Lemme tell you bout them bears… The 2025 soccer season was one for the history books, marked by relentless effort, unforgettable moments, and the incredible chemistry of the WT Bears. Under the guidance of Head Coach Adam Brownold, the squad didn’t just compete; they dominated, finishing the season with a spectacular record of 15 Wins, 6 Losses, and 1 Tie. Their incredible +79 Goal Difference showcased a powerful, attacking style of play that was unmatched in the section.

Season Defining Moments: Section Title to State Semifinals

From the first whistle in August to the final match, the team showcased resilience and skill. The season was highlighted by the squad’s achievement of winning the Section Title and their impressive run that ultimately placed them among the Top 8 teams in the State.

The team proved their dominance over their rivals, Springdale, securing two decisive 2-0 victories throughout the season. They continued that momentum into the playoffs with a dominant 5-0 shutout victory over Aquinas in the early rounds.

The high-stakes run through the WPIAL tournament ended in the semifinals against OLSH, where the team fought a fierce, hard-nosed battle, ultimately falling short 1-0.

However, the team’s story didn’t end there. In a crucial follow-up match to determine State qualification, the WT Bears clinched their spot in the PIAA State Championship Tournament through a dramatic, hard-fought battle that went all the way to a penalty shootout, demonstrating their mental fortitude and clutch performance under pressure. Their journey concluded in the State Semifinals, solidifying their status as one of the elite programs in the state.

Statistical Standouts

The depth of the squad was extraordinary, with 20 different players scoring goals this season. The attack was spearheaded by three dominant forwards:

• Top Goal Scorer: Nick Croft led the way with an incredible 24 goals.
• Key Contributors: Ian Becker (15 goals) and Ed Staresnic (12 goals) provided crucial offensive support.

The defense was just as stellar, achieving a 55% Clean Sheet Rate (12 total shutouts) across the season.

• Most Valuable Player (MVP): John Koeppl, the formidable centerback, was the engine of the team, known for anchoring the backline and flawless defense.
• Defensive Wall: Goalkeeper Aiden Piemme proved to be an impenetrable defense, recording 12 clean sheets and making countless heroic saves.
• The Playmaker: Jonny Balk controlled the midfield, tallying an astounding 20 assists, setting up numerous scoring opportunities.

Looking to the Future

While we celebrate the accomplishments of 2025, the team is already looking ahead. The success this year sets a high standard for the upcoming season, with a powerful senior class leaving behind a legacy of hard work for the younger players to uphold. The graduating seniors are: Elijah Bullock, Nick Croft, Zac Balk, Ian Becker, Jonny “Mustard” Balk, Malik White, Xander Kope, Spencer “get warm” Amole, Aiden “Brick wall” Piemme, Sajaan “buns” Borrero, Evan Burns, Antonio Pasceri, and MVP John “goat” Koeppl.

The future of the WT Bears soccer is bright. Congratulations to the entire squad on an amazing season!