10/25/22 Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Cambria Heights' Chase Rogal settles the ball by Penn Cambria's Vincent Gongloff.

The Altoona Area High School boys soccer team brings back two Altoona Mirror first-team all-stars in Alex Lieb and Justin Bossler as it attempts to make it back to the District 6 4A championship game and come out on top in the game it lost a year ago.

Hollidaysburg won a District 6 title last year but lost three first-team all-stars and a second-team star to graduation.

Other returning first-teamers include Penn Cambria’s Andrew Dillon, Chestnut Ridge’s Elias Ritchey and Cambria Heights’ Chase Rogal.

The following is a capsulized look at each team in the Mirror’s core coverage area:

Altoona

Coach: Dave McCarter

Career record: 83-37-3

Last year’s record: 13-6

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Seniors–Connor Adams, defense; Cohen Crawford, forward; Alex Lieb, defense; Ian Long, forward. Juniors–Justin Bossler, midfield; Luke Mitchell, goalie; Troy Peterman, forward. Sophomore–Jace Black, midfield.

Other returning players: Juniors–Josh Adams, defense; Mohammed Ahmed, defense; Deniz Albayrakdileo, forward; Roman Dunio, forward; Dan Kelly, forward. Sophomores–Mazin Ahmed, midfield; Colton Chathams, defense; Collin Etters, defense; Matt Harkins, midfield; Brian Knott, midfield; Jude Plutko, midfield; Derek Reed, midfield; Spencer Spallone, defense.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Braxton Eckenrode, midfield; Zach McGary, defense; Aaden Aveni, defense; Bilal Eltayeb, midfield; Kylar Hansen, midfield; Abubaker Hussein, midfield; Yousi Idriss, defense; Matt Iuzzolino, midfield; Ian Lieb, defense; Bradley Musselman, forward; Cayden Shaw, goalie.

Strengths: “We have nine returning starters and have a very experienced pool of reserve players. This squad is very driven and possesses the ball well.”

Concerns: “We always have the need to replace some of the on field players and intangibles we have lost to graduation. This group has taken up the mantle and is filling those gaps.”

Overall outlook: “We are experienced and talented. If we execute our game plan effectively, good things will happen.”

Assistant coaches: Andy Aveni, Chris Bartley, Danny Cowan, Travis Young

Bishop Carroll

Coach: Chad Ryan, second year

Career record: 8-10

Last year’s record: 8-10

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Brode Ryan, defense; Seth Cunningham, defense, midfield. Juniors–Will Tremmel, forward; Zachary Novak, forward, midfield; Jude Hudkins, forward; Daniel Farabaugh, defense, midfield. Sophomore–Camden Galiote, defense

Other returning players: Senior–Mitchell Dumm, defense. Junior–Kevin Lynch, defense. Sophomores–Angus Ryan, goalie; Nick Oravec, forward; Ben Kirsch, forward.

Newcomers: Sophomore–Andrew Lucko, midfielder. Freshmen–Reed Miller, forward, midfield; Andrew Ostinowsky, defense; Elijah Sossong, defense; Kaden Kolvalchic, forward; Landon Duman, forward; Steven Lynch, forward; Ethan Holtz.

Strengths: “This group of kids has the potential to be a good team. We have a good mix of ages but a lot of experience throughout the grades. What makes these boys special is the willingness to learn and strive to improve. What makes this bunch of young men special is there are a lot of leaders, throughout the grades, that want the team to succeed. Individual selfishness doesn’t come around this team too often.”

Concerns: “One challenge we face is the loss of the seniors from last year. Some young men will need to step up and fill those positions. Another tough challenge will be the competition throughout the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference.”

Overall outlook: “There are a lot of tough programs in this conference and in this area. Every win will take a lot of work. The competition is very good.”

Assistant coaches: Jude Koehle, Naveen Sirsikar

Bishop Guilfoyle

Coach: Colin Dangler, first year

Career record: 0-0-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Nathaniel Sutton, striker. Junior–Leo Dangler, midfielder, striker. Sophomores–Evan Burke, goalie; Jack Compton, defense; Lincoln Dom, midfielder; Aiden Schurr, defense; Jacob Sutton, defense.

Newcomers: Junior–Edison Alencar Ponte, striker. Sophomore–John Bickford, defense; Hugo Martin Llorente, midfielder. Freshmen–Braydon Andros, defense; Aiden Carney, midfielder; Pearce Pham, defense; Brenden Young, midfielder, striker.

Strengths: “We are a young and athletic team. We have a good balance of skill players, and the boys are fast learners. I look forward to seeing the growth of each player.”

Concerns: “The team will need to adjust to having new coaches and a new soccer program. We only have a few substitution players, so we will need to be in top condition to stay competitive for the entire game.”

Overall outlook: “I am looking forward to working with my assistant coaches and taking on the challenge of creating a new soccer program. I feel this is a building year for the team, however I am optimistic in our success this season.”

Assistant coaches: Shawn Burke, Patrick Schurr

Blair County Christian

Coach: Chaz Dull, second year

Career record: 11-4

Last year’s record: 11-4

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Conference, Western Division

Returning starters: Seniors–Caedmon Dull, Harrison Hollis. Juniors–Seth Nicodemus, Dalton Snyder. Freshman–Jonathan Marucci. Eighth grade–Donovan Bickings.

Other returning players: Seniors–Micaiah Marucci. Freshman–Taylor Mahan. Eighth grade–Silas Marucci.

Newcomers: Seniors–Matthias Andrew, Ealor Burket. Sophomores–Keith Biddle. Freshman–Malachi Teis. Seventh grade–Blake Grissinger, Aaron Love, Dillon Mahan, Titus Teis.

Strengths: “We have seven returning starters that have good experience to lead the inexperienced players. Overall team unity.”

Concerns: “The youth of the team in general. For many of the new players this is their first time playing at this level.”

Overall outlook: “I see us getting better as the season progresses, and some of our inexperienced players gain confidence in their play. The goal is to compete for first place in our division and then see what happens in the league tournament.”

Assistant coaches: Chris Davis, Dusty Huston

Cambria Heights

Coach: Adam Strasser, eighth year

Career record: 74-50-7

Last year’s record: 13-7-1

Conference: Heritage

Returning starters: Seniors–George Campbell, forward; Reese Garrison, forward-midfielder; Chase Rogal, stopper. Juniors–Mason Eckenrode, forward-midfielder.

Other returning players: Juniors–Cameron Abrams, midfielder; Landen Baker, defender; David Frowner, midfielder; Nathan Fyock, goalie-midfielder; Mark Stevens, defender; Sophomores–Ethan Douthitt, defender; Ethan Gilbey, midfielder-goalie; Wyatt Mazenko, defender; Connor O’Shall, defender; Stevie Stevens, midfielder-forward; Kyle Watson, defender-midfielder

Newcomers: Juniors–Dom Keith, defender. Freshmen–Nate Conaway, midfielder-forward; Owen Garrison, midfielder-forward; Tyler Kearnely, defender; Mason Kline, midfielder-forward; Hayden Kohn, midfielder-defender; Nito Kutruff, midfielder-defender; Levi Link, midfielder-defender; Ty McConnell, midfielder-forward; Cameron Noel, defender

Strengths: “One of our strengths is the offense. We have three starters back who all played key roles in our 2022 district championship run. Additionally, throughout offseason workouts, many of the underclassman have shown flashes of contributing to a potentially dynamic offense. We have a plethora of players who understand the game and read the field extremely well. This should help us bounce back quickly from having to replace many talented seniors from last year’s team. Finally, our work ethic has been outstanding.”

Concerns: “The biggest concern is having to replace 10 seniors and many of them in key positions. The positive is we are bringing back many talented players. One of these pieces will be our stopper, Chase Rogal, who was a first-team, All-Altoona Mirror all-star last season and has been voted our team captain as a sophomore and junior. Another concern is replacing goalie Caleb Patterson, another 2022 first-team Mirror all-star.”

Overall outlook: “The 2023 Cambria Heights boys soccer team will be my eighth season as head coach. Our goal will be to play to the best of our abilities and to get better every day. If we do those things, there is not any more I can ask of my players.”

Assistant coaches: Matt Milanesi, Mike Strasser, Bob Diamond.

Central

Coach: Brian Campbell, 11th year

Career record: 100-80-8

Last year’s record: 4-14-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Lane Kephart, forward; Avery Campbell, midfielder; Bennett Kensinger, midfielder; Braden Defibaugh, defender; Caleb Peck, defender; Ben Brumbaugh, defender-goalie. Juniors–Logan Hummel, midfielder; Connor Biddle, goalie. Sophomores–Christan Heuston, midfielder

Other returning players: Sophomores–Alex Eicher, forward; Joey Bridenbaugh, defender; Tanner Daugherty, midfielder; Hunter Keith, defender; Koybyn Horon, defender

Newcomers: Seniors–Robert Long-Yarrison, forward; Felix Diaz, defender. Freshmen–Jacob Heuston, defender-midfielder; Jeremiah Hart, defender; Logan McNalley, midfielder; Gavin Kuster, goalie; Kolten Dilling, defender-midfielder

Strengths: “This is probably the deepest team we have had since I started coaching the boys.”

Concerns: “Getting this group of players on the same page as quick as possible.”

Overall outlook: “We should be competitive in every game and make the playoffs this year.”

Central Cambria

Coach: Bryce Croyle, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 13-6

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Carter Heeney, Matt Krisch, Jack Muldoon

Other returning players: Seniors–Jack Trostle, Christian Vasil. Juniors–Tanner Archaneglo, Tanner Braniff, Tyler Brubaker, Landon Cuppett, Everett Devlin, Jackson McElhinny, Jarett Wener, Liam O’Brien, Wyatt Hunt

Newcomers: Sophomores–Trey Hall. Freshmen–Jonathan Rivera, Logan Kukla, Ben Garrity, Philip Ulmer

Strengths: “We have a lot of younger talent coming in filling vacant positions from last year. I think it makes them anxious and hungry to prove themselves, which should help push us in the right direction.”

Concerns: “We are younger and a little less experienced as well, which will also pose its own challenges.”

Overall outlook: “I expect us to overcome some early season challenges and make a run for the playoffs.”

Assistant coach: Ammanuel Ojha

Chestnut Ridge

Coach: Nate Ritchey, third year

Career record: 13-22-0

Last year’s record: 5-11-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Levi Mock, defender, midfielder; Levi Moyer, midfielder, defender, goalkeeper; Preston Pittman, forward, midfielder; Elias Ritchey, midfielder, forward/defender. Sophomores–Connor Bence, defender, midfielder; Bronson Buchanan, goalkeeper, forward.

Other returnees: Senior–Cameron Claycomb, forward, midfielder. Sophomores–Nathan Allison, defender; Parker Ebersole, defender, midfielder; Grady McDonald, forward, midfielder.

Newcomers: Sophomores–Evan Showalter, forward, midfielder. Freshmen–Brant Gardner, forward, defender; Jacob Kaminsky, forward, defender; Dominic Ponder, midfielder, goalkeeper.

Strengths: “Our seniors and juniors have logged a lot of minutes on the pitch, which will be a big benefit to us this season. We return two players (Elias Ritchey and Levi Mock) that will be four-year starters; three (Levi Moyer, Preston and Connor) that will be three-year starters; Bronson, who will be a second-year starter once he gets healthy; and we’re welcoming back Cameron who missed last year after surgery on both of his knees. However, he looked great in travel play this spring and thus far in workouts. Our youngsters have been showing up to offseason practices and have displayed great attitudes coupled with their willingness to learn and get better.”

Concerns: “We’ve had three unfortunate health issues arise before the season has even started. So, our numbers are low, and as such, we must stay healthy with the group that we have. We will have many young players that will be needed to play major minutes, while learning and growing as quickly as possible.”

Overall outlook: “First, and foremost, we want to honor God in all we do — on and off the pitch. Our theme verse for this year is Colossians 3:23, which states, ‘And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.’ We want to give 100% in everything we do and continue to improve every day. Our returning starters have been doing a good job of bringing the other returnees and newcomers along. Just because our numbers are low doesn’t mean we’ve lowered our expectations. We still expect to show up and compete every single time we step on the pitch.”

Assistant coaches: Greg Gibbner, Rick McDonald (volunteer), Dave Van Meter (volunteer)

Great Commission

Coach: Joshua Long, first year

Career record: 0-0-0

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association

Returning starters: Seniors–Hunter Hatch, defense; Liam Hatch, defense. Juniors–Charlie Loshl, keeper; Landyn Summers, midfield; Eli Michael, midfield; Jakson Moore, defense. Sophomore–Daniel Kurty, midfield, defense. Freshmen–Aaron Kurty, midfield, defense; Van Nachtman, striker; Grant Michael, defense.

Other returning players: Wesley Hicks, striker; Owen Huber, midfield, striker, defense.

Newcomers: Freshman–Ian Grissinger, midfield. Seventh grade–Blake Nachtman, midfield, striker; Joel Loshl, midfield

Overall outlook: “We are a skilled team with great chemistry and a love for soccer. We will do well this season.”

Assistant coach: Joshua Stuart

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Craig Shale, 19th year

Career record: 255-111-8

Last year’s record: 15-5, Mountain League and District 6 champions

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Derek Wright, keeper; Owen Bender, defender. Juniors–Micah Helsel, defender

Other returning players: Seniors–Ben Johnson, forward; Caleb Tryninewski, foward; Travis Weyandt, midfielder. Sophomores–Luca Weibel, forward; Owen Naugle, midfielder; Asher Miles, midfielder; Garrett Bouchard, midfielder; Andrew Chestney, defender

Newcomers: Seniors–Paul Giess, defender. Junior–Sebastian Diaz, defender. Freshmen–Alex Arbogast, forward; Bryce Hollingshead, forward

Strengths: “Good group of young players eager to step up and perform. Good defensive spine with seniors Derek Wright and Owen Bender.”

Concerns: “Young, inexperienced team that only returns three starters. No recognized goal scorers. Lack of depth, we will be a small varsity squad, so injuries will be worrisome.”

Overall outlook: “Despite this being a rebuilding year, we will still be a good possession team and our goals remain the same–win the newly-formed LHAC, repeat as District 6 champions and win that elusive first round of states.”

Assistant coach: Grant Glass

Northern Bedford

Coach: Dan Oberman, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 13-5-1

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Chase Imes, Zach Lawton, Noah Kochara, Aiden Wadel, Paedon Logue. Juniors–Logan Dilling, Alex Kochara. Sophomores–Max Gochnaur, Nate Eckenroad.

Other returning players: Sophomore–D’Angelo Wojcik.

Newcomers: Seniors–Nate Blackburn. Freshmen–Isaiah Baker, Logan Cottle, Ashton Whisker, Weston Hart, Owen Blackburn.

Strengths: “We have a great group of guys willing to put in the work to get better every day.”

Concerns: “We have a few holes to fill from the awesome group of seniors that we lost last year.”

Overall outlook: “We have some younger players that need to work hard to fill those spots. We want to be competitive in the ICC West and District 5.”

Assistant coaches: Damian Corle, Kevin Lawton, Todd Eckenroad

Penn Cambria

Coach: Nick Wayno, sixth year

Last year’s record: 7-10-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Andrew Dillon, Sean Tomlinson. Juniors–Conlan Ball, Duncan Gongloff, Kyle Conrad, Jake Zunich. Sophomores–Nick Marshall, Jackson Rice, Cody Farabaugh, Seth Conrad.

Other returning players: Seniors–Joey Hite, Gabe Irving. Sophomores–Seth Conrad.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Elijah Chyr, Frank Wallis, Carter Panic, Preston Kilcoyne, Charlie Golden, Giovanni Tiracave, Evan Connacher

Strengths: “We will have a solid offensive attack. With our leading scorer, Andrew Dillon, coming back and another year with the same offense, I think we should score a lot of goals. Our returning goalie, Duncan Gongloff, has worked very hard this offseason and is looking really good. This team has a great chemistry about them and the want to do well this season.”

Concerns: “We are going to be a work in process in the back. Our defense will be young and we are trying to solidify the center back positions. We will be rotating players around until we find a cohesive back line.”

Overall outlook: “I believe we can make a run to a district title. We need to get our defense together, but we will be able to score goals and keep games close.”

Assistant coach: Justin Magnotti

Tyrone

Coach: Alex Barlett, fifth year

Career record: 15-56-2

Last year’s record: 1-16-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Elijah Knarr, midfielder; Rocky Romani, midfielder; Noah Newlin, midfielder; Connor Bennett, defender; Connor Bardell, forward. Juniors–Jake Baker, forward; Evan Chichester, defender; Nate Ellenberger, defender. Sophomores–Aiden Lewis, defender; Rowan Moore, defender

Other returning players: Junior–Landon Berry, forward. Sophomores–Devon Nardelli, goalie; Ethan D’Onofrio, forward

Newcomers: Juniors–Daniel Reilly, defender. Freshmen–Noah Gulvas, midfielder; Aiden Bennett, defender; Caleb Posnett, defender; Wyatt Walls, goalie; Grant Miller, midfielder-defender; Cameron Nelson, forward; Ned Smearman, midfielder-forward

Strengths: “Culture, team chemistry and experience.”

Concerns: “Consistency.”

Overall outlook: “We have an experienced senior group coming back, mixed with our talented ninth grade class coming in along with our seasoned 10th and 11th graders that will make for a competitive, determined and hungry team.”

Assistant coaches: Bailey Christine, Kyle Barlett (volunteeer)