The Bethlehem Soccer Club’s U-14 Boys “Blue Steel” squad were crowned champions of the 28th Annual Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League’s Blue Division, held June 9th and June 10th at Lehigh University. The team finished their spring season undefeated at 10-0-2.

In their first game against the ENCO Galaxy, Blue Steel jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first half of play. Ben Miller scored twice. Midfielder Jack Rogers and winger Austin Poe each added single goals. Mike Murnin buried a shot in the second half and Blue Steel went on to win 6-0.

In their second match against LVYSL league rival Lower Mac Youth Association Thunder, Blue Steel’s Mike Kokosky broke loose early and scored on a breakaway to put Blue Steel out in front 1-0. Striker Ben Miller followed with two goals later in the first half, giving Blue Steel a 3-0 lead at halftime. Lower Mac struck back early in the second half, but Blue Steel’s Austin Poe poked another goal in from close range to seal the game for Blue Steel, 4-1.

In their final match, Blue Steel spotted East Hampton (CT) a 1-0 first half lead. But Blue Steel roared back with a vengeance when forward Mike Kokosky scored in the first 30 seconds of the second half. Halfback Lloyd Achey and winger Austin Poe added single tallies thereafter to lead Blue Steel to a 3-1 victory and the Blue Division Championship.

Blue Steel finished their spring season with 39 goals in 12 games. Their staunch defense, lead by keeper Ethan Arner and fullbacks Dan Nesfeder, Doug Miller and Sean Ankrom, surrendered only 8 goals. Nesfeder and Arner are currently training with the New York Red Bulls Regional Development School.

PHOTO CREDITS:

FRONT ROW l-r: Mike Murnin, Jack Rogers, Lloyd Achey, Ethan Arner, Andrew Muhl, Andrew Lomas, Daniel Mortagua, Mike Kokosky and Ed Lomas, Team Manager.

BACK ROW l-r: Asst. Coach Dave Arner, Austin Poe, Andreas Haller, Brandon Newton, Doug Miller, Erik Alderiso, Sean Ankrom, Ben Miller, Dan Nesfeder, Head Coach Mike Nesfeder.

Missing: Tim Hoglund; Alex Zappas

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Mike Nesfeder Head Coach Bethlehem Soccer Club U-14 “Blue Steel” Boys Team