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Several local scholastic soccer teams have shown to be a cut above the rest as the season is in full swing and playoffs loom on the horizon.
The Bishop Guilfoyle girls soccer squad would have a difficult task bettering last year's season as state runner-up in Class 1A, but so far this season, it has exhibited all the ingredients to make another run deep into the state playoffs in 1A.
The team is solid in nearly every aspect of the game, but forward Emma Marasco and goalkeeper Cece Rumfola have really been the keystones to this undefeated team. Marasco is tenacious from the opening whistle and never stops hustling for the entire 80 minutes. It goes beyond her ability to finish and be a constant threat to score, but she is constantly pushing forward and inspiring fellow teammates.
Rumfola has been a brick wall for BG in goal. She can keep the team in any game, even if the offense is not yet clicking. Her movement from side to side and willingness to sacrifice her body for a save set her apart. This was extremely evident when they recently defeated the previously unbeaten defending District 6 3A champs Hollidaysburg Lady Tigers 5-1. Marasco recorded a hat trick for BG, but the start was slow and Rumfola was peppered with some solid shots the entire half, and Hollidaysburg came up with only one goal. Rumfola recorded 16 saves while BG scored on five of 10 shots on goal.
Marasco brought the offense to life, scoring her final goal with only 40 seconds left in the game. This combination should definitely lead BG to another District 1A title and a good shot at the Laurel Highlands Conference title, but also a deep run into the state playoffs.
The Hollidaysburg girls look like they should also repeat as D6 3A champions.
Coach Alex Bartlett's Tyrone boys team has also had an incredibly strong season. Bartlett works year-round to improve and develop this team, and it is evident on the field.
The Eagles have suffered only one loss on the season. Last year, they gave Hollidaysburg a fight for the District 6 3A crown. You can expect the same thing this year. When these two play, it should be a battle.
Getting younger
Many Americans were disappointed by the finish of the U.S. Men's National Team during World Cup play.
Leading scorer and captain Christian Pulisic was a two-time World Cup veteran but failed to score during the Cup and missed a match with a calf injury and left two other games early. He really did not assume a leadership role.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino decided to drop Pulisic from the team and went with youth. He added 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan to the team. He actually picked up 13 newcomers for the first roster of his second term as U. S. coach.
Sullivan could be the youngest American national team player in 20 years. Pochettino said this is a completely different approach from the past.
Sullivan actually made his Major League Soccer debut at 14 with Philadelphia in July 2024. He has six league goals this season.
Women's World Cup
The soccer world is preparing for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The Cup will feature 32 teams with only the host team Brazil already qualified.
The tournament will run from July 10 to Aug. 20. All teams will come through qualifying tournaments.
USA will have to win entry through the CONCACAF tourney, which will have teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean. There will be five spots in the World Cup to be won here.
The host country Brazil will utilize eight stadiums across eight host cities in Brazil. The U.S. team will be led by Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson, according to head coach Emma Hayes. Claudia Dickey is right now the No. 1 choice for starting goalkeeper. Emily Fox is a lock on defense because she is a reliable threat going forward. Naomi Girma will be the defensive anchor at center back. She will be the foundation for the defense.
Lindsay Heaps is the centerpiece at midfield. She will be the captain and tone setter. She looks to be at her best form in years. Sam Coffey has looked good playing beside her and Rose Lavelle could be the difference maker as the heartbeat of the midfield.
USA has a lot of firepower, a controlling midfield and a stiff defense and should be a very interesting team to watch at the World Cup.
USC in town
It was great to see the USC Lady Trojan soccer team at Mansion Park for its warmup and drills for its game against Penn State at Jeffrey Field
The Lady Lions proved too strong for USC, though, as PSU won 1-0.
Tom Schmitt writes a monthly soccer column for the Mirror.