Bethel Park’s boys soccer team almost ran the table in the WPIAL playoffs this season.
The section-winning Black Hawks finished as semifinalists in the Class 3A tournament as the final four consisted of No. 1 Moon, No. 5 Bethel Park, No. 6 Mars and No. 7 Franklin Regional.
“I was happy with our team’s season because we accomplished our goal of making a deep run in the playoffs,” Bethel Park coach Doug Fink said. “We tied with TJ for first place in our section. I feel like we really came together as a team during our postseason run.
“Playing Moon in the WPIAL semifinals was one of my favorite matches of the season because of the intensity and emotions of that game. Even though we lost 3-2 in overtime, I was extremely proud of our performance that night. I felt our guys left everything they had out on the field.
“Unfortunately, we lost to Mars, 2-0, in the third-place play-in game so we did not qualify for the state tournament. I have a lot of respect for Moon and Mars as they have great players, excellent coaches and are always well organized.”
Moon won the WPIAL Class 3A title with a 3-1 victory over Franklin Regional.
Bethel Park advanced to the semifinals by defeating No. 12 Montour, 3-2, and No. 4 Latrobe, 2-1 in two overtimes. Bethel Park ended the year with a 13-8 record and an 11-3 mark in Section 2-3A.
The Black Hawks went back and forth with Thomas Jefferson atop the section in both 2023 and 2024. Bethel Park and the Jaguars were co-section champs in 2024. TJ racked up a 10-1-3 record in the section and was 14-2-3 overall.
The Black Hawks were section winners in ‘23 with a 13-0-1 record; TJ was 12-1-1. Bethel Park was shocked by Indiana, 1-0, via a penalty-kick shootout in the first round and finished 15-3-1.
Early this season, Bethel Park cemented its status as one of the top teams in the section and Class 3A by winning six games in a row and eight of nine.
The Black Hawks outscored their section opposition by a 50-11 margin and all teams on their 2024 schedule, 59-32.
They were led this season by a pair of all-WPIAL players in senior midfielder/defender Jackson Friday and junior forward Xavier Jackson, the team’s leading scorer with 22 goals.
Friday believes the Black Hawks have laid the groundwork for a program that will experience continued success year by year. Team chemistry and athletic talent fueled the 2024 squad.
“At the beginning of the season, our expectation was to win the section and make a deep run in the playoffs,” Friday said. “We did both with a lot of fight from each and every player.
“I believe this team has had something special going for a long time. We focus on family first at Bethel Park and that really helps the team chemistry. A stable team allowed us to have the success that we’ve been having. I have no doubts that next year the team will improve even more.”
The Bethel Park coaching staff will miss Friday’s skills on the pitch.
“Jackson was one of our captains this season, and I truly appreciated the sacrifices he made for our team,” Fink said. “Not only is Jackson an offensive threat, but there were numerous times that we needed him on our back line. I felt he was one of our best defenders throughout the season, and we will certainly miss him next season.”
Friday also is a kicking specialist on the Bethel Park football team.
Jackson, meanwhile, was at his best in the postseason.
“Xavier really hit top form in the playoffs, scoring some massive goals for our team,” Fink said. “Xavier is a force up top, and I’m glad we will have him back next season.”
Max LeMessurier, a senior midfielder and all-section selection, developed into “Mr. Versatility” for the Black Hawks this season.
“Max, another captain, really stepped up for us this season and played multiple positions,” Fink said. “He mostly settled into a defensive midfielder. Max played simple and effective soccer, and we will definitely miss him next season.”
Bethel Park’s starting goalkeeper was junior Luke Lubican, who finished with seven clean sheets in ‘24. The 6-foot-1 Lubican also limited four opponents to just one goal.
Friday and Jackson formed one of the district’s better one-two punches up front en route to all-WPIAL honors. Gavin DeClair and Luke Yimin led the Bethel Park defensive corps.
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“Being back-to-back section champion was one of our team goals and we were able to achieve it,” Friday said. “Everyone on the team gave it their all no matter the position they were in. We exceeded our own expectations in the playoffs.
“Making the (WPIAL) semifinals and giving Moon a run for their money was one of the best things this program has done since I started playing my freshman year. The grit we put in during playoffs should be recognized by many other schools around Western Pennsylvania. Although we were stopped short against Mars, I think we fulfilled our goals this season.”
Friday, Jackson and LeMessurier were instrumental to the Black Hawks’ success in 2024, as was Lubican at the goalkeeper position. Lubican usually was flanked by a stout defensive corps consisting of senior Ethan Varley, juniors DeClair and Jonah Stearman and Yimin, a sophomore.
Julian Kountz, an up-and-coming freshman, and junior Cooper Kicinski were forces from the midfield area, as was junior Youssef Benrabia from his forward position.
Fink’s leading reserves throughout the season included senior Evan Chichwak (D/M), juniors Josh Pantin (M/F) and Brady McCarthy (F/M) and sophomore Tommy Opferman (D/M).
LeMessurier believes Bethel Park can win a second consecutive section championship in ‘24.
“I’m sure we all have similar goals,” LeMessurier said, “one of which is to go back-to-back as section champion. And there’s no doubt in my mind we can accomplish that goal.
“We have several returning players and many younger players who are ready to step up and play big roles. We are all ready to make a deep run in the playoffs. We have such great team chemistry on and off the field, which contributes heavily to our success.”
Fink, in his seventh year at the helm, pointed out that it’s not a one-man show by any means at Bethel Park. He values the coaching styles and input of his assistants, Jay Zeminski, Josh Kicinski, Mike Stearman and Josh Woodman.
“I would like to thank our entire coaching staff for their commitment to creating a top soccer program,” Fink said. “We will continue to work in the offseason so that hopefully our success continues on to next year.”
Bethel Park was a member of Section 2 this season along with Albert Gallatin, Laurel Highlands, McKeesport, Ringgold, South Fayette, Thomas Jefferson and Trinity.
Bethel Park and TJ have staged six tough tug-of-war type games in section play the past three seasons.
The teams split decisions in 2022, and Bethel Park won 2-1 and played to a scoreless tie in 2023. The Jaguars swept the brief series this season, winning by 2-0 and 2-1 scores.
“I wish nothing but that best for the players next year,” Friday said, “and I hope they are able to achieve even more than we did this season.
“I have very high hopes for Xavier Jackson, Gavin DeClair and Luke Yimin to be standout players.”