Tigers looking to usher in a new chapter

By JEREMY TEPPER

MVI Sports

Bryan Fegley isn’t accustomed to losing. 

Back at Wilson High School in West Lawn, Pa., Fegley helped lead his team to a state championship berth. He went on to play for a moderately successful Duquesne soccer program before a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Now the 25-year-old Fegley is tasked with turning around a McKeesport soccer program that’s known nothing but losing, having gone 3-15 last season, a record in line with recent years.

After Steve Pambacas stepped down from the Tigers’ head coaching post, Fegley was eager to jump on the opportunity. In those months since being hired, Fegley has been quick to try to change the culture around the program.

“Obviously in the past we haven’t had the best seasons here, so I’m trying to bring a winning mentality to it,” Fegley said.

Immediately, Fegley has brought some obvious energy to this program, his passion for soccer and hands on style permeating every practice. Zack Kahler, the team’s senior goalie, said he’s enjoyed Fegley’s style. His positivity and energy has been infectious.

“They’ll be the first ones to tell you that I’m a little crazy. I love soccer and I’m very passionate and I have a lot of energy. They’ve bought 100 percent into it and we’re starting to feed off of each other’s energy,” Fegley said. 

“I love the situation I’ve come into because not only do I have something to prove as a head coach, but they have something to prove as players.”

Fegley said the Tigers will rely on their two seniors, Kahler and Nathan Manfredo. He expects his team to be known for its relentless effort on the field.

“Number one thing is gonna be hard work, start to finish, all 90 minutes you’re gonna expect a product from a team that has a lot of motivation this year because we’ve got a lot of people to prove wrong,” Fegley said. “Our expectation is to win, to be about .500 and take that next step as a program.”

Stylistically, things are still coming into shape for McKeesport, although it looks like the Tigers’ gameplan will revolve around its defense, with Kahler being a solid last line of defense in goal.

“Definitely we’re gonna be very compact. We’re probably gonna play something like a 4-5-1,” Fegley said. “Basically we’re gonna be impossible to break down the middle. Teams are gonna have to play us over top and I’m putting speed back there to track those guys down.”

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