A-K Valley athletes of the week: Fox Chapel’s Emily McKee, Riverview’s Chris O’Toole
By: Ted Sarneso
Chris O’Toole
School: Riverview
Class: Senior
Sport: Soccer
Claim to fame: O’Toole, one of Riverview’s captains, scored a pair of goals in the Raider’s 3-0 win over Penn Hills on Monday and followed that performance up by scoring the game winner in a 3-2 victory over Trinity Christian on Thursday.
How huge was it to get the win over Trinity Christian?
It was awesome. The team played their hearts out. Everyone really wanted it last night. It’s just been an accumulation of everyone coming together to get that big win we needed.
What makes them so tough to play?
They have a really strong midfield, and their offense is really great. Their strength is their connection, and you can really tell when you play them. Their captain Luke Kost is a great play-maker and causes everyone around him to play better as well.
How did you score the game-winner?
There was a little scrap and we ended up with a throw in and my defender Matt Orbin, I know he’s a long throw, and we took advantage of that. I took a quick step off my defender and ran through with the ball and put it far side across the keeper low. Just a good team effort.
What position do you play?
I was playing striker that game.
So, you play multiple positions?
In the beginning of the season, I was playing midfield because we were missing players due to their obligation to other sports. Recently, last four games, I’ve been playing striker and helping the team get more wins.
The return of those missing pieces, is that a catalyst for the team’s turnaround from losing four straight to winning five in a row?
Absolutely, some of those players who were on the golf team really help build the team up. Guys like our other captains Drew Hunter and Quin Fischer and defenders like Carson Bodnar. They helped fill in the gaps when we were struggling.
Take me through your two goals against Penn Hills.
First one was a pass from left back Benjamin Franciscus. He threw one into the midfield, and I beat my defender one-on-one and took it around the keeper and put in in the net.
The second one, another one of our strikers was pressing their goalkeeper and he made a bad mistake and I got the ball at the top of the 18-foot and was able to put it past him.
What was it like learning you had earned all-WPIAL honors last year?
I feel very proud and humbled that other people recognized what I do for my team, value me as a player and recognize my talents. It feels really good to be recognized. It’s a high honor.
Which of your 19 goals last year do you remember the most?
The one against Penn Hills last year. We lost 4-1, but it was a really fun goal. We started off kickoff, and I was able to beat two or three guys and go right through on net. It was just a quick response from us.
Any lessons you’ve learned from being a four-year starter?
The dedication to your team, and even yourself, and constantly continuing to work.
What are your goals for the year?
Bring the team to playoffs. My teams starting my freshman year we went 0-16, then we were 1-15. Last year we were 5-12. This year me and my fellow seniors realized this is our last chance to make the playoffs. We also wanted to get a winning season to get the younger guys pumped up moving forward after we seniors have graduated.
Do you hope to play in college?
I’ve been thinking about it and gone to some camps. I really value academics as well as sports, but right now it’s up in the air.
What schools are you looking at?
I’ve been looking at Penn State main campus. My mom went there, my brother went there and both really loved it. I took some visits, and I really liked the campus.
Do you play club soccer?
Not recently. I did play for about 10 years, but it came to the point where I wanted to focus on school and get my grades up to where I could go to any school I wanted.
If you could share a meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Cristiano Ronaldo. Ever since I was a younger player I would watch him on TV. He’s changed throughout his years and has inspired me to improve as not just a player but a person.
Favorite pro sports team?
The Pittsburgh Steelers.
Favorite thing to do outside of soccer?
Playing video games and hanging out with my friends.
Favorite meal?
I love me some good sushi. It’s light and a good snack.
Any particular place you like to get it from?
Jimmy Wan’s in the Fox Chapel Plaza area.
A-K Valley athletes of the week: Riverview’s Mary Quinlan, Freeport's Stephen Evans
By: Ted Sarneso
Mary Quinlan
School: Riverview
Class: Sophomore
Sport: Soccer
Claim to fame: Quinlan scored four goals and added an assist for Riverview (6-1, 5-1) in a 10-1 Section 4-A win over Jeannette on Wednesday. On Friday, Quinlan scored a pair of goals and had an assist against Valley. On the year, she has seven goals and four assists.
What position do you play?
Center midfielder and, occasionally, striker.
Which do you like better?
I play a lot more center-mid, but I do like playing striker more.
How were your goals set up Wednesday?
Two of them, I dribbled in from midfield. One was a give-and-go, and the other was off a cross.
What about the goals you scored against Valley?
The first, the goalie made a save, and I jumped on the rebound and put it in top corner. The other I shot outside of 18 feet.
What lessons did the team learn during last year’s playoff run?
We have to trust each other and work as a team to get where we want to go.
Any opponent you look forward to playing against?
Springdale. Not just because they’re our rivals but because last year was the first year we had beaten them three times in a row. They beat us again in overtime this year with 10 seconds left. So we’re looking forward to playing them on senior night.
How tough was it to lose that way?
Springdale said we couldn’t do anything because we lost the best player on our team, so we wanted to prove them wrong.
What’s that rivalry like between the teams?
I feel like the teams and players don’t look at it as heavily as the student sections do. The girls soccer teams all know each other, and we’re nice to each other.
What are your individual goals for the year?
I want the team to get back to where we were last year. Personally, I want to best my goal numbers from last year.
How many goals did you score last year?
16.
Do you play any club soccer?
I play for BVB. It’s a lot different than high school. The competition is a lot higher, and there’s more pressure on you, but it’s really fun. I credit my coach, David Flavius, for how far I’ve come in my soccer journey. He’s taught me a lot.
Do you play any other sports at school?
I run track to keep in shape for soccer.
What events to you compete in for track?
Last year I ran the 200 meters and the 4-by-100.
Do you have your own specific pregame routine?
I listen to music on the bus, and I have to focus 30 to 40 minutes before the game and not talk to anybody.
Who’s your favorite soccer player to watch?
Even though she just retired, I liked to watch Alex Morgan.
Favorite subject in school?
Math. I focus more in those classes, and it’s easier for me to do.
Favorite meal?
Either a burger and fries or steak.