Pulse of Pittsburgh Soccer (10/4/2023): Reunited on pitch again, Rob Vincent and Kevin Kerr help Tartan Devils Oak Avalon FC keep GPSL dynasty going

While things are furiously busy on many soccer fronts in Pittsburgh, with the Riverhounds, colleges and high school season’s in full swing (see the full schedule below), the highest level amateur men’s league, the Greater Pittsburgh Soccer League (GPSL)’s Premier League Cup Final was played this past weekend at Highmark Stadium, with the venerable Tartan Devils Oak Avalon FC (TDFC) once again taking home the title, by defeating  Appalachia Steel FC, 2-0.

It was a hard-fought match, but in the 50th minute TDFC pulled ahead after former Riverhounds/DC United Rob Vincent was taken down in the box and then converted the ensuing PK.

The Devils doubled the lead in the 70th minute when Sean Tinney (Char Valley / Slippery Rock) hammered home a shot from outside the box into the bottom corner.

Winter Fondi (QV / RMU) kept a clean sheet in goal with some timely saves.

It was another successful title defense for the Tartan Devils, as it was the club’s 8th championship in the nine seasons since starting their team. It’s been a remarkable run, for a squad that now field’s only one player under the age of 30 (average age is an astounding 34).

In addition to Vincent, a very familiar face to Pittsburgh soccer fans, TDFC also convinced Riverhounds’ legend Kevin Kerr to join full time, thus, this season, Kerr and Vincent, who made so much magic together with the Hounds in 2014-2015, were back on the pitch together again.

Ironically, Kerr, a crafty midfielder/attacking player in his years with the Hounds, showed his versatility played center back for us this season, not necessarily a spot the Hounds ever considered him for.

“It was great to get this group together again for another season and win the league. Most of us grew up playing club and high school soccer together 20 years ago, so it’s neat to still be competing together. Since most of the group is married with kids, I’m sure the wives will be happy to have us around to help out a bit more on Sundays now, but I know the guys are already excited at the opportunity to defend the title next season.”

PITTSBURGH SOCCER SCHEDULE (10/4/2023 – 10/10/2023)

Wed Oct 4	WPIAL Girls Section play
	Duq M	6:00 PM	A	Davidson	Davidson, NC
Oct 5 (Thu)	RMU W	5:30 PM	A	Oakland	Rochester Hills, MI
	Pitt W	7:00 PM	H	Duke	Ambrose Urbanic Field
	WPIAL Boys Section play
Fri Oct 6	Pitt M	7:00 PM	H	Va Tech	Ambrose Urbanic Field
Sat Oct 7	Duq W	1:00 PM	A	St. Joseph	Philadelphia
	RMU M	3:00 PM	A	Wright State	Dayton, OH
	HOUNDS	7:30 PM	A	Tampa Bay	Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg, FL
	Duq M	7:00 PM	H	G. Mason	Rooney Field
	WPIAL Non-Section (Boys & Girls)
Sun Oct 8	Pitt W	1:00 PM	H	Wake Forest	Ambrose Urbanic Field
Mon Oct 9	WPIAL Girls Section Play
Tues Oct 10	WPIAL Boys Section play