2007 Plum Mustang Boys Soccer Team

First year head coach, Jeff Russo and his veteran team overcame a rough start to come on strong and qualify for the playoffs. Plum finished the regular season going 6-1-2 in their last nine games to improve their overall record to 10-3-3 and 7-3-2 in the very tough AAA Section 3. After the Mustang’s season finale win over Woodland Hills clinched a playoff berth Coach Russo said, "The guys are just starting to show what they can do. They have the skill to play with anyone in the WPIAL. Things are headed in the right direction."

The 10 Mustang seniors provided the experience and leadership to help the team continually improve throughout the season. The current seniors were disappointed in a first round playoff loss last year at Pine Richland, after several had contributed on the 2005 WPIAL Championship team the year before. Their goals for this year were to return to post season play and then make a long run through the playoffs. The Mustangs have achieved their first goal and Tuesday get the opportunity to start working towards their second.

The foundation to Plum’s success was an overpowering defense. Senior goal keeper Michael Cuccaro was sensational all year as he recorded 8 shutouts during the season, including 3 in the final 4 games.

Seniors Matt Kraemer and Anthony DeFabio anchored the physical Mustang defense which yielded less than a goal per game (0.67 gaa). Junior Zachary Taylor, freshman Louis Ferragonio, and senior Kevin Hanlon completed the tough and savvy defensive unit that shutdown opponents all season.

Plum was outstanding across their midfield. Seniors Anthony Russo, Anthony Della Sala, Brandon Rings and Jon Williams along with juniors Marc Bucci and Shawn Westerlund combined to form an athletic, talented and deep rotation that was able to control the action every game. This unit’s quickness, teamwork, skill, and play making abilities dominated most opponents for 80 minutes.

Up front Plum featured two of the most talented forwards in WPIAL AAA with senior Clayton Kubrick and junior Evan Phillips. Senior Greg Caffas, although sidelined with an injury much of the year, provided many valuable shifts with his speed and aggressiveness.

Another key to the Mustang’s success was their ability to spread the field, distribute the ball and not rely on a single scorer. Thirteen different Mustangs scored on the season with Kubrick (7) and Della Sala (6) leading the way. Eight players also recorded assists, with the leaders being Russo (8) and Kubrick (7).

The winner of the Plum – Upper St. Clair first round playoff game will play defending WPIAL AAA champion Bethel Park on Thursday, October 25th at a site to be determined.

The 2007 Plum Mustangs Boys Soccer Team

Seniors: Greg Caffas, Mike Cuccaro, Anthony DeFabio, Anthony Della Sala, Kevin Hanlon, Matt Kraemer, Clayton Kubrick, Brandon Rings, Anthony Russo, Jonathan Williams

Juniors: Marc Bucci, Mike Manning, Tom McElhaney, Evan Phillips, Zachary Taylor, Patrick Twigg, Zachary Vitti, Shawn Westerlund,

Sophomores: Richie Addison, Nathan Andrew, Jason Barbarino, Pete Joyce, Mike Pavia, Sam Prokopik

Freshmen: Brett Bowen, Lou Ferragonio, Steve Lester, Anthony Manning, Anthony Mazzenga, Bobby Odom, Vincent Pavia, Andrew Polliard, Sean Smail, Eddie Stover

Coaches: Jeff Russo, Mike Baleno, Tom Sieg

Athletic Directors: Bob Alpino and Jeff Wolfe

Principal: Pamela Kinzler