close

Three soccer players break school scoring record

5 min read
1 / 3

? MVP ?

Markello Apodiakos

Belle Vernon Area High School

2 / 3

Eli Schoedel

3 / 3

Timlin

There must have been something in the Mon Valley water last week because three local soccer players broke career records for goals.

The three were Ringgold senior Eli Schoedel, Belle Vernon senior Markello Apodiakos and Bentworth junior Jocelyn Timlin.

Schoedel eclipsed the goal mark with a hat trick in a 6-0 triumph over Albert Gallatin Sept. 11.

“It was just an amazing moment for me and my teammates,” said Schoedel, who recorded the record goal on a penalty kick. “I was shocked and just speechless afterwards. The whole season, I tried not to think about it and anybody who brought it up to me I didn’t want to talk about it because I didn’t want to jinx it.”

The school record was held by Tyler Dolance at 56 goals.

“My biggest improvement is how I treat the game now,” said Schoedel, who is interested in playing soccer at the next level. “Around the start of my junior year, I started to focus in on the game more and learn the game more. Before that, I was just playing the game with instincts.”

Schoedel leads the team with 10 goals this season, as the Rams are 4-1 in Section 3-AAA and 5-4 overall.

“In the short term, our first goal is to win our section,” Schoedel said. “I think winning a WPIAL title would be awesome and to me, that should be everyone’s goal. Last year was so much fun winning the section, but it was a little bittersweet losing in the first round.”

Over the last three seasons, Ringgold has a 33-22-2 record with two section titles and three playoff appearances.

“Eli is a very respectful kid and is an extremely hard worker,” Ringgold boys’ soccer coach Steve Persaud said. “He is an intelligent kid and understands the game. He knows his role and what his position must do within our system. He has great movement and has a great shot.”

Apodiakos got his record-breaking 70th goal in a 4-1 win over Trinity Sept. 11.

“I have watched him all four years and he has improved every season,” Belle Vernon boys’ soccer coach Rob Miele said. “I was a coach at Elizabeth Forward the first two years of his playing career, and I’m so glad that I am on the same sidelines as him now. He’s just a great kid off the field and is very unselfish.”

Mike Posey had the school record at 69. Apodiakos, who wants to play in college, has registered nine goals and seven assists in 2018.

“I always expected big things for my soccer career and that has really pushed me,” Apodiakos said. “I wanted to be one of the best players in the area and I always push myself to improve every season. It was a relief to get that record and it was a huge weight off my shoulders.”

“He’s a great finisher around the net,” Miele said. “He has filled out the last couple of years and is just stronger. He has adapted very well to the physical nature of high school soccer. He has a strong pedigree and is always looking to add something to his game. He has taken a great leadership role with the team and is a role model to a lot of the younger guys on the team.”

With Apodiakos leading the charge the last three seasons, Belle Vernon has a record of 37-15-1 with one section title and three playoff appearances.

“My biggest improvement on the field has been my speed and my quick burst,” Apodiakos said. “That’s how I got most of my goals. I wanted to make the right turn off the ball and always be in an attacking mindset. This year, we are a younger team and we want to improve every night out. Our first goal is the section title and trying to make it further in the playoffs.”

Timlin surpassed the school record with four goals in a 10-1 rout of Monessen Sept. 12.

“It was just an unbelievable feeling to get the record,” Timlin said. “I was very nervous heading into the game and I tried not to think about it. I’m really thankful that my family, friends, coaches and teammates supported me throughout the years.”

Samantha Ritzer held the school record with 69 goals and teammate Paige Marshalek is third on the scoring list with 60 goals.

“Playing with Paige has really pushed me,” Timlin said. “We are both so competitive and that really drives us. We want to make each other better. My biggest improvement on the field has been my attitude. I use to get really mad or frustrated when things didn’t go my way. Now, I’m really positive and I’m just focused on the next play.”

Marshalek also became the school’s all-time assist leader with her 49th last week.

“Jocelyn is just an unreal athlete,” Bentworth girls’ soccer coach Tyler Hamstra said. “She has so much speed and raw abilities. I think her technique and playing in space has really improved over the years. She is not just a scorer, she’s a complete player.”

Over the last two seasons, Bentworth has a 28-9-1 record with two playoff appearances. In 2016, the Bearcats won their section and advanced to the Class A semifinals.

“We really want to go undefeated in section and win the the title,” Timlin said. “Another goal is to make it to Highmark Stadium (home of the WPIAL championships). If we can get there, that would be so huge for us. We know we have to work hard for that championship.”

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today