High School

WPIAL Boys Soccer Player of the Week: Daniel Sassak (Belle Vernon)

by
John Krysinsky
October 6, 2020

Photo credit: Ben Bamford from the Mon Valley Independent

We are proud to share Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s WPIAL Boys Soccer Player of the Week honoree for Week three of the 2020 season….

Daniel Sassak

(Junior – Belle Vernon – Attacking Midfielder / Forward)

Photo credit: Ben Bamford from the Mon Valley Independent

Pittsburgh Soccer Now‘s WPIAL Boys Player of the Week

(week 3 – Sept. 27-Oct 3)

In the past week, Sassak scored seven goals in three games including a pair of hat tricks and had two game-winners as Belle Vernon remain perfect (9-0 overall, 8-0 in Class 3A, Section 3) thus far this season. The junior midfielder/forward has 13 goals on the season to lead the team. His 50 career goals ranks 5th all time in Belle-Vernon program history which he just surpassed on Saturday.

Belle Vernon Head Coach Rob Miele on Sassak:

“Daniel is an integral part of our team and has been since he came in as a freshman. I think his vision on the field is one of his most underrated attributes. He’s a tremendous leader for us and has really blossomed into a complete player this past year or so. When he came into the program as a freshman his game was solely built on scoring goals but now he creates offense for others, defends very well in the midfield, and continues to improve his offensive game. He’s a fun player to watch in all phases of the game. As a coach, having a player of his caliber is a true blessing but when you factor in the type of kid he is; his leadership, commitment, humility, that all rubs off on the other players, especially our younger guys. He has a huge impact on our team and program.”

Previous PSN 2020 Player of the Week honoree(s):

Rutger Randall, Keystone Oaks (week 1 – Sept. 14-19)

Eben McIntyre, Charleroi (week 2 – Sept. 20-26)

Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s Player of the Week nominations are accepted from WPIAL coaches every week no later than each Monday evening.

Please contact us by email or DM us on Facebook or Twitter if you are a WPIAL soccer coach and would like us to send you a nomination form.

John Krysinsky

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).