Jul 2, 2024 2 min read

Goals are difficult to achieve in Class 4A Section 2 boys soccer. Because the teams are so skilled at ball control and team defense, a three-goal night by a club is considered an offensive explosion.

That makes what Ryan Galicic did last fall for Canon-McMillan so impressive.

A Seton Hill recruit, Falicic scored 15 goals in the defensive-minded section, which was tops in the league.

The senior helped Canon-McMillan to a fourth-place finish in the section and a 9-4-1 record, which qualified the Big Macs for the WPIAL playoffs, where they were beaten by second-seeded North Allegheny in the first round.

Galicic’s all-around skill and playmaking ability was impressive on both offense and defense. It was that all-around play that helped him receive several significant postseason honors.

Galicic was named the Class 4A Co-Player of the Year by the Western Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches. He also was selected to the all-state team by the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association. He was one of only two local players on the 4A all-state team, the other being Peters Township midfielder Nathan Froelich.

It was a good year for boys soccer in the local area. Bentworth won its first WPIAL championship, defeating section rival Charleroi in the Class A title match. Charleroi bounced back and reach the PIAA final. South Fayette won the WPIAL Class 3A championship, beating Hampton in the finals.

HONOREES

Ryan Colbert, senior, Bentworth

Joe Donnelly, senior, Upper St. Clair

Nathan Froelich, senior, Peters Township

Blake Gebelhart, senior, Peters Township

Dylan Klinger, sophomore, Charleroi

Trevor Kovatch, junior, Belle Vernon

John Krug, senior, Chartiers Valley

Arlo McIntyre, senior, Charleroi

Ryan Moessner, sophomore, Bentworth

Adam Thompson, senior, South Fayette