2015 Soccer Preview

Hazleton, PA - With a full season under his belt, Penn State Hazleton Soccer Coach, Jesse Shadle hit the grindstone in the off-season with a mission of improving upon the post-season berth his squad earned in the 2014 season. After losing a pair of key players from last seasons roster, the coaching staff has brought in new talent, coupled with familiar faces from previous seasons to exceed last years success. "Our goal as a team is to get better every single day, both on the field and in the classroom", says Coach Shadle. "With hard work and dedication we expect to make it back to the PSUAC playoffs and contend for a championship."

Key Departures from 2014:

Goalkeeper Logan Yacowatz: Aggressive play and stopping ability as the net-minder, securing 101 saves in 2014.

Captain John Wasserman: Superior knowledge of the game and unmatched awareness on the field of play. Ranked third on the team with 10 points in 2014.

Key Returners from 2014: 

Steven Principe: Led the team with 11 goals and 23 points, earning him a second team all-conference bid in 2014. Steven's dedication to being at his best is sure to shine through in his sophomore campaign.

Ryan Lieb: The elder statesman enters his senior season ready to assume any role the coach's put to him. Lieb scored four goals and a total of 10 points in 2014.

New Additions to 2015:

Assistant Coach Patrick Holman: Holman joins the coaching staff at Hazleton with a vast knowledge and passion for the game, including experience as a head coach and assistant at the high school level. Holman is an NSCAA National and Advance National certified coach.

Ben Pasukinus: A transfer student from Lock Haven University, Ben will be a dominant force throughout the midfield and forward lines. A natural goal-scorer who is sure to reach double digits in the scoring column.

Kyle Venditti: Venditti returns from a 2014 hiatus to continue his education and punish opposing goalkeepers. Following a USCAA All-American season as a freshman in 2012, Venditti scored 10 goals for Hazleton in 2013 and will no doubt be a team leader in 2015.

Most Anticipated Matchup in 2015:

Each team Hazleton's faces will be the most important game on the 2015 schedule and the coaching staff expects to compete with every single team that steps on the field. "Each and every game will be different and equally important", Coach Shadle explains. "With that being said, one of our most anticipated games this year will likely be against Penn State New Kensington. They're a quality program with excellent coaching and I think having been knocked out of the playoffs by them last season gives us some extra motivation to be at our best when we face off this year."