By:
Saturday, October 12, 2024, TRIB-LIVE
Class: Senior
Sport: Soccer
Claim to fame: Stein scored all three of his team’s goals, including the winner in overtime, in a 3-2 win over North Allegheny in Section 3-4A. The win guaranteed Fox Chapel (9-3-1, 7-2) a share of the section title if the Foxes beat North Hills on Monday night. On the year, he has 11 goals and five assists.
Important game on the road against North Allegheny, what was the atmosphere like during the game?
Playing away at North Allegheny is always a super fun game. It’s always electric. After dropping a game to them at our place, we wanted to hand it back to them.
How did you score the winning goal?
Right after, I couldn’t really remember how I scored. I was just freaking out because it was such a crazy moment. I watched it back and Rocco Didomenico, who assisted all three of my goals, got a second ball and bounced it through the midfield, playing me through. I took it around their defender and was able to control it along the end line and slid it bottom right past the goalkeeper.
Did you know in the moment how huge the win was?
Oh yeah. We wanted to come out flying. We had been talking about it for a while. I know how important it is for us to win the section. We’ve known we’ve had the talent the last four years. We know we can do it this year and if we let it slip, we’re going to be really disappointed. Coming into the NA game we knew if we won that game and took care of business next Monday against North Hills, we’re co-section champs.
What was it you guys did to stay within a goal of NA?
We knew throughout the game that we were dominating. We were in their end most of the game. We had a lot of chances and knew that one or two had to fall eventually.
Is it a bittersweet feeling having to share a section title?
You always want to be the one team that everyone else looks at as the best team and even though we don’t get to call the section title ours alone, if we beat North Hills, it’s still something we’ll take pride in. We know that we can make a deep run in the playoffs because we are that good. Going out and winning a WPIAL championship is next on our list.
How did you score the other two goals?
My first goal was after they scored early in the game. Coach Ingram moved me to wing, and Didomenico played me through, and I took their center back one on one and was able to slot on through. They scored again 20 minutes into the second half and we felt a little defeated because we were dominating, but with eight minutes left Didomenico found me at the top of the box and I had just enough time to get it down and put the ball top right. After that we knew we had them.
What’s the team going to need to focus on this postseason to go further than you did last year?
We need to make sure we don’t get too comfortable and that we get better after each game. I know how good this team can be and how far we can go; we just can’t let our foot off the gas.
You’ve been switching between outside back and wing, even during games. How did that come about?
I’ve played winger my entire life and in club soccer. Last year, we played a different formation than usual at Fox Chapel, which Coach Ingram put me in the outside back role and I got comfortable in that spot. Coach thought it would be dangerous for other teams to have me move between the two positions.
Any high school opponent you look forward to playing against?
North Allegheny and Seneca Valley. Those games are always fun, and the atmosphere is electric.
Who’s been the best player you’ve gone up against?
One that comes to mind is Nathan Katari of North Allegheny. He’s really skilled. Another is Zach Garma (Seneca Valley). I’ve known him a long time because we used to play club together. He doesn’t get enough credit for what he does. Both always give us tough battles.
What club team do you play for?
Steel City FC. I’ve been playing with them since I was 7, and they were known as Arsenal.
Who’s the fastest player on Fox Chapel?
I would like to say myself, but the one who comes really close is Carson Krushansky. He’s the one that usually switches with me in that center back/wing role. He’s quick. Whenever he gets moving there’s not many people that can keep up with him.
What were your goals coming into the year?
I’m focused on winning a WPIAL championship. As a senior, that’s what you want to bring home to your school. If we don’t get there, me and the rest of the seniors are going to be disappointed.
Do you have a favorite soccer player you like to watch?
I’m a huge Arsenal fan so I would say Bukayo Saka. He’s so fun to watch. I’ve also been a Lionel Messi fan. Any Messi vs. Christiano Ronaldo arguments come up, I get heated. Messi’s the best of all time, in my opinion.
Plan on playing soccer in college?
I don’t plan on playing for a school, but I want to stay involved, maybe play some club soccer.
What do you plan on studying?
I want to go into filmmaking, cinematography. That’s why I won’t play soccer in school. It will take up too much of my time.
Last film you saw?
“Good Will Hunting.”
In a movie about your life, which actor would you want to play you?
Obviously, Brad Pitt looks exactly like me. No, I’m kidding, I don’t know who I would have depict me.
What’s your favorite subject in school?
History. Been my favorite since I was a kid.
Favorite pro sports team?
Pittsburgh Steelers.
After a game or practice, where do you and your teammates go for a snack?
Chipotle. There’s one three minutes away from the field.
What’s your go to selection?
A burrito bowl with white rice, no beans, double chicken, double corn, fajita veggies, mild salsa, sour cream, cheese and lettuce.
If you could have a meal with anyone, who would it be and what would you discuss?
Christopher Nolan. He’s my favorite director of all time. I would ask him what his life was like as a filmmaker, and we would talk about filmmaking.
Favorite Nolan film?
“The Dark Knight.”
Do you like any Quentin Tarantino films?
I’m not a big fan like a lot of people, but he’s a legend. “Django Unchained” is a great one, and “Pulp Fiction” is a classic.