Aug 28, 2025 By Eleanor Bailey 3 min read

Mike Gullo faces an interesting dilemma as he attempts to direct Mt. Lebanon to its 11th WPIAL championship and second PIAA title in the history of the boys soccer program. The Blue Devils have not won a district banner since 2009 and their only state championship occurred in 1981.

“Our goal is to win a state title,” said Rullo, who is in his second season at the helm. “We need to be laser focused, locked in with preparation; nutrition, recovery, game planning and play simple, fast soccer.”

Gullo added that the area the Blue Devils need to improve is to “simplify” their game.

A challenge indeed because Lebo possesses a wealth of knowledge of the game from the top down.

Gullo, himself, is a well-versed student of the game. He played at Gateway High School and at the club level for Penns Forest before competing for two seasons at Penn State Behrend. The Mt. Lebanon resident also has been teaching science at the high school since 2003.

Additionally, the Blue Devils return four key starters from last year’s squad that finished 5-5 in section and 11-8 overall. They are seniors Victor Slack, Benton Thompson and Aaron Henck as well as junior Ignati Darakos.

“My expectations for these (returning starters) are to model the level of intensity that is needed to become better each and every day,” Gullo said.

In addition to the aforementioned veterans, Lebo boasts 15 other seniors on the roster. Among them are: Adrian Limon, Owen Byrne, Jonathan Frew, Noah Defeo, Simon Marks, Santiago Yamunaque, Liam Frey, Sid Jain, Sam Maxim, Michael Payner, Rory Doran, Mateo Montoya, Camden Forquer, Eli Kypriotis and Lorenzo Danley.

Slack and Kypriotis serve as team captains along with Caleb Campanaro, a junior goalkeeper.

“We have incredibly talented players. Too many guys to list who are filling vacancies and a bench that provides us with tremendous depth,” Gullo said. “Each guy that steps onto the pitch brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

The Blue Devils exercised those strengths when they opened the 2025 campaign with an impressive showing at the East-West Classic played at Alvernia University. Lebo blanked Wilson, 2-0, and Fleetwood, 9-0.

Against Wilson, Yamunaque and Brady Gullo scored the tallies.

Gullo is one of three sophomores on the roster. The others are Grayson Stuart and James Havas, both midfielders.

Against Fleetwood, Thompson and junior DJ McKay scored two goals each. Havas, Mike Perkovich, Stuart, Defeo and Eamonn Nagle supplied the other tallies. Perkovich and Nagle are juniors as are Conner Baird, Brady Lowe, Charlie Taylor and Mac Trant.

Frey and Frew filled the playmaking role in the tournament. Frey assisted on the goals against Wilson. Frew assisted on two goals against Fleetwood.

Lebo also defeated Central Catholic, 3-1, in a non-section contest played Aug. 26 at home.

Nagle, Frey and Slack scored the goals. Trant and Yamunaque picked up assists.

The Blue Devils embark on Section 2 action in Class 4A of the WPIAL on Sept. 4. They travel to Peters Township to face the defending division champions. Kickoff is at 7:45 p.m.

Lebo follows by hosting rival Upper St. Clair on Sept. 9 and Canon-McMillan on Sept. 11. Both games list a 7:30 p.m. start.

“Our section is very strong,” Gullo said. “Any team can beat anyone on any given night.”

Gullo is optimistic his Blue Devils will prevail because of two key strengths.

“The players are dedicated. For them, it’s a program-over-self mentality.”