South Fayette boys soccer deals with early adversity

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, September 16, 2017 | 12:18 AM

The first few weeks of the South Fayette boys soccer team's season has been all about experimentation — some by choice, others by necessity.

Coming into the year, the Lions were looking at how to combine a core of returning talent with several underclassmen who were pushing for playing time. But after starting midfielder Colin Martincic was injured in the second game, the staff had to move even more players around to make up for the setback.

Still, coach Rob Eldridge is optimistic that the experience can only help South Fayette get better.

“As we push on through the season, we now have flexibility and versatility,” Eldridge said. “Taking players out of their normal position and comfort zone can give us an advantage moving on, especially if anyone is injured later in the year.”

The Lions are off to a 1-2-2 start after playing a brutal five-game opening stretch. The games include a 2-0 win over Montour (3-1), a 2-2 tie with Moon (1-0-2), a scoreless tie with Thomas Jefferson (1-2-1), a 2-0 loss to Quaker Valley (4-0) and a 2-1 loss to West Allegheny (5-1).

“Every team we played is a playoff-caliber team,” Eldridge said. “And we were in every game. We will continue to get better. I am pleased with where we are.”

Martincic, a third-year starter, came into the season as one of the Lions' most experienced players. The junior received all-section honors last season and is a dynamic force — he scored both of South Fayette's goals against Moon before the injury occurred. He is expected to return to action in the upcoming games.

But the Lions have plenty of talent across the field to carry on as they make the trek toward their sixth straight WPIAL playoff berth. Senior midfielder Rudy Panda is a returning starter and has been moved around to help fill in for Martincic. Senior forward Jared Renz has been a playmaker in the past. Sophomore Gavin Eldridge has made an impact at midfield.

A pair of freshmen — Ethan Sanders and Chad Eldridge — have surprised the staff with their progress and have moved into starting roles.

“They have been dynamic,” Eldridge said. “They have frankly played like upperclassmen. They have assimilated to the varsity level pretty well.”

Senior goalkeeper Tim Locher should be a key piece to the team's success moving forward. He was the starting keeper for the Lions when they won the WPIAL title in 2015 and brings a wealth of experience to the field.

“He is big and athletic,” Eldridge said. “He has played at a high level going through the WPIAL playoffs.”

Junior Danny Rodgers also will see time in front of the net at times to help build depth. Junior defenders Michael Gates and Zach Weis have been solid so far this season.

“We think we have a good team in the making,” Eldridge said. “They have a great camaraderie. I am pleased with the effort through the preseason and first couple of weeks of the regular season. Their work ethic is great. We just need to get healthy.”

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: South Fayette