VILLWOCK SET TO KICK IT AT JOHN CARROLL

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WARREN OH- Howland’s Gracie Villwock is taking her game to the next level, officially signing to continue her soccer career at John Carroll University. She plans to study exercise science and business while competing for the Blue Streaks.

Villwock leaves behind an impressive legacy at Howland. A senior captain, she was a key piece of two conference championship teams—winning outright as a sophomore and going undefeated her senior year. Her trophy case includes three straight first-team all-conference and all-district honors, plus a second-team all-district nod as a sophomore. She also earned the senior academic award. Over her career, Villwock racked up 114 points, scoring 45 goals and dishing out 24 assists.

GALLAGHER NAMED ALL AMERICAN

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AKRON OH- Hoban Girls Soccer is not finished with being in spotlight quite yet. Their standout junior Reese Gallagher has been recognized as an All American by the United Soccer Coaches Association.  This honor is only given to 63 players across the nation.

Gallagher finished the year with Hoban with 21 goals in 13 games played along with 11 assists, and 53 points.  Hoban finished the year 14-4-1.  Reese has committed to play Division 1 soccer at UNC Charlotte.

YANNUCCI FINDS A HOME AT FAIRMONT STATE

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WARREN OH- Howland standout Ava Yannucci is taking her talents to Fairmont State University, signing to continue her academic and athletic career with the Falcons’ soccer program. After a tremendous run with the Tigers, Ava leaves a legacy that will be remembered for years.

Ava wrapped up her high school career with an incredible 73 goals and 51 assists, leading Howland in points every year she laced up. Her list of accolades is as impressive as her stat line. In 2022 and 2024, she was named District Player of the Year, while in 2023 and 2024, she earned Conference Player of the Year honors. Ava also made the All-State team twice, in 2022 and 2024.

This season, Yannucci capped her career by leading the Tigers to an outright AAC championship, going a perfect 8-0 in conference play. Her leadership and dominance on the field were the driving forces behind Howland’s success.

Off the field, Ava plans to pursue a degree in accounting at Fairmont State. Her determination and drive are sure to carry over into the classroom as she prepares for the next chapter of her life.

Congratulations to Ava on a stellar career at Howland, and best of luck as she takes her game to the next level with the Falcons!

POLAND WALKS OFF INTO THE REGIONAL FINALS

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RAVENNA OH- Poland soccer is having one memorable postseason in 2024. After their girls program advanced to the Regional Finals on Tuesday, their boys program earned a thrilling overtime win 3-2 over Field to get themselves in a Regional Final.

Xander Thornton was the main show in regulation for the Bulldogs.  He scored both oh Poland’s goals to make sure the match was tied 2-2 going to sudden death overtime.  At the 5:14 mark of the first overtime Dom Domico tried on the hero’s cape.  It fit perfectly as he found the back of the net to walk the Bulldogs off into the Regional Finals.

Andreas Tsikouris, Gabe Dearing, and Colin McBride each had assists in Poland’s three goals while the Bulldogs also totaled 5 saves in the net.

Poland advances to play Beachwood in the Regional Finals on Sunday at Niles High School. Kickoff is slated for 12:00.

LEOPARDS CAN’T OVERCOME BAY

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BOARDMAN OH- Louisville knew the regional semis against third-seeded Bay would be a grind. Facing tough odds, the Leopards came in hungry, scrapping hard as the underdogs, but ultimately fell 2-0 in a tight battle.

Bay cracked the scoreboard with 10:48 left in the first half, and Louisville held them there until the 20:10 mark in the second half when Bay punched in one more to make it 2-0.

With a strong finish to their season, Louisville wraps up a solid run at 11-5-2, leaving it all out on the field.

Game Photos Can Be Found HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/10-29-GS-louisville-bay/10-29-GS-louisville-bay/DCIM/104EOS1D

POLAND SOCCER SWEEPS CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY

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AVON LAKE OH- The Poland boys soccer squad kept the winning vibe alive, making it a championship sweep for the Bulldogs as both the boys and girls teams march on to regionals. The boys rolled past Chagrin Falls in a dominant 5-0 shutout to claim their trophy.

Andreas Tsikouris was on fire, netting a hat trick, while Jacob Hayes and Michael Hostal each added to the scoreline. Colin McBride dished out two assists, with Andreas and Skevos Tsikouris adding one each. The defense stayed rock-solid, racking up 10 saves to keep the shutout intact.

Up next, Poland heads to the regional semis to face Field on Wednesday at Ravenna, kicking off at 7:00.

BULLDOGS PULL OFF DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

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ROCKY RIVER OH- Poland battled it out in a nail-biter of a district championship on Saturday, edging past Firelands 3-2 to punch their ticket to the next round.

The Bulldogs came in clutch, with Sophia Generalovich, Ellie Lewis, and Elliana Thompson each finding the back of the net. Ava Blinsky and Kinsey Lisko chipped in with assists, setting up those big-time finishes. Between the posts, Lily McDonald held her ground with a save to help seal the deal.

With this win, Poland heads to the regional semifinals on Tuesday, ready to take on Wickliffe at Tallmadge at 7:00.

MOONEY KEEPS MOVING ON

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BRUNSWICK OH- Mooney girls soccer claimed the district championship with a clutch 1-0 win over Smithville.

Julia Diorio scored the game’s only goa for Mooney,  set up by an assist from Sophia Dibo.

Next up, Mooney faces Chippewa on October 29 at 7:00 pm at Medina in the Regional semifinals.

UNITED PROVES WHY THEY’RE THE TOP SEED

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HANOVERTON OH- United showed why they’re the top seed in the district, rolling over Canton Central Catholic with a 3-0 win in the district semifinals on Thursday.

After a scoreless first half, Maddox Andrea took charge, scoring two goals for the Eagles in the second. Zach Figley set up both with solid assists, while Seth Blake held down the net with 9 saves to keep the shutout alive. United’s third goal came from an own goal by the Crusaders.

Next up, United heads to the district championship to face Warren JFK on Saturday at 11:00 at Canfield.

Game Photos Can Be Found HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/10-24-BS-united-ccc/10-24-BS-united-ccc/DCIM/104EOS1D

FITCH MOVING ON WITH WALK OFF GOAL

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AUSTINTOWN OH- Fitch pulled off a thrilling win in the district semifinals on Wednesday, edging out Broadview Heights 2-1 in overtime. Jackson Potkonicky was the hero, scoring both goals for the Falcons, including the game-winner in OT.

With the win, Fitch moves on to the District Finals, where they’ll face the winner of North Ridgeville vs. Parma Normandy. The championship match is set for Saturday, October 26, at Elyria High School, kicking off at 4:00 pm.