Oley Valley boys have ‘something to prove’ as they chase Berks soccer three-peat
Anyone making a list of Berks Player of the Year candidates before last season likely didn’t have Chase Reifsnyder on it. Oley Valley’s forward wasn’t even the most likely choice from his own team.
Reifsnyder arrived ahead of schedule. He scored 14 goals as a sophomore, including two in both the BCIAA semifinals and finals, and sparked the Lynx to their second consecutive county championship.
On a team loaded with seniors and All-Berks selections, Reifsnyder somehow rose above the rest. He knows it’s going to be different this year. He won’t sneak up on anyone.
“I expect more attention from the team’s defense now,” Reifsnyder said. “They’re going to change the way I play a little bit. Last year I would sit outside, way in the back, wait for the ball to get through and run past the defense. Now I assume there’s somebody who’s going to be with me at all times.”
The most memorable goal of Reifsnyder’s breakthrough season came in the Berks semifinals against Wilson. He tracked down a floater in the box and headed it home through the pouring rain to put the Lynx ahead late in the second half. It was a mix of skill and determination. Reifsnyder’s trademarks.
Opponents couldn’t focus on Reifsnyder because Oley had so many weapons. He took advantage.
“He has something to prove to others throughout the county that he is the real deal without that supporting cast,” Oley Valley coach Shawn Meals said. “We have a new supporting cast. The attitude is still there. He’ll run through a brick wall if he needs to. Can we get him in positions where he can use his tools?”
Oley Valley’s senior class, which included All-Berks picks Evan Solley, Alex LaVerdure, Dakoda Gundy and Matt Knowles, is gone. Those players leave behind a golden legacy that includes the school’s first District 3 championship since 1995.
The new core has familiar faces. Danny Turchi, Anthony Witt and Nate Fatkin will produce goals. Josey Williamson is playing his third varsity season. Nate Pufko returns on defense.
Oley has built an unexpected dynasty. The Lynx went through a 44-year county title drought before they won in 2016. They’ve lifted the trophy twice more since then.
“I always went into every season with, ‘I want to win the county; I want to win districts,’ ” Meals said. “It’s selling the players that it can be done. The fact we’ve done it three out of five years is a huge benefit from a psychological standpoint.”
Oley reached the PIAA Class 2A semifinals before losing to eventual champion Lewisburg, 2-0. There’s a ton of postseason experience still on the roster and this group seems to embrace the high expectations that now come with that blue and white uniform.
“I think it’s exciting,” Reifsnyder said. “We have a lot of returning offense. Defense is where we lost a lot. But we have a lot of seniors this year that didn’t really get a chance because of our loaded senior class last year. I think we’ll do fine.”
Reifsnyder is the league’s only returning All-Berks player. He was named All-East Region. Soccer isn’t even his No. 1 sport. Baseball is likely his college future and he helped the Lynx reach a state final on the diamond.
The Berks soccer championship race appears wide open. Tulpehocken and Exeter have the most returning talent. Wilson and Fleetwood have the pedigree. Oley has the gold medals. The seniors on this team want to add to their collection.
“We have something to prove this year with the class that left,” Turchi said. “We definitely need to win.”
