Soccer Team Heating Up for Postseason

| Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, TRIB-LIVE

One of the Fox Chapel boys soccer team’s major takeaways from its deep run in last season’s WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs that resulted in a second-place finish, was just how important it was for a team to get hot at the right time.

The lesson seems to be one the Foxes (7-6, 6-4) are applying effectively this season, as coach Erik Ingram and his team find themselves in the midst of a four-game winning streak with only a handful of games left.

“The goal all along for us has been to peak as we get closer the playoff tournament. I don’t think we’ve reached our potential yet, but we’re getting closer at the right time of the year, and those guys know how important that is,” Ingram said.

“They remember last year, that the baggage that you bring with you in to the playoffs has no bearing. You’ve got to win every game or you’re done. So I think we’re ready, and I think we could really surprise some teams.”

During the four-game stretch of wins, Fox Chapel has outscored opponents 15-0. The strong play of junior goalkeeper Jakob Dunn has been pivotal during the streak, which has allowed the team to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

In front of Dunn, the sharp play of midfielders Nathan Wecht and Jake Miller has been crucial to the Foxes late-season improvement. Centerback Singhong Park has also cranked his play up a notch of late, according to his coach.

“We’ve been getting some really strong play from our midfield positions, from Jake Miller and we’re really getting solid play from Singhong,” Ingram said.

“Our goalkeeper and our defense are both playing really well. Actually they had been for most of the year, we just weren’t taking care of the ball and creating a lot of opportunities at the other end. Now, we are.”

Offensively, senior Michael Snowball has provided the finishing touch for the Foxes and leads the team in goals. A big reason for Snowball’s success has been the presence of junior Will Tabor, and his ability to keep the opponent’s defense from focusing on any one of the Foxes’ scoring threats.

“Will is a big factor in our attack. He’s got six or seven goals right now. He’s a big body with great skill, and he takes a little bit of the pressure off of Michael, as far as always having to be the one that moves the ball and creates chances,” Ingram said.

Freshman Zane Ingram has also taken on an increased role in the team’s offensive system, and has racked up 12 assists.