Liam Hanson, Yaman Aypek and Lucas Steinberg each had a goal, Becket Lumia had an assist, and Gabe Dougherty had two assists for the winners, who held a 40-1 advantage in goals.

Equally as impressive is the fact the Kinzua Kings have back-to-back PA West undefeated seasons; and they won their first major tournament, defeating teams from Western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh.

“Their defense is virtually impenetrable,” Coach DJ Steinberg said. “They have learned to play possession soccer incredibly well for their age and are exceptional at keeping possession and moving the ball, playing with patience until the time is right to strike. Having Liam Hanson, Eddie Abplanalp, and Grant Newton as keepers is like having a brick wall built in front of the goal, but in order to get to that brick wall you first have to go through Gabe Dougherty, Timmy Giger, Brynn Norris, Edward Solkolski or Bentley Sherry, all of whom are top-notch defenders.”

KINZUA QUEENS

Above is the Kinzua Queens soccer team. In the front row, from the left, are Clara Steinberg, Meea Irwin, Mallory Atwater, Maddi Nosel, Sarah Kruszka, Natalie Dossey, Lilly Stanley, Callan Gigliotti, Emily Grosch, Leyna Chainsaw Irwin, Atti Cory, Izzy Grosch, Morgan Alexander, Lani Wenzel and Samantha Childs. In the back row are coaches Ryan Irwin and DJ Steinberg. Missing are Lilly Newton, Jada Cole and Giana Bowles. Submitted Photo

The U15 Kinzua Queens finished their season undefeated in league play for the second time. They defeated a Meadville coed team on Sunday, 3-1, courtesy of strong play by keeper Sam Childs.

Leyna Irwin found the back of the net once, and Clara Steinberg had two goals and one assist, and Meea Irwin also had an assist.

This season, the Queens outscored their opponents, 50-7, led by Meea Irwin with 11 goals and eight assists, followed by Leyna Irwin with 11 goals and eight assists, and Steinberg with seven goals and nine assists.

In addition to their undefeated season, the Kinzua Queens were the Southern Tier Travel League champions. They took second place in the Silver Division at the Plum Classic; won three interstate tournaments, defeating teams from Pittsburgh, Ohio, and Michigan in the process; were crowned champions at the 2021 PA West Open at Edinboro University for the second straight year; claimed the coveted Memorial Day Classic tournament in Erie; and also won the Columbus Day Classic in Sandusky, Ohio.

“The Queens are truly an unbelievable soccer team,” Coach DJ Steinberg said. “It is such a monumental accomplishment that a team, centered out of North Warren, Pennsylvania, can compete with the best teams from the big cities like Pittsburgh, Detroit, Erie and Cleveland. Nothing was handed to these girls. They have worked super hard at practices and on their own over the years to get to where they are today. They exemplify that hard work pays off. If you want to be the best, and are willing to work for it, you can be the best. They are living proof of that philosophy.”