by Carter Spearry ‘16
Ranked #3 in the nation in a preseason poll, the Wildcat soccer team is ready for a State Championship run. With eight returning starters and thirteen seniors, experience and leadership is the forte of this team.
This year, the Wildcats feature a very strong defensive unit lead by third-year starting goalkeeper Mikal Outcalt ‘15, who is a University of Pittsburgh commit. Outside backs Jack Wiegandt ‘15 and Dean Miller ‘15 are threats both defending and counterattacking. The back three is rounded out by the athletic center back in Hunter Gordon ‘16. The back line looks to keep a tight shape, and has done an excellent job thus far in only conceding four goals in nine games at this point in the season.
The midfield showcases great depth and talent as the core of the Wildcat team. The main man of the midfielder is Stephen Milhoan ‘17 who is the leading scorer playing out of the center attacking mid spot. On either side of him are the lethal seniors Matt Nigro and JoeMack Leonardo, who can beat defenders with both pace and pass and are always a threat to score. The holding midfield pair includes the third year varsity member Hayden Parente ‘16 and the experienced Jack Michals ‘15.
Rounding out the starting eleven is the striking combination of the physically dominating Lawrence Karpeh ‘16 and the very talented Bobby Barsic ‘15.
With great players on the field, and one of the best coaches in the state on the sidelines, it’s State Championship or bust for the Wildcats this season.
