999) and a co-state title (2000). 

Noah Hiles

Beaver County Times

November 4, 2021

PITTSBURGH — It's one of the hardest talks a first year head coach can deliver — and J.J. Veshio remembers it like it was yesterday. As he was sitting at home winding down on a fall evening, the Quaker Valley boys soccer head coach received a phone call from Athletic Director Michael Mastroianni. 

A COVID outbreak within the Quaker Valley school district meant a pause on all in-school learning, plus all extra curricular activities — including soccer. 

Just days before the postseason could begin, the Quakers were eliminated. Not by an opponent, but a virus. Veshio had to deliver the news to his team over a zoom call.

After having a year to sit and marinate in their anger, Quaker Valley got its redemption on Thursday evening at Highmark Stadium, defeating No. 9 North Catholic 5-0 to win the WPIAL Class 2A title. 

"It's the culmination of the dedication of this team," Veshio said after his team won the WPIAL Championship. "It's so cliche, but these guys have wanted this for two years, but especially after last year. Our final game before the season ended was against North Catholic. To come out here and to make a statement like this, is what we wanted, and what we did.

"I remember having to tell the team last year that what happened wasn't their fault," Veshio said. "That wasn't how anyone wanted to end the season, but it was what had to be done. This win goes out to all of those guys, especially the seniors from last year who weren't here for it."

Winning WPIAL titles is nothing new for the Quaker Valley High School boys soccer program. Thursday's win was the Quakers' ninth overall title and the third in the last five years. However, 2021 will always be viewed a bit different by those who were a part of the journey. 

"Last year was one of the worst feelings ever," senior captain Rowan Kriebel said. "I tried to pay attention to the playoffs at home last year but I couldn't after the first round was over. It was too painful.

"As soon as our quarantine period ended, our group of starters were back out on the field practicing together. We immediately started working for this." 

That extra work was on display all season long for the Quakers, who went a perfect 12-0 in conference play before the start of the postseason. Even with their success, the players on the Quaker Valley roster refused to be satisfied, looking to find any extra motivation anywhere possible. 

For senior Keller Chamovitz, it came from not scoring in the WPIAL semifinals against Ambridge. Chamovtiz, one of the team's top performers, had two assists in the 3-2 overtime win over Ambridge, but it still wasn't enough. 

He promised himself two things after the victory: That the next time he took the pitch with his team, he'd lead them to a win, and do so by finding the back of the net. He made both happen. 

Chamovitz led the way for the Quakers on Thursday, scoring four of his team's five goals. The effort impressed his head coach, although he admits what Chamovitz did was far from a surprise. 

"I think Keller did a pretty fantastic job," Veshio said. "Big players show up in big games and he's one of our biggest leaders, and he showed up."

"We couldn't score at first, but we we were all over them," Chamovitz said, "We were in their half all game. We were just trying to put one in the back of the net and then, finally, as soon as we got one, we knew we were going to score. This was our game." 

Senior Ryan Edwards was responsible for the other goal on the evening for the Quakers. Like his other fellow teammates in the Class of 2022, the gold medal resting around his neck was bitter sweet. 

"A lot of us thought we were going to win it all last year as well," Edwards said. "That would've made this a three-peat. We can't go back and change that now. We just want to make a statement, which I think we did today." 

Even in the highest of moments, that chip on the shoulder remains on each of the players for Quaker Valley. Veshio's group celebrated with smiles from ear to ear on Thursday evening, but as they walked off the pitch for the next game to start, it was as though their next mission had already started. 

The PIAA playoffs begin on Tuesday. Quaker Valley will play District 10 runner-up Grove City. Veshio knows that when his team wakes up on Friday morning, the next phase in the revenge tour begins. 

"I won't have to do much of anything to get them ready for what's next," Veshio said. "We can take this in and enjoy it but these guys have bigger goals. We have to be ready to go, and I know they will be." 

KEITH BARNES

Tri-State Sports & News Service

NOV 4, 2021

11:47 PM

Keller Chamovitz was feeling pretty good about how the WPIAL Class 2A boys soccer championship would break for him.

“Last night going to sleep and this morning in the shower, I was thinking about getting four goals, three goals,” Chamovitz said. “For it actually to happen, it hasn’t registered.”

He may not have wrapped his head around it, but all the senior striker had to do was take a look at the Highmark Stadium scoreboard.

Chamovitz netted four goals, two in each half, and the Quaker Valley defense stifled North Catholic at every turn in a 5-0 romp Thursday. The Quakers (19-0-2) won their second WPIAL title in three years.

“I’ve been here as a player, I’ve been here as an assistant coach, it never gets old,” Quaker Valley coach J.J. Veshio said. “I’m just so happy for these guys after what happened last year. … And this is the result of two years of hard work after our season ended last year.”

Quaker Valley had to forgo the WPIAL playoffs in 2020 because of COVID-19 protocols. The Quakers were the defending WPIAL and PIAA champions heading into last season and their postseason exclusion has been a rallying cry this year.

“We all feel like we were robbed last year and we should have had it last year,” Chamovitz said. “The virus took it away from us instead of another team.”

Chamovitz may have taken care of the offense, but Quaker Valley’s defensive effort was unparalleled. Goalkeeper Zach Buhr never faced a shot on goal as Quaker Valley limited North Catholic (12-8-0) to long-range and bad-angle attempts.

“They did a great job of preventing any through-balls or anything in,” Veshio said. “It was just a credit to our defense and it was the best game they played all year.”

It may not have looked like it, but North Catholic junior goalkeeper Devin Paschall played a solid match. He faced 17 shots on goal and made 12 saves overall. He was stellar in the first half and had Quaker Valley on its heels until Chamovitz scored his first goal at 23:22.

“We couldn’t score at first and we were all over them and in their half the whole game,” Chamovitz said. “As soon as we got one, we knew this was our game.”

By: Jerin Steele 
Thursday, November 4, 2021 | 9:05 PM

Keller Chamovitz has some bragging rights in his household.

In 1996, his father Sam scored twice in a WPIAL championship game for Quaker Valley. The younger Chamovitz doubled his total Thursday night.

Chamovitz scored four times, helping Quaker Valley earn its 10th WPIAL championship in a 5-0 victory over section rival North Catholic in the Class 2A final at Highmark Stadium.

“He came to watch tonight, so I get to rub it in when it get home, that’s for sure,” Keller Chamovitz said with a laugh.

Chamovitz scored in the 24th, 38th, 74th and 78th minute. Ryan Edwards also added a goal on a corner kick.

“Big players show up in big games, and our biggest player showed up today,” Quaker Valley coach J.J. Veshio said. “There was nothing but quality and class from him and everyone else on the field.”

Veshio said the team is dedicating the win to former Quakers coach Gene Klein, who is currently battling Stage 4 brain cancer. Klein coached the Quakers for 35 years and was Veshio’s former coach.

Winning the WPIAL championship had a little extra meaning for the Quakers this season after not being able to participate in last year’s tournament due to a covid-19 issue.

They were out to prove they were the best team in the WPIAL from the start.

“I feel like we were robbed in a way last year, because it wasn’t a team that knocked us out. It was coronavirus,” Chamovitz said. “To finally get that win and show that we deserved it last year and that we are the best 2A team in WPIAL means a lot and it feels great.”

Quaker Valley (18-2) knocked off North Catholic (12-8) twice in Section 4 play during the regular season, winning 3-0 and 7-0.

The Trojans made an impressive run to the WPIAL final as a No. 9 seed, and goalkeeper Devin Paschall did his best to keep them close Thursday with a dozen saves, but their section rivals proved to be too much.

“Even though we lost, our guys still have their heads held high,” North Catholic coach Ricardo Headley said. “If you look at where we started, nobody would’ve put us in the championship game. It’s just us growing. We have a young team. We started only two seniors for most the season. We’re going to states and we’re still very confident.

“We’ll watch this tape together as a team. We’ll correct our mistakes. Hopefully we can get a better start (in the first round of state playoffs) than we did today.”

Quaker Valley will open the PIAA playoffs against District 10 runner-up Grove City on Tuesday. North Catholic plays District 6 champion Richland.

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Noah Hiles

Beaver County Times

ROBINSON TWP — A look over the shoulder and devout trust in a teammate. That was all it took Quaker Valley's Rowan Kriebel to become a hero. 

With his team in an uncomfortable spot and seemingly all the momentum possible against it, the Quakers needed someone to step up to avoid a tremendous upset to No. 6 Ambridge in the WPIAL Class 2A semifinal on Monday evening at Montour High School. 

Their senior captain happened to be the guy. 

Tied 2-2 in the early minutes of overtime, Kriebel was able to find an opening against a Bridgers defense playing the best it had been all year. A well-delivered pass from fellow senior Keller Chamovitz, a burst of speed, and a great kick later, the game was over. Kriebel had scored to send his team to the WPIAL Championship. 

"Sometimes you have to be a hero in overtime," Quaker Valley head coach J.J. Veshio said. "Rowan is one of our top guys. He's one of our heroes. He showed up." 

Kriebel is no stranger to big games. As a senior, he's played in WPIAL and PIAA Finals before. However, minutes after the goal, he was still able to put everything into perspective. The moment was not only the best of his career, but one of the best in his life. 

"It's easily one of the happiest moments I've ever had," Kriebel said. Just to do that for the team, I know that we were struggling a lot; It's amazing that we were able to pull through in the end."

Every great sports moment is normally preceded by a handful of key plays to set the stage, and oh, were there plenty on Monday evening. 

Quaker Valley and Ambridge met twice this fall in the regular season, where the score was a combined 13-0 in favor of the Quakers. The Bridgers showed early on in the postseason bout that the common sports cliche "It's hard to beat a team three times," exists for a reason. 

"They had a great game plan to counter ours," Chamovitz said. "When you play a team three times in a season, you start to learn their tendencies. Clearly they did. They played an amazing game." 

"We knew we were in for a fight after we saw they beat Shady Side Academy," senior Ryan Edwards added. "Add in the fact that its playoffs and we knew it would be tight. But, no one saw that coming. It was a battle to the final seconds." 

Ambridge hopped on the board first on a goal from J.J. Simms. While the lead would vanish 19 minutes later thanks to goals from Edwards and Kriebel, the Bridgers never let up. 

"It came down to their energy levels," Veshio said. "This is a team that's made great strides this season. All the credit in the world to them, and their coaching staff. They were up for the challenge today." 

Trailing 2-1 in the second half, many assumed Quaker Valley would take control and run away with the contest. However, Ambridge goalkeeper Ryan Conover had different plans. 

A valiant effort from the Bridgers' senior allowed his team to hang around. With just over 10 minutes remaining, Conover's efforts were rewarded with a game-tying goal from freshman Anthony Powell. 

"We preached all week that we couldn't look at Quaker Valley as the big bad wolf," Ambridge head coach Ben Fiore said. "We made it this far for a reason. ... We are a very good soccer team and I think our guys showed that we believed that today." 

"We knew right then and there, that we could beat them," Conover said. "It also let them know that they could lose to us." 

Just like that, a one-sided rivalry felt equal. The heavy favorite felt neutralized. An Ambridge team that few gave any chance at all to win, looked to have complete control. That was until Veshio had to remind his team who they were and what they were capable of prior to the start of overtime. 

"I told them at the end of the day, no matter the situation, it's the same as it's always been," Veshio. "It's still soccer. We've done all the right things to get here. We just had to continue to do what we knew we were capable of." 

The message worked.

A talented Quakers team relied on one of its top stars in the most important moment of the season, and with the help of those around him, he came through. After being being forced to forfeit its first round matchup in last year's playoffs due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the school district, the Quaker Valley High School boys soccer team is back in the WPIAL Championship.

"This is what we wanted last year," Kriebel said. "All of us, when everyone else was in the playoffs, we were working hard. We worked hard every day in the offseason. For moments like this. To get back to Highmark." 

"We felt robbed that we weren't there last year," Chamovitz added. "It feels great to win this game to get there, and our next win is going to feel even better." 

Quaker Valley will take on No.9 North Catholic for the District 7 title on Thursday at Highmark Stadium at 6 p.m. Ambridge, meanwhile, lives to see another day as well, scheduled to take on No. 4 Charleroi in the Consolation Final and a trip to the PIAA 2A Playoffs. 

Contact Noah Hiles at nhiles@gannett.com. Follow him on twitter @_NoahHiles.

FROM LOCAL DISPATCHES

NOV 1, 2021

11:35 PM

Quaker Valley came very close to seeing its WPIAL Class 2A championship dreams go up in smoke Monday night against Section 4 rival Ambridge.

Rowan Kriebel was having none of it.

Kriebel, an all-state senior striker for the Quakers, came down the right side and ripped a shot that trickled over the goal line and barely into the Bridgers net just 2:25 into overtime as No. 2-seeded Quaker Valley (18-2) escaped with a 3-2 victory over No. 6 Ambridge (12-6-0) in the WPIAL semifinals at Montour.

Kriebel also scored on a breakaway midway through the first half.

“We fully anticipated this because their team has been coming along so well this season and they came ready for a fight,” Quaker Valley coach J.J. Veshio said. “But Rowan has been playing at a high level his entire high school career and sometimes you need a guy like that who’s confident on the ball.”

Ambridge led, 1-0, in the first half on a J.J. Sims goal, but after Quaker Valley rebounded to take a 2-1 lead at the intermission, the Bridgers sent it to overtime on a goal with seven minutes remaining in regulation.

Noah Hiles

Beaver County Times

October 28, 2021

LEETSDALE — The Quaker Valley High School boys soccer team has had many convincing playoff victories since the program's inception in the 1980s. None, however, were more dominant than the most recent. 

On Thursday night, in front of a rowdy home crowd, the No. 2 Quakers punched their ticket to the WPIAL semifinals with a win over No. 10 East Allegheny. From the early minutes to the final buzzer, Quaker Valley left no doubt as to whom the better team was, posting a final score of 14-0.

The margin of victory was the largest in program history for any playoff win, breaking a record that was set in 1985. Some records are broken randomly, but not this one. As head coach J.J. Veshio saw his team rolling in the second half, rather than slowing down, he allowed his group of key players to keep their foot on the gas.

He says the choice to do so was not out of disrespect for the opponent, but more out of respect for the seniors who were playing their final game at Chuck Knox Stadium. 

"I knew that they could manage it and be professional in what they do," Veshio said. "I wanted to give them the opportunity to finish a game together as seniors."

If giving his seniors a memorable swan song on their home field was the goal, then mission accomplished. Ten of the 14 goals from Quaker Valley were scored by seniors, nine coming from the star duo of Keller Chamovitz (5) and Rowan Kriebel (4). 

After missing out on the playoffs last year due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the school that forbid both the Quaker Valley boys and girls teams from participating in the opening round, the two Quakers' stars were appreciative of the extra time on the pitch their coach allowed them to have. 

"I couldn't really ask for more," Kriebel said. "Sharing the goals with Keller and the rest of my team, it meant a lot. It was an awesome performance from all of us." 

"It means a lot to me," Chamovitz said. "We kept reiterating before the game to each other that this was our last game on this field and we needed to come out with a bang. I don't think anyone expected us to break that record." 

Chamovitz and Kriebel have been stellar all season long, but those who've seen the Quakers in action — even on Thursday night — know that their team is far from a two-man operation. 

Quaker Valley's first five goals came from five different players. At least one senior, junior, sophomore, and freshman found the back of the net. If that's not impressive enough, the Quakers' defense played equally good, preventing a single shot on goal the entire evening. 

"We have a ton of depth," Kriebel said. "We have some sophomores, and even a freshman — Carter Turk — who've been able to prove themselves. We always have people step up when it's needed. Especially in games when Keller and I can't produce." 

"We trust everyone on this team to do their job," Chamovitz added. "Even the guys off the bench. We know they can go out there and play up to par with every one of our starters. Today it was me and Rowan who did the bulk of the scoring, but any day, it could be anyone on our team who scores four or five goals." 

Approaching the semifinals, Quaker Valley is red-hot, perhaps hotter than its been all season. 

"We've had a few hallmark games this year," Veshio said. "But, I think our comfort on the ball and our relaxed nature allows for us to play the way we did today for our next game, which we anticipate will be much more difficult." 

As the clock ticked down in the final minute of play, numerous spectators in the Quaker Valley student section could be heard screaming how their club was, "the top team in the state." 

With the win, the squad in black and gold will continue to prove that claim to be true. 

The Quakers advance to the semifinals where they'll take on local rival Ambridge for a shot to not only advance to the WPIAL Championship for the fifth time in the last six years, but also punch their ticket to the state playoffs. 

As has been the case for over a decade now, the main objective for Quaker Valley is to win, and — as was shown on Thursday night — if possible, do it with style. 

Contact Noah Hiles at nhiles@gannett.com. Follow him on twitter @_NoahHiles.

Quaker Valley boys soccer team tears through section, preps for playoffs

By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, October 17, 2021 | 11:01 AM

Quaker Valley already has claimed one championship this fall.

QV’s boys soccer team prepped for the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs by stacking up a 12-0 record in section play.

Not only were the Quakers unbeaten in the section, they did not allow a single goal. Remarkably, QV outscored the opposition 99-0 in its 12 section contests.

“Our playoff expectations are always the same: win a WPIAL championship, qualify for the PIAA tournament and win a PIAA championship,” coach J.J. Veshio said. “I have been very happy with our performance this year. This team is truly representative of the legacy of Quaker Valley soccer, and I am excited to see how they perform in the playoffs.

“We hope the Quaker Valley and Pittsburgh soccer communities support their local soccer teams during this playoff season.”

With nine starters and five of the top six scorers back from last year’s 11-1-1 squad, the Quakers went into the 2021 season with lofty expectations.

Veshio has not been disappointed.

The second-year field boss greeted the following senior starters back from last year: forward Kellen Auth, defender Blaise Burns and midfielders Rowan Kriebel, Keller Chamovitz, Ryan Edwards and Wil Dunda.

Junior Isaac Waller, who is injured, returned as the starting goalkeeper, as did junior Ben Henry and sophomore Nick Allan on defense.

Along with the veteran players, sophomore forwards Cameron Diggins and Bennett Haas and freshman midfielder Carter Turk have made their presence felt.

Heading into its regular season finale, QV was 14-2 with a 110-7 overall scoring advantage. The Quakers owned 13 shutouts, including nine in a row at one stretch.

Zach Buhr has stepped in for Waller at the goalie position, flanked on defense by Burns, Allan, junior Colin Wood and senior Jhon-Fredy Krebs.

“Nothing has really surprised me this year,” Veshio said, “but our outside backs, Colin and Jhon-Fredy, have really stepped up and been extremely solid for us.”

The Quakers opened the season with an 11-game winning streak — including a pair of victories in the East-West Classic, an event that pairs up top teams in the state — before suffering their first loss on Oct. 4, a 3-2 nonsection decision to Class 4A Peters Township.

“We were able to go out to the eastern part of the state for our season-opening tournament and come away with two decisive victories,” Veshio said. “Since then, we have maintained our high standard throughout section play. And even though we dropped games to Peters Township and West Allegheny, we know we can play with high-level teams.

“Our players have shown great composure under duress, especially at Peters Township. They were far and away the best team we’ve played all season and, despite losing, our young men showed tremendous pride and resolve.”

Kriebel (31 goals, 15 assists) and Chamovitz (29 goals, 13 assists) have proven to be one of the WPIAL’s strongest tandems, accounting for 60 goals and 28 assists through 16 games.

Edwards chipped in with a team-leading 33 assists to go along with his nine goals, while Dunda added 10 goals and seven helpers.

QV was ranked third in 2A in the latest Trib HSSN soccer rankings, behind Shady Side Academy and South Park.

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, October 24, 2021 | 11:01 AM

Quaker Valley’s Rown Kriebel and Keller Chamovitz were near unstoppable this season.

The senior forwards led the Quakers to a 12-0 record in Section 4-2A and to a 15-2 overall mark. They earned the No. 2 seed for the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs and were slated to host No. 15 Burrell on Monday.

“We feel very confident in our abilities, based on how we performed in the section and the quality of opponents we played out of section,” QV coach J.J. Veshio said. “Despite losing two games, one to highly ranked 4A Peters Township and the other to top ranked 3A West Allegheny, we know our skill level is very high and we anticipate making a deep run in the playoffs. As always, our goal is to win a WPIAL and PIAA championship.”

Kriebel registered 32 goals and 19 assists for the Quakers. Chamovitz peppered in a team-high 34 goals to go along with 14 assists.

Another offensive catalyst for the Quakers was senior midfielder Will Dunda with 12 goals and seven assists. Senior Tim Smith led the QV defensive corps in scoring with seven goals.

The team leader in assists was senior MF Ryan Edwards with 37 helpers, to go along with his 10 goals.

Senior Zach Buhr and junior Isaac Waller shared the majority of the goalkeeping duties this season, with Buhr registering a 0.58 goals-against average in nine starts and Waller a 0.14 GAA in seven starts.

QV blanked 10 of its first 11 opponents and ended up with 13 shutouts. The Quakers racked up a 123-8 overall scoring advantage.

Parth Upadhyaya

Beaver County Times

FREEDOM — Rowan Kriebel switched back and forth between the two videos. He figured one of them had to fill the void.

One hour, the now-senior Quaker Valley High School forward would watch highlights of his favorite player, Real Madrid star Eden Hazard; the next, he’d play film of his Quakers team’s previous matches.

Neither alleviated his sadness or frustration. In fact, it “probably made it worse,” he now admits. The situation was what it was — a COVID-19 outbreak in the Quaker Valley School District last October forced all the district’s athletic teams to pause their seasons. For the Quakers, that meant quarantining for two weeks, forfeiting their first match of the WPIAL playoffs and ending a four-year streak of WPIAL championship game appearances.

Now, Kriebel and his teammates are as motivated as ever this fall. And in an 11-0 drubbing of fellow Class 2A foe Freedom on Tuesday night, it showed.

“I couldn’t imagine being a senior last year and having the rest of my career behind me,” Kriebel said after scoring five goals on the Bulldogs’ turf. “I’m just thankful that we’re out here playing this year, and I just want to keep playing games.”

After last season came to an unexpected halt, head coach J.J. Veshio said he didn’t have to do much to push his group in the months leading up to the Quakers’ (now 4-1 in 2021) season opener in late August.

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, September 12, 2021 | 10:01 AM

Quaker Valley boys soccer is synonymous with success.

As is second-year coach J.J. Veshio, a longtime assistant in the program.

Veshio guided then-defending WPIAL and PIAA Class 2A champ Quaker Valley to an 11-1-1 record last season, as the Quakers outscored the opposition 114-8 and had three double-digit scorers.

Unfortunately, QV became the biggest postseason omission in WPIAL boys soccer when the Panthers pulled out of the playoffs over coronavirus concerns.

Two school buildings were closed after a covid-19 outbreak in the district, and the decision was made before the start of the playoffs to shut down all QV athletic teams for two weeks.

“I’m very proud of how this team has responded to our early exit last year,” Veshio said.

“We are very focused and determined to be the best possible team we can be and hope to continue the rich legacy of this program.

“From our athletic director to our trainer to our parents and through our team’s players and coaches, we love this program and want to make it something very special this year.”

Veshio played soccer at QV from 1999-2002 for Hall of Fame coach Gene Klein and was a part of PIAA and WPIAL championship and PIAA runner-up squads.

Veshio returned to QV as an assistant in 2008, then was tapped to lead the program in 2020 when Andrew Marshall stepped down after five years at the helm.

“Our expectations and goals are the same every year,” Veshio said. “We want to open the season strongly with a solid preseason and perform well in the East-West Classic tournament. From there, we want to win the section, hopefully going undefeated, then qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.

“A WPIAL championship, PIAA berth and PIAA championship are always on our goal sheet and expected.”

Veshio welcomed nine starters back from last year’s squad, including the following seniors: forwards Rowan Kriebel and Kellen Auth, midfielders Keller Chamovitz, Ryan Edwards and Wil Dunda and defender Blaise Burns.

Isaac Waller is the returning starter at the goalkeeper position, as is Ben Henry on defense. Both are juniors. The ninth starter back is Nick Allan, a sophomore defender.

Kriebel, a third-year starter and fourth-year letterman, expects QV to have a strong showing in section play, especially defensively.

“My early expectations are that we win each game and improve with each game,” he said. “I think if our team keeps going in the direction we are, and we all stay healthy, we will have a good chance of winning states and WPIALs in 2A — making up for the unfortunate events of last year.”

Burns, Allan, senior Jhon-Fredy Krebs and junior Colin Wood will team up on defense in front of Waller in the early stages of this season.

“Those four have been fantastic in minimizing goal-scoring opportunities,” Veshio said, “and they are making things much easier for our goalkeeper.”

Five of top six scorers on last year’s squad have returned this fall.

“Our strength is always the commitment from the players to better themselves through hard work and dedication,” Veshio said, “which will in turn produce a positive result on the field for the team.”

Ranked second in Class 2A by TribLive HSSN — mirroring 2020’s preseason — the Quakers quickly made their presence known Sept. 3-4 in the East-West Classic, an event that matches up top teams from both halves of the state. QV blanked Fleetwood, 4-0, and ran past Exeter Township, 5-1.

Chamovitz netted a hat trick against Fleetwood while Kriebel contributed three assists. Sophomore forward Cameron Diggins also scored for QV, and Waller made five saves.

Kriebel had a hat trick against Exeter Township; Edwards tallied a goal and three assists.

“We traditionally do not do well in this tournament,” Veshio said, “but we schedule it to show us what we need to improve upon and what the standard is around the state. Considering we won 4-0 and 5-1, we are very satisfied with how things started. We can always improve, though, and know we could have performed even better. It’s a great start leading into section play.”

At Quaker Valley, success breeds success.

Sparked by offensive standouts Fritz Reiter, Franky Fernandez and Dom Reiter, QV captured its ninth WPIAL title and eighth PIAA crown in school history in 2019. The Quakers went 8-0 in the postseason to finish 24-2 overall.

Quaker Valley compiled a 94-21-4 composite record from 2015-19 and added a WPIAL championship in 2016 and a PIAA title in 2017. QV was a WPIAL runner-up in 2017 and 2018 and a PIAA runner-up in 2016.

The Quakers also were undefeated section champions — 44-0 — from 2016-2019.

This season, there are 40 players in the program, including 13 seniors, nine juniors, eight sophomores and 10 freshmen. And the numbers were high the five previous years with 41, 43, 39, 42 and 45 athletes in the program.

Along with the strong corps of returning starters this year, others hoping to help to create a buzz for QV early in the season include Diggins, freshman midfielder Carter Turk and sophomore forward Bennett Haas.

“Cameron Diggins has been getting minutes in the midfield,” Veshio said, “and Carter Turk is also getting playing time, as some of our players are hurt. Both of those players, along with Bennett Haas, have been really strong underclassmen who are the future of this program, and a part of the present.”

Veshio is the son of longtime Quaker Valley football and track coach Jerry Veshio, who also served as athletic director.

By: Tribune-Review
Saturday, September 4, 2021 | 12:13 AM

Keller Chamovitz had a hat trick to lead Quaker Valley to a 4-0 win over Fleetwood at the East-West Classic, an event that matches up top teams from each half of the state. Cam Diggins also scored for Quaker Valley. Rowan Kriebel had three assists. Isaac Waller made five saves for the shutout.

The West went 2-0 on the day as Mt. Lebanon defeated Exeter Township, 2-1.

By: Bill Beckner Jr. 
Sunday, August 29, 2021 | 8:56 PM

WPIAL boys soccer preview

Class 2A

Defending champion: Deer Lakes powered its way to the title behind state player of the year Michael Sullivan and Devin Murray, but the Lancers must reload.

Contenders: Shady Side Academy, which finished one win better than Deer Lakes in Section 2, has the look of a winner again. The newly-named Bulldogs bring back seniors Sam Farner and Joe Anania as key scoring threats. … Nine seniors are gone at Elizabeth Forward, but state coach of the year Doug Finke still has talent in the lineup. … Quaker Valley had to pull out of the WPIAL playoffs over covid concerns, but the Quakers have senior Blaise Burns and Rowan Kriebel back and could challenge for the title.

Don’t sleep on: Charleroi. The Cougars feature one of the state’s top goal scorers in senior Eben McIntyre.

Rankings

Class 2A

1. Shady Side Academy (14-3)

2. Quaker Valley (11-1-1)

3. Deer Lakes (17-2)

4. Elizabeth Forward (12-3-2)

5. Charleroi (14-2)

Players to watch

Mark Accamondo, Sr., Brentwood

Keegan Amos, Sr., West Allegheny

Joe Anania, Sr., Shady Side Academy

John Bence, So., Aquinas Academy

Bob Bootay, Sr., Seton LaSalle

Blaise Burns, Sr., Quaker Valley

Nick Cherry, So., Seton LaSalle

Carlo Denis, Jr., Greensburg Central Catholic

Anthony DiFalco, Sr., Franklin Regional

Johnny Dragisich, Sr., West Allegheny

Mason Fabean, Sr., Greensburg Central Catholic

Sam Farner, Sr., Shady Side Academy

Will Gruca, Jr., Ambridge

Alex Hauskrecht, Sr., Winchester Thurston

Colton Hudson, Jr., Franklin Regional

Luke Kolankowski, Sr., Plum

Rowan Kriebel, Sr., Quaker Valley

Andrew Massucci, Sr., Peters Township

Eben McIntyre, Sr., Charleroi

Owen McDermott, Jr., Leechburg

Chris Mitchell, Jr., Springdale

Landon Mohney, Sr., Butler

Daniel Sassak, Sr., Belle Vernon

Nathan Schlessinger, Sr., Penn-Trafford

Ashton Schutzman, Sr., Fox Chapel

Landon Urcho, Jr., Bentworth

Jared Waggett, Sr., Chartiers Houston

Gabe Viszlay, Sr., Hampton

Caleb Yuricha, Sr., Norwin

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review Staff Writer. You can contact Bill by email at bbeckner@triblive.com or via Twitter .

KEITH BARNES

Tri-State Sports & News Service / /

SEP 1, 2021

6:30 AM

Quaker Valley was set to spend the final week of the 2020 regular season gearing up for what it expected to be a run to a WPIAL Class 2A boys soccer title repeat.

Then the Quakers postponed their final two games against Ellwood City and West Allegheny because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

A couple of days later, they pulled out of the playoffs altogether.

So no playoffs. No repeat. And no chance at a possible state title.

And that bitterness has carried over to 2021.

“I didn’t have to do a single thing to get them motivated,” Quaker Valley coach J.J. Veshio said. “This is a very humble group, but if there is any way they can make up for last year in this current season, they’re going to somehow find a way to do that.”

Since the PIAA expanded soccer to four classifications, Quaker Valley had played in the championship match each season, winning in 2016 and 2019 and losing to Shady Side Academy in both 2017-18. This year the Quakers return a host of players led by senior defender Blaise Burns and senior forward Rowan Kriebel.

“Blaise is one of our top guys and he’s going to play a physical game, but a clean game. He wins tackles, he wins headers and he’s not afraid to put his body on the line,” Veshio said. “Rowan is significantly more hungry. He’s on track to do some amazing things for Quaker Valley soccer ... he’s our guy on top.”

Quaker Valley may be seeking to reclaim its former glory, but so, too, is Shady Side Academy, which lost to Deer Lakes in a shootout in the final last year. The Bulldogs also have something to prove after the restrictions only allowed for district champions to represent the WPIAL in the state tournament.

“We just talked for about 20 minutes after the game about the legacy and how we played in four of the last five finals and that this one didn’t go our way,” Shady Side Academy coach Ed Ellsworth said. “We’ll be back in this moment. They’re motivated by championships, whether we would have won or lost, they’re hungry for the next one.”

While Quaker Valley and Shady Side Academy are looking to reclaim their glory, Deer Lakes is the current champion. The Lancers, though, have a new coach in Aaron Smith and have to replace a pair of all-state players in Mercyhurst’s Devin Murray and Pitt’s Michael Sullivan.

Preseason rankings

Last year’s record in parentheses

Class 2A

1. Quaker Valley (11-1-1)

2. Shady Side Academy (14-3-0)

3. South Park (12-3-0)

4. Deer Lakes (17-2-0)

5. Charleroi (14-2-0)