Greensburg Central boys soccer enters WPIAL playoffs as intriguing underdog

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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It’s not often a team can take momentum from a loss, but Greensburg Central Catholic did that in a recent setback.

The Centurions played top-ranked Charleroi close before falling 1-0. It was a far cry from a 4-1 loss to the Section 2-A champion Cougars earlier in the boys soccer season.

But GCC is a different-looking team now than it was earlier in the schedule, so maybe it isn’t such a surprise.

“We stuck to our shape better, and we played with more speed up top and on the outside,” GCC first-year coach Ryan Kanner said. “We came away feeling pretty good about how we played.”

GCC (7-11) is back in the WPIAL Class A playoffs, but rather than being one of the usual favorites, it is now more of an underdog — or maybe a dark horse?

Some recent changes in the lineup have the team feeling like it could be peaking at the right time and should not be taken lightly in the postseason.

GCC was the No. 1 seed last year when it fell to surging Charleroi, 3-2, in the WPIAL quarterfinals.

The Centurions won WPIAL titles in 2019 and ’20.

Kanner has tinkered with different formations while trying to unlock the perfect style for his team.

“We’re confident right now,” Kanner said. “We’ve simplified what we do a little bit, and the boys are picking it up better. It’s taken some time to figure out how we need to play.”

As for some of the changes — GCC is 3-3 since they were made — senior James Brewer moved from center back to outside mid, adding another scoring threat from the wing and adding a complement to junior midfielder Jackson Vacanti.

Grant Brewer and Vacant each have a team-high 15 goals.

“It gives us Division I track speed on the wing,” Kanner said. “James adds so much out wide.”

Also, sophomore Grant Brewer moved from striker to center defensive midfielder, and junior Gavin Rigby slid to center back.

“It’s better for us to build from the back,” Kanner said. “You can see our confidence is growing. That is the biggest thing. When we played California, that was the most confident I’ve seen us play.”

James Brewer, who has a goal and two assists since switching positions, said the game is faster — and more fun — as he patrols the wing.

“We can step up when we need to step up,” said Brewer, who has a track offer from Bucknell. “With the way we play now, the defense doesn’t have to do as much.”

Junior Isaac House has been a mainstay at goalkeeper for the Centurions.

“He’s been our No. 1 all year,” Kanner said.

GCC has played a strong nonsection schedule. with losses to Mercyhurst Prep, Eden Christian, Trinity Christian, North Catholic and Kiski Area, a Class 3A team and Kanner’s alma mater.

“We’re better than our record shows,” Kanner said. “The Charleroi game showed we can play with anyone.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Greensburg C.C.