Sep 15, 2015 By Eleanor Bailey 4 min read

At Mt. Lebanon, there is no need to panic and no reason to be shocked that the boys’ soccer team started the season with four straight losses. Yes, the Blue Devils lost eight starters to graduation from last year’s 6-12 club. But, they also have played some of the toughest competition in the state.

In the East-West Classic to kick off the season at Highmark Stadium, the site of the WPIAL championships in November, the Blue Devils dropped 2-0 decisions to Fleetwood and Wilson. Both are top perennial playoff contenders from the opposite side of the state. Plus, the Blue Devils fell to Peters Township, 2-1. However, the defending PIAA champions needed overtime to edge Lebo. Additionally, the Blue Devils lost to Moon, 4-1, before opening Section 4-AAA action against Baldwin last night (Sept. 15).

“We have a great hard-working group that will get better the more games we play. They will gain experience and confidence,” said Lebo head coach Ron Wilcher.

Experience and confidence will enable the Blue Devils to achieve their objectives.

“We expect to compete for one of the playoff spots in the section and extend our season. In order to do that, we have to be at the top of our game when section play begins. That is why the four-game stretch of exhibitions to begin the season was important. It was a great way to prepare us.”

Baldwin was just the first of four strong challenges for the Blue Devils. They visit Central Catholic on Sept. 19 then host Bethel Park and Allderdice at 2:30 and 7:45 p.m. respectively on Sept. 19 and 22. Of the four teams, Wilcher said, “They are going to be our toughest league opponents.”

None of the opponents have been as strong as the first four teams the Blue Devils faced this season. In fact, Lebo overcame a 1-0 deficit and forced overtime with Peters Township, last year’s WPIAL champion. RJ Mihalko scored the equalizer but Logan Brinsky accounted for both of PT’s tallies for the victory.

Mihalko is one of eight seniors returning to the squad and one of five players who saw action last season in a starting capacity. He is a forward along with fellow senior and veteran Noah Donald. Along with veteran midfielders, Sam Rothschild, a sophomore, and Max Davidson, a senior, they carry a heavy burden, evident from only two goals scored in four games.

“Our weakness will be finding ways to score goals,” Wilcher said.

While senior keeper Jake Franklin, and his back-ups Hunter Noble and Kyle Dalson, is responsible for curtailing the goals, the Blue Devils rely upon a wealth of reserves to fill starting positions this season. “The biggest adjustment” they are facing, says Wilcher, “is getting used to the speed of the game. It is important that these guys step into their roles.”

Among the players, upon whom the Blue Devils will depend, include: Sam Ressler, Jeff Duclos, Filip Slavkovic, Tom Alex, Andy Kirk, Griffin Coyne, Brendan Daescher, Noah West, Brian Perri and Jack Austin. Ressler, Daescher, West and Perri are defenders while Duclos, Slavkovic, Alex, Kirk, Coyne and Austin shore up the midfield.

Julian Auer, Mike Lamendola, Jack Remark, Cole Cafaro, Russell Dale and RJ Giarrusso will play key roles as well for the Blue Devils. Auer, Lamendola and Remark are expected to add offensive punch as forwards while Cafaro, Dale and Giarrusso are all defenders.

“We are anxious to improve upon last year’s disappointing season,” said Wilcher.

For the first time in 30 years, Lebo missed making the playoffs. The Blue Devils are proud owners of 10 WPIAL titles, the last occurring in 2009.