O-R Athlete of the Week: Ryan Moessner, Bentworth

Name: Ryan Moessner

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Moessner's week: The striker scored the lone goal in the Bearcats' triumph over Mercyhurst Prep in the quarterfinals of the PIAA Class A boys soccer championships last Saturday at Farker Field in Grove City.

Moessner, who is one of the Bentworth captains, has scored 45 goals this season and 88 in his career.

Moessner's goal against the Lakers came 11:14 into the match, as he finished a cross from Andrew Vipperman that went to the left of Prep goalkeeper Lorenzo Baker for a 1-0 lead that would ultimately be the final score.

The Bearcats averaged more than seven goals per contest in the regular season and 5.7 in their first three playoff matches, but have found the back of the net only four times in the last four games, which is not a rarity in high-level playoff soccer.

"There really haven't been any adjustments on our end after scoring so many goals in the regular season and the first three playoff games," Moessner said. "We just continue to play our game, work to get a goal and try to hold the lead once we get it. I think we have done a good job of keeping the lead."

The Bearcats began the week defeating Westmont Hilltop, 1-0, in the first round of the state playoffs. Moessner didn't score, but his brother, Adam Moessner, recorded the lone tally for Bentworth.

Ryan Moessner had plenty of opportunities, but Westmont goalkeeper Alex Mondick played lights out in stopping 10 shots on target, including several from point-blank range.

Ryan Moessner had been battling a calf strain that occurred following the quarterfinals of the WPIAL playoffs, but he appeared to be almost 100 percent against the Hilltoppers.

"Ryan had a ton of chances in that game," Bentworth coach Nick Malarbi said. "He had some of the best touches I've ever seen in that game but didn't capitalize. I think that was due to finding his legs again after being injured, and Westmont Hilltop's keeper was throwing his body all over the place. Ryan is good now and will do anything to help the team. He never misses a practice."

Brotherly love: Ryan and Adam Moessner have been playing together for years, but Ryan relishes the opportunity to be on the field with his brother in high school. The duo, not surprisingly, has great chemistry, which was evident in the Bearcats' match against Mercyhurst Prep when Ryan called off Adam to take the cross from Vipperman.

"It has been neat to play with my brother this year," Ryan Moessner said.

Ryan Moessner is the team leader in goals, but Adam Moessner is no slouch, as the freshman has 28 tallies.

In da club: Like most high-level soccer players, Ryan Moessner is a member of Century. The majority of collegiate players are recruited during matches, showcases and tournaments with their club teams.

Moessner would like to continue playing soccer in college.

From the pitch to the court: Moessner is a member of the Bentworth varsity basketball team where he plays guard. He previously played baseball but soccer is his passion.

Compiled by Jonathan Guth