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Sharpless ruled ineligible by WPIAL after transferring from Freedom to North Catholic

Photo by Ed Thompson

Heading into the 2019 high school season, Jayden Sharpless, was expected to be one of the top returning WPIAL’s top girls soccer players, and at the top of our list of players to watch.

However, after the sophomore transferred to North Catholic from Freedom — the WPIAL ruled earlier this week that based on paperwork submitted by Freedom, that Sharpless would be ineligible for the coming season.

As a freshman, with her sister Myla, who was a senior last Fall, nursing an injury for much of the season, Jayden led the WPIAL in goals scored with a whopping 64 against 1A competition. Sharpless also trains and competes with Beadling SC.

Following Sharpless’ move to North Catholic, Freedom’s administration flagged her move as potentially motivated by athletics, WPIAL executive director Tim O’Malley told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

North Catholic can request a hearing with the WPIAL to appeal that decision.

In addition to her goal scoring totals, Sharpless had a chance to play alongside her sister, as Myla returned in time for the playoffs — and together they led Freedom to the WPIAL Class A title and a runner-up finish in the state tournament,

Myla begins her freshman year at Florida Atlantic University this Fall.

Freedom rolls past Bentworth, 8-2, for second WPIAL crown in three years

 

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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