The band has changed a bit but the Lynx are still making sweet sounds

By Jason Guarente — MikeDragoSports.com senior correspondent

Nathan Pufko wasn’t sure which song was going to come first after he walked onto the party bus. Maybe “Old Town Road.” That’s one of his favorites.

Oley Valley’s senior knew the music would be loud and everyone would know the words. It’s no wonder. The party bus only arrives after wins and the Lynx are piling up those.

“We have a speaker and we sing together,” Pufko said. “It’s kind of a team bonding thing.”

The latest fun ride home came following the Berks boys soccer opener Tuesday night. Anthony Witt and Chase Reifsnyder scored and Oley stopped Tulpehocken 2-0 at New Schaefferstown.

Although the band has changed at Oley, the song remains the same. The two-time defending county champs have won their first three games.

Even coach Shawn Meals, who sets the bar exceedingly high, was pleased with the latest performance. Tulpy is supposed to be one of the biggest threats to Oley’s crown.

“To travel here and get a ‘W’ any time, that’s a good result,” Meals said. “I’m happy with the way we did it. There were breakdowns at times. But for the third game of the season, I’ll take it.”

Pregame introductions felt a little strange with so many new faces standing in that line. Many of these Oley players have been waiting for their turn and they’re ready.

Pufko is one of the holdovers. He’s the only returning back from a group that posted 12 shutouts. When Pufko looks to his left and right, he no longer sees Dakoda Gundy, Eddie Standhardt and Drew Rubendall.

“It was weird not playing with those kids,” Pufko said. “But we have a great set of kids that stepped up and filled those roles. They’re been doing really well.”

The new defensive cast is Isaiah Meals, Ryan Beatty and Ethan Gallardo. Meals and Pufko patrol the middle with Beatty and Gallardo on the outside.

Pufko takes free kicks and roams the box on corners. He already has a goal and an assist and will likely collect some more.

“I said before the season started he kind of gets twinkle toes sometimes,” Shawn Meals said. “He likes to run. It’s trying to keep him hedged in so he’s not just floating. We talked and he’s done a great job with it.”

As for the attack, Oley (1-0 Berks III, 3-0) has that covered. Witt, Reifsnyder and Danny Turchi are going to finish chances. Those three have already combined for 10 goals.

Oley Valley’s roster was so ridiculously deep last season that Turchi and Witt were complementary figures. They’re front and center now.

Witt scored off Turchi’s deflection on a free kick seven minutes into the first half. Reifnsyder, the returning Player of the Year, scored with 10 minutes left in the second half to seal it.

Oley held Tulpehocken (0-1, 0-1), which led the league with 59 goals last season, to one shot on frame. Talented striker Eliecer Aguirre was held in check.

The Trojans had the misfortune of playing their season opener against one of the best teams in the county. A non-league matchup against Northern Lebanon was postponed last week.

“For as much talent as we have, we just didn’t play well enough,” Tulpy coach Trevor Brown said. “I thought we would generate more dangerous chances. I’ve got to work a little better in practice to get us in game-like situations in front of the net. We’re just not cutting it right now.”

Meals, who has coached Oley to three Berks championships in five seasons, downplayed the idea that his team is again the favorite. He’s been around. He knows there’s a long way to go.

There’s no denying that the early returns are encouraging. It sure looks like Oley has the horses to go back down that road.

“Shawn always has at least good teams,” Brown said. “His good teams perform great. His great teams always perform even better. He’s got a stellar program.”