Young Sewickley Academy boys soccer roster navigates learning curve

Trinity Christian’s boys soccer team did it yet again.

After playing to 1-1 ties in their first two games against Winchester Thurston and Riverview, the Falcons tied Sewickley Academy, 1-1, in a nonsection test Sept. 8 at home.

Freshman midfielder Andrew Kilpela netted the Panthers’ goal to avert a shutout.

“Going into this season as a freshman among many other underclassmen, and following a large graduating class, I expect our group of players to continue building chemistry and developing strong relationships with one another both on and off the field,” Kilpela said. “We started the preseason missing a few key players; however, we have already seen major improvement. With many athletes who have never played soccer before, our progress is happening quickly.

“To continue turning things around, we will need to stay close as a team, support one another and maintain our strong work ethic.”

The 5-foot-9 Kilpela is a two-sport athlete at Sewickley and one of five freshmen in the boys soccer program, along with midfielders Alex Sgard and Neel Shandil and defenders Connor Gray and Gavin Dice.

He also plays lacrosse for Iron City, the 29th ranked team in the country in its division.

“Soccer is not my main sport,” Kilpela said. “My primary sport is lacrosse. Playing both sports has taught me the importance of teamwork, dedication and consistently putting in the effort to improve.”

Another dual-sport athlete at Sewickley is 5-7 sophomore forward Johan Harmon, who competes in soccer and tennis, which he plays year-round.

“Our soccer team has yet to find its rhythm and to turn the corner,” Harmon said. “We all need to trust the process, communicate effectively and play with pride and grit.”

Harmon, goalkeeper Haden Haley and midfielder Patrick Nielson are the only sophomores on this year’s soccer squad.

“Our expectations as a team,” Harmon said, “are to compete hard in every game and constantly improve throughout the season.”

The Panthers are led by senior midfielders Ben Terrell and Paci Bonham, senior forwards Andrew Rhode and Aarav Sutariya, junior midfielder Owen Brooks and junior defenders Carson D’Antonio, Ahmed Whadan and Lucas Wang.

Trinity Christian moved to 1-0-3 following its tie against Sewickley, which began this week winless.

The Falcons remained undefeated at 2-0-3 with a 4-3 win Sept. 12 against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.