Fox Chapel Area boys soccer coach Erik Ingram was recently asked about his soccer team going into the season, the competition in the section, and who he will rely upon to contribute in 2023-2024.
Q: Who are your returning starters?
EI: “Returning starters are both of our goalkeepers, Owen Levy and Connor Scanlon, as well as Michael Shin, Colin Lazzara, Pablo Linzoain, Carson Krushansky, Milo Chiu and Sam Littwin. Josh Angerman, Dylan Work, and Jonah Kline should round out the starting lineup.
“Carson was our leading scorer last year. Our ‘general’ on the field this year will be Colin. He did a little of this last year from midfield, where he is great. He’s kind of a coach on the field. He’s very composed, and the kids feed off of him. Pablo can play anywhere in center midfield or anywhere in the midfield, and he will also play up top for us this year. He’s great on the ball, and he’s one of the best players his age that I’ve seen. Any time he gets the ball, he’s dangerous. We’ll rely on Pablo not only to score goals but to create them for other people. Michael will anchor the defense, and Owen and Connor will split duties in goal again this season.”
Q: Any other players on the “watch list”?
EI: “Chase Carney, Rocco Didomenico, Paul Fitzsimmons, Rocco Poli, Sean Regan, Aidan Stein, Brad Zimmerman, and Sharif Zureikat. There could be a few more once they’re back from injuries.”
Q: Have captains been selected?
EI: “Yes, they are Owen, Connor, Michael, and Colin.”
Q: You are in a very difficult section, probably the most difficult in the WPIAL and definitely in class 4A. Who are going to be your toughest opponents?
EI: “It’s always the same. Seneca Valley is always great. Pine-Richland won the WPIAL title last year, and they are trying to keep that title. Butler and North Allegheny are always good; it’s just always hard in this section, and it’s difficult to get to the playoffs. We all go a little bit up or a little bit down, but everyone is always in the race.”
Q: Where are your strengths this year?
EI: “We have a lot of seasoned players, but the thing that stands out the most are the seniors. Their leadership has been a huge force for us so far.”
Q: Any place where you are light?
EI: “I don’t think we’re light anywhere. We look really fast. We’ve gone over a couple of different formations in this short time, and the kids seem to have no problem transitioning from one to another. We’re not perfect, but we’re pretty strong all over the field.”
