Solid 1st half of season puts Fox Chapel boys soccer in good position

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, September 16, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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The Fox Chapel boys soccer team is closing in on the end of the first half of Section 1-4A play. What the Foxes have learned is that they are more than capable of playing at the pace of other top teams.

Fox Chapel, which opened 4-2 overall and 3-2 in Section 1-4A, has battled hard with the top contenders in the section.

Fox Chapel only dropped a 1-0 match to Seneca Valley, the defending PIAA Class 4A champions, and a close 3-2 match with North Allegheny.

Fox Chapel coach Erik Ingram believes the Foxes have benefitted from the tough tests on the schedule.

“We will be very prepared come playoff time,” Ingram said. “If you can avoid any major injuries, you have an opportunity to really fix things from the standpoint of playing the game at a high level. That’s been the reason us and other teams have found success come playoff time.”

Fox Chapel’s early season success had the Foxes in fourth place and in line for a spot in the playoffs.

What Ingram believes has made Fox Chapel a strong team is its ability to push the pace. During a three-game winning streak before the loss to the Tigers, Fox Chapel scored 13 goals in wins over North Hills, Pine-Richland and Shaler.

Ingram said he feels the team is at its best when it is able to play at a fast pace.

“I think they are comfortable,” Ingram said. “I think that was the absolute best that we’ve played Seneca Valley in years. Things fell off for us at the tail end of that game. I think we did more than enough to beat NA.”

Against North Allegheny, Pablo Linzoain’s goal gave Fox Chapel an early lead.

“Pablo’s one of the best with the ball at his feet,” Ingram said.

Milo Chiu also scored for the Foxes against North Allegheny on an assist from Aidan Stein. While North Allegheny rallied with three second-half goals to grab the win, Fox Chapel has shown it has a diversified and effective scoring attack.

Carson Krushansky leads the team in scoring. Colin Lazzara has also played an important role in the attack for the Foxes.

Fox Chapel has been working on staying a well-rounded unit. The Foxes have recorded three shutouts. Connor Scanlon has played goalkeeper for Fox Chapel this season.

“The defense is playing great,” Ingram said. “We are good in goal. Our midfield is strong and our attack is generating a lot of offense. There are some games where we could net a goal or two more.”

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