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Soccer players

Thomas Jefferson Boys Soccer Team Seeks Section Championship and WPIAL Title

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Thomas Jefferson Jaguars boys soccer team began the 2025 season on a strong note, maintaining an unbeaten record of 7-0-1 in the first month of the season, with a single tie against Bethel Park, last year's section champion. As of September 15, the team was 4-0-1 in league play, with a balanced offense and a solid defense. Veterans goalkeeper Sam Wessel, defender Will Moser, and midfielders Owen Householder, Logan Barron, and Jacob Surrena led the team, which welcomed five starters back from last year's 14-2-3 squad.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Jaguars' starting lineup consists of Gavin Kern, Householder, and Barron at forward; senior Cody O'Hare, junior Jacob Surrena, and freshman Tyler Surrena at midfield; Moser, Benjamin Powell, Jack Hilf, and Enrique Ochoa on defense; and Wessel as the goalkeeper.
  • Wessel, a veteran goalkeeper and a kicker on the TJ football team, posted 12 shutouts in 2024 and already has five shutouts this year, with the team allowing only three goals in eight games.
  • Junior forward Gavin Kern recorded a hat trick to spark the Jaguars offensively, and Nathaniel Rice, a junior defender, and Householder added a goal apiece in the 5-0 win over Ringgold.
  • The Jaguars' team captains are Wessel, Moser, Householder, senior midfielder Andrew Callaghan, and junior defender Benjamin Powell.
  • As of September 15, TJ and Bethel Park were tied for first place in section play at 4-0-1, followed by Trinity (4-1) and Laurel Highlands (3-2).
  • The team's starting lineup has a balanced attack, with Householder leading in goals and tied in assists with O'Hare.

Statistics:

  • The Jaguars' record at the end of the first month of the season was 7-0-1.
  • The team allowed only eight regular season goals in 2024.
  • In the first eight games of the 2025 season, the Jaguars allowed only three goals.
  • Wessel posted 12 shutouts in 2024 and already has five shutouts this year.
  • Gavin Kern recorded a hat trick in the 5-0 win over Ringgold.
  • TJ's team captains are Wessel, Moser, Householder, Callaghan, and Powell.

Sources:

  • The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.).
  • Will Kulish, Michael "Doc" Kulish

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