Experienced Ringgold boys soccer wants to go far in postseason
The Ringgold High School boys soccer team expects to be the class of Section 3-AAA, and fourth-year head coach Steve Persaud knows a thing or two about dominating section play.
A Trinidad & Tobago native, Persaud has led the Rams to a pair of section championships and a 27-3-2 section record in his first three years as the Rams’ coach.
Despite returning seven starters, including three all-section players, Persaud knows the Rams will have to work hard and stay on task if they are to succeed.
“We have to stay focused, hungry and disciplined,” he said. “Plus, we have to avoid injuries and minimize outside distractions that have nothing to do with the game.”
The three returning all-section players are seniors and include forward Eli Schoedel, forward/midfielder Kobe Norfleet and defender Jeff Soles. They were key players last year, when Ringgold went undefeated (8-0-2) in section play and was 11-5-2 overall. The Rams lost 1-0 to Indiana in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.
Schoedel, who made all-section in 2015 and 2017, has 51 career goals and is six away from breaking the school record.
Norfleet has made all-section each of the last two years while Soles made it in 2016.
The other returning starters include junior center back Brian Long, who is currently injured; senior right back Joey Garrett, senior midfielder Wyatt Kaufmann and senior goalkeeper Travis Yahnite.
Persaud, in his always humble manner, talked about his expectations for the season.
“I am expecting us to compete,” he said. “We have some new guys in the middle and we are trying to sort out the defense but I think we will be competitive.
“My goals for the team are to make the playoffs and try to win in the postseason.”
Persaud said he expects the section to be competitive again.
“I believe it is Belle Vernon and Laurel Highlands,” when asked about the other top teams. “I think Trinity can be a sleeper as well.”
The section has added Greensburg Salem this season, making it a seven-team league. Ringgold opens the season Saturday in the Canon-McMillan tournament against Central Catholic.