Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week
Name: Alyson Ferrari
School: Chartiers-Houston
Year: Junior
Sport: Soccer
Ferrari’s week: The Bucs entered last week needing wins against two Section 2-A opponents to reach the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since 2012. Ferrari, a midfielder and team captain, came up big with a hat trick in a 6-2 win over Beth-Center.
She added two goals and an assist in a 6-2 win over Geibel Catholic two days later to clinch the playoff spot, and added two more goals in a non-section game against Brownsville the next day for a total of seven goals in three matches.
“(Ferrari) helped clinch that playoff spot,” Chartiers-Houston head coach John Liebold said. “She really came on this season to improve her shot and ball control. She’s a model player and a hard worker.”
Next for Ferrari and the Bucs is top-seeded Greensburg Central Catholic in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs Saturday at Penn Trafford (2 p.m.).
Moving around: Ferrari and midfielder Erin James give Liebold flexibility when structuring his lineup. Both can play different midfield positions or can move up to forward to help the Bucs’ offense.The experiment has worked as Ferrari and James are tied for the team-lead with 17 goals. The two make up one of the best scoring tandems in Class A.
“We’ve tried people at different positions this season and we have Erin James, who controls our offense,” Ferrari said. “It’s nice to know both of us can play anywhere and be in the key spots.”
Ferrari’s scoring output last week helped Chartiers-Houston (9-5, 10-8) to its first double-digit win season in nine years. While the Bucs’ offense was inconsistent last season as they missed the playoffs, this year has been a different story.
Versatility up top and some creativity by Liebold has the Bucs ready for a playoff run.
“We’re scoring more and it’s based on her pairing with James,” Liebold said. “The combination of those two has helped set up scoring opportunities and they’re just such great players. “
Dedication: Liebold has been impressed with his junior midfielder the past three years. Ferrari has never missed a practice, adheres to all coaching advice and will play any position asked.
She even took extra time to improve her game during the offseason.
“I’m definitely more comfortable on the ball and moving up top,” Ferrari said. “Last week was definitely crunch time. We had to get those wins. We’re all so excited we won those two and we’re headed to the playoffs.”
The offensive surge last week earned Chartiers-Houston the fourth and final playoff spot in Section 2-A. The Bucs won three of their last four games to reach the postseason and with one of the better offenses in Class A. GCC will have to keep an eye on Ferrari and James.
“(Ferrari) is a model player and a hard worker,” Liebold said. “She’s a captain for a reason. She sets a great example.”
Compiled by Lance Lysowski