Mirror file photo This fall, senior Jace Black (right) returns for Altoona as does Hollidaysburg junior Alex Arbogast.

Last season ended in heartbreak for many of the top high school boys soccer teams in the Mirror’s core coverage area.

Altoona (4A) and Bishop Carroll (1A) lost District 6 championship games in double overtime, and Penn Cambria (2A) and Hollidaysburg (3A) also lost district finals.

The Mountain Lions, who finished last season 16-3, have a new head coach in Travis Young and return their top goal scorer and Mirror first-team all star Jace Black.

Hollidaysburg also brings back a Mirror first-teamer in Owen Naugle as does Penn Cambria in senior Nick Marshall, who led the Panthers with 26 goals last year.

Marshall and the Panthers will be trying to return to the top of District 6 after winning the title in 2023.

Tyrone also brings back Noah Gulvas, who was a first-teamer on a much-improved Golden Eagles squad last season.

The following is a capsulized look at all of the high school boys soccer teams in the Mirror’s core coverage area.

Altoona

Coach: Travis Young, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 16-3

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Seniors–Jace Black mid., Collin Etters for. Sophomore–Carson Crawford mid.

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors–Mohammed Adam for., Zach McGary for., Galal Ismail mid. Juniors–Aaden Aveni def., Bilal Eltayeb mid./for., Yousif Idriss def., Matt Iuzzolino def./mid., Bradley Musselman for., Cayden Shaw def. Sophomores–Jackson Beckwith mid., Elijah Gibson def./mid., Diego Gil def., Alexander Hainsey for., Ryder Krause keeper, Jonah McClellan mid.

Newcomers: Juniors–Abubaker Hussien mid./for., Andrea Cacciatore mid., Miguel Oliveira mid./for. Sophomore–Guillermo Mejias mid. Freshmen–Bryce Snare def./mid., Quin Sipes keeper, Braden Jubeck for., Caleb Cox def./mid., Deveron Boore mid./for., Donato Fanelli mid./for., George DelBaggio III mid./for., Bennett Krouse mid./for.

Strengths: “While we are only returning three starters from a team that won 16 games, we are filling the gaps due to graduation with experienced players that have been around the Mountain Lion program for several years. Their understanding of what it takes to win and their commitment to putting in the extra work will pay dividends later in the season. ”

Concerns: None listed

Overall outlook: “This group is talented at all three levels. Our senior leadership, along with a hungry group of younger players, will undoubtedly lead to an enjoyable and rewarding season.”

Assistant coaches: Andy Aveni, Jacob Adams, Danny Cowan, Austin Kravetz

Bishop Carroll

Coach: Chad Ryan, fourth year

Career record: 22-32-2

Last year’s record: 8-10-2

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Angus Ryan keeper, Camden Galiote def., Andrew Lucko for., Ben Kirsch for., Eli Cunningham for., Nick Oravec for. Junior–Reed Miller for.

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Liam Shawley def. Juniors–Landon Duman for., Andrew Ostinowsky def., Dane Krauss def. Elijah Sossong def.

Newcomers: Sophomores–Nick Welsko def., Michael Sotosky, for. Freshmen–Tyler Oravec def., Andrew Farabaugh for., Bennett Krotzer for., Jack Tremel def., Chase Duman for., Dominick Lokesak def., Travis Delauter, for.

Strengths: “We have seven returning starters, and you cannot downplay the importance of having varsity experience. These young men have worked very hard during the offseason in hopes of doing better than we have in the past couple of years.”

Concerns: “We lost some key players to graduation and most were in the defense positions. It’s time for the kids to step up and fill the holes that were left.”

Overall outlook: “We have a very positive outlook for this season. The boys are focused at being the most competitive they can be throughout the season. They possess a drive to be better than they are now, every day.”

Assistant coaches: Naveen Sirsikar, Brode Ryanx

Bishop Guilfoyle Academy

Coach: Colin Dangler, third year

Career record: 4-30-1

Last year’s record: 2-17

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Evan Burke keeper/mid., Jimmy Columbo striker/mid., Jack Compton def., Lincoln Dom striker/mid./keeper, Aiden Schurr mid., Jacob Sutton def. Juniors–Braydon Andros mid., Aiden Carney mid./def., Pearce Pham def./mid., Brenden Young mid./striker. Sophomores–Andrew Burke striker/mid., Dom Ianuzzi mid./def., Xavier Rhodes mid./striker

Newcomers: Freshmen–Owen Witham mid./striker, Ryan Ghaffari mid.

Strengths: “I am very excited to see this year’s team perform. This will be the first year we have had a team with more than one senior. The team has 13 returning players this year with six seniors. This has allowed us to progress much faster than in previous years.”

Concerns: “Same concerns as last year. 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: “This is the most experienced team I have the opportunity to coach, and I am looking forward to watching this senior class play soccer this year.”

Assistant coaches: Shawn Burke, Patrick Schurr

Blair County Christian

Coach: Dave Huston, first year

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association

Returning starters: Junior–Jonathan Marucci. Sophomore–Silas Marucci. Freshman–Blake Grissinger

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Bradley Maretich. Sophomore–Sage O’Donnell. Eighth grade–Donnie Shepherd, Devon Hewitt, Hayden Snyder

Newcomers: Juniors–Aidyn Lundy, Julian Sponsler. Sophomore–Isaiah Snyder. Freshman–Arian Lundy. Seventh grade–Wesley Trogen, Tucker Shoeman

Strengths: “These guys are willing to work hard and are working well as a team. It is really exciting to see your older, experienced players working with and helping out the younger players.”

Concerns: “We have a very young team and a large number that this is either their first year or in previous years didn’t seem much time on the field.”

Overall outlook: “We lost some really strong players from last year’s team, so this will be a rough year, but we have some great assistant coaches that have a great knowledge of the game and a good rapport with the guys because of what they did when they played. Plus, the boys are willing to listen and work. We are looking forward to a good year.”

Assistant coaches: Davis Dull, Aaron Winters, Harrison Hollis

Cambria Heights

Coach: Adam Strasser, 10th year

Career record: 97-63-9

Last year’s record: 12-7

Conference: Heritage Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Ethan Gilbey def., Stevie Stevens def. Juniors–Nate Conaway for., Owen Garrison keeper, Levi Link mid. Sophomore–Carter Bradley mid.

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Evan Larkin def. Juniors–Hayden Kohn mid., Nito Kutruff mid. Sophomores–Noah Pierce def., Beau Quilliam def., Urban Sherry def., Ben Valeria for.-mid.

Newcomers: Senior–Ethan Douthitt mid. Junior–Mason Kline mid. Sophomore–Dominic Mulraney def. Freshmen–Chris Galinis mid., Max Galinis def./keeper, Leo Jones for./mid., Ethan Lechene mid./def., Tucker Link mid./for., Nathan Mislevy def., Levi Sherry mid., Andre Smithmyer mid.

Strengths: “With six returning players, a strong group of returning players, and a core of talented newcomers, the team heads into the upcoming season with a solid foundation and high expectations. A major strength of this squad is their impressive soccer IQ. The players have dedicated themselves in the offseason, putting in countless hours of training to build chemistry, sharpen skills, and elevate their game.”

Concerns: “We lost many talented seniors from last season that were multi-year starters and phenomenal leaders. We will need our returnees to step into key roles left vacant by last season’s seniors.”

Overall outlook: “The 2025 Highlanders will be a very balanced, hardworking team. We return offensive and defensive players with a lot of varsity soccer experience. Our goal will be to play to the best of our abilities and to improve daily.”

Assistant coaches: Clayton Nelen, Bob Diamond, Mike Strasser

Junior high coaches: Calem Illig, Chase Rogal, Brad O’Hara

Central

Coach: Caleb Stern, second year

Career record: 0-18

Last year’s record: 0-18

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Joseph Bridenbaugh. Juniors–Jeremiah Hart, Jacob Heuston. Sophomores–Mason Robison, Drew Heltzel, Ben McIntier

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Korbyn Horon. Junior–Gavin Kuster. Sophomore–Owen Smith

Newcomers: Senior–Christian Heuston. Freshmen–Owen Brown, Able Corley, Drew Dillon, Nathan Hockenberry, Christian Reese, Conner Rudnick

Strengths: “More players this year. Most of the team returning and lost only two seniors. Should be able to have better results with an older team now.”

Concerns: “Tough schedule this year. Going to need the team to step up and perform well against good teams.”

Overall outlook: “Excited. Last year was tough, but it’s a brand new year with more experience and a clean slate.”

Assistant coach: Josh Bridenbaugh

Junior high coach: Gordon Hockenberry

Central Cambria

Coach: Bryce Croyle, third year

Career record: 7-28-1

Last year’s record: 4-14

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Trey Hall, Liam O’Brien, Ben Garrity, Jonathan Rivera, Rocco Barra, Miles Doyle, Jacob Fisher, Ben Muldoon

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors–Trey Hall, Wyatt Hunt, Liam O’Brien. Juniors–Ben Garrity, Logan Kukla, Andrew Plunkard, Jonathan Rivera. Sophomores–Rocco Barra, Sawyer Devlin, Miles Doyle, Jacob Fisher, Eli Illig, Ethan Knarr, Caleb Lewis, Hunter Link, Ben Muldoon, Isaac Oravec, Owen Stossel

Newcomers: Freshmen–Levi Armold, Jacob Bobby, Austin Carper, Christopher Griffiths, Eli Gutilla, Jonah Hoffman, Andres Rivera, Tyler Staruch, John Stock, Jacob Stohon, Eli Wenderoth, Brock Williamson

Strengths: “We should be a good possession team this year. I really think we will be controlling a lot of play between the 18 yard boxes.”

Concerns: “We are a fairly young team this year. We will be tested and it will be interesting to see how we deal with those tests.”

Overall outlook: “We should be improving on our record from last season. I believe the group of guys we have now should be able to make it into the post season and we will see how the season has prepared us for how we perform from there.”

Assistant coaches: Dan Garrity, Landon Cuppett

Chestnut Ridge

Coach: Aaron Harris, second year

Career record: 1-17

Last year’s record: 1-17

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Grady McDonald mid., Evan Showalter def./mid., Bryce Showalter def., Parker Ebersole mid., Brady April def./mid. Juniors–Dominic Ponder mid./def., Brant Gardner def./mid. Sophomores–Joshua Howsare mid., Nate Fee mid.

Other returning letterwinners: Junior–Jacob Kaminsky wing. Sophomores–Ashton Deremer mid. Brody Myers mid./def.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Noah Gardner, Grant Moyer

Strengths: “We have 12 guys returning with five seniors.”

Concerns: “We have a low number of players.”

Overall outlook: “Respect on and off the field is what we are working toward.”

Assistant coaches: Greg Gibbner, Rick McDonald, Dylan Gibbner

Great Commission

Coach: Jason Mauk, first year

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association

Returning starters: Senior–Danny Kurty. Juniors–Aaron Kurty, Wesley Hicks, Van Nachtman. Sophomore–Owen Huber. Freshmen–Joel Lohsl, Blake Nachtman

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Keith Biddle. Sophomore–Ian Grissinger. Eighth grade–Josiah Mauk

Newcomers: Sophomore–Donovan Bickings. Freshmen–David Wolford, Isaiah McChesney. Seventh grade–Joseph Mauk, Luke Stachmus, Jared Edouard

Strengths: “Field knowledge and experience despite a young squad.”

Concerns: “Rain.”

Overall outlook: “Positive. We are in a healthy position.”

Assistant coaches: Julie Lohsl, Kevin Bickings, Owen Hildebrand

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Craig Shale, 22nd year

Career record: 285-121-9

Last year’s record: 15-4-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Andrew Chestney def., Asher Miles mid., Owen Naugle mid. Juniors–Liam Sawyer def., Bryce Hollingshead mid., Alex Arbogast for.. Sophomores–Braelyn Ross for., Liam Jancula keeper, Gannon Zonts def.

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Brayden Zonts def. Junior–Jacob Sydney mid. Sophomores–Brady Lewis mid., Angler Gray mid.

Newcomers: Junior–Caleb Hileman. Freshmen–Caiden Galioto, Nolan Lloyd, Devin Walters

Strengths: “Good returning core of players. Plenty of options in midfield.”

Concerns: “Lack of depth. We will be a small varsity squad, so injuries could be a problem.”

Overall outlook: “We will be a good possession team but will need players to step up and provide us with goals. Our team goals remain the same — win the LHAC, win District 6 and win that elusive first round of states game.”

Assistant coach: Grant Glass

Junior high coaches: Adam Naugle, Parker Zonts

Northern Bedford

Coach: Dan Oberman, third year

Career record: 8-27

Last year’s record: 3-15

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Nate Eckenroad. Juniors–Weston Hart, Logan Cottle, Ashton Wisker, Cavan Lloyd, Ben Steele. Sophomores–Noah Zelanko, Ryan Crawford

Other returning letterwinners: Junior–Ian Smith

Newcomers: Junior–Ethan Miller. Freshmen–Ryan Harper, Turner Helsel, Asher Reffner, Grant Sipe, Jude Sheptock, Aydyn Walters, Christopher Corle

Strengths: “Senior goalie Nate Eckenroad and field players Logan Cottle and Cavan Lloyd.”

Concerns: “Still a young team. Most of them are new to soccer with only a year or two of playing.”

Overall outlook: “To be competitive in the games we play.”

Assistant coaches: Damian Corle, Todd Eckenroad, Jeremy Reffner

Junior high coaches: Brandon Horton, Jason Barton

Penn Cambria

Coach: Rick China, first year

Career record: 0-0-0

Last year’s record: 14-7-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Nick Marshall for., Jackson Rice def., Ryan Giraud mid., Seth Conrad mid./def., Drew Latterner mid./def., Levi Baker mid., Cody Farabaugh for./keeper. Juniors–Carter Panick def., Elijah Chyr mid.

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Kurtis Eger for./def. Junior–Charlie Golden for./mid.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Cooper Sasse keeper, Rocco Ricupero mid./def., Daniel Hanlon mid./def., Xavier Noll def., Gage Snyder for./keeper, Tristan Moyer def.

Strengths: “We have a good core group of returning players. They are smart, willing to listen, work hard and play together. As a new coach to the area, I was able to work with a good portion of the players in the offseason, so we are not totally new to each other. We have one of the top goal scorers in the area in Nick Marshall and a very strong defensive backfield. With a strong defense and goal scorer, you can win a lot of games.”

Concerns: “No doubt, the number of players available to our program. We will only dress 17 players, of which eight are seniors, three are juniors, none are sophomores and six are freshmen.”

Overall outlook: “I believe our starting 11 will be able to compete for a district title, however if we want to build a sustainable, winning program, we need to get our numbers (players) up.”

Assistant coaches: Justin Magnotti, Rick Marshall (statistician)

Junior high coach: Tom Creehan

Tyrone

Coach: Alex Bartlett, seventh year

Career record: 26-80

Last year’s record: 8-11

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Rowan Moore mid. Juniors–Wyatt Walls keeper, Grant Miller def., Cameron Nelson mid./def., Ned Smearman mid., Noah Gulvas for., Caleb Posnett def., Tytus Novak mid./def. Sophomores–Potter Myers mid.; Karter Bokulich def.

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Devon Nardelli keeper. Sophomores–Gavin Brasher mid., Cameron Coffey for., Ethan Fritts for., Gavin Tuskovich for., Griffin Warren def.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Miles Smearman def./for., Brenson Davis def., Colby Bardell for., Jaryn Wilson keeper

Strengths: “Game experience, team chemistry.”

Concerns: “Depth of roster.”

Overall outlook: “We are excited for the season. We have almost everyone back, plus some great additions from our growing junior high program.”

Assistant coaches: Bailey Christine, Kyle Bartlett, Daron Daly

Junior high coaches: Craig Gabel, Tom Brasher, Paul Pastelok