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Dragons Working at the Oval: Allderdice Boys Soccer embraces unique set up following historic PIAA run

High school soccer preseason training officially kicked off across Western PA this week, and Pittsburgh Soccer Now took a trip to the East End on Wednesday to catch up with the Taylor Allderdice boys program at Schenley Oval Sportsplex at Schenley Park.

Coming off a historic campaign that culminated in a run to the PIAA Class 3A Semifinals, the Dragons are back at work in one of the most distinct training environments in the region.

Unlike many suburban WPIAL counterparts featuring self-contained, multi-million dollar campus stadium complexes, Allderdice’s daily routine is rooted in the fabric of the surrounding city.

Located in Squirrel Hill, the public magnet school relies on Pittsburgh’s public park system for its home training grounds. For players, “heading to practice” often means a 15-to-20-minute walk through the neighborhood down to Schenley Park, carrying their boots, shin guards, and gear down the hill to the Oval.

“It’s a great facility as far as public space goes, but it’s really challenging for us. But to get equipment and bodies down here. Even the kids after a long day in school building with no AC, they have to walk or drive here,” David Thyberg, Allderdice Head Coach said.

“Most of the competition we face have beautiful facilities and it’s a lot easier to walk right out of school and into their training. It’s definitely challenging but we’ve made it work for years and years.”

Once at the track and turf, the Dragons share the public space with local runners, community members walking dogs, and pickup athletes. Far from a distraction, this urban park setup has become an defining part of the program’s culture. Over the years, head coach David Thyberg and his staff have embraced the environment, instilling a level of adaptability, self-reliance, and grit in their squad.

Ira Clemens pointed to the fact that many of the players grew up playing together, adding to team chemistry.

“It is excellent. We want to keep the levels high.  The team banter and culture is excellent,” Clemens said.

“It’s just getting into the swing of things now, that’s going to be important.”

That resilience showed up in full force last fall during their deepest postseason run in school history, proving that high-level tactical execution and championship standards don’t depend on private campus facilities.

As the 2026 campaign gets underway, the Dragons are using that same blueprint to set the tone for another postseason push even as they remain in District 8 (City League) and don’t compete against WPIAL (District 7) schools in matches that have meaning in standings and for an opportunity to play in postseason and make a run to Finals at FNB Stadium.

Still, Tyberg and Allderdice / Pittsburgh Public Schools Athletic Director have been able to keep a strong non-league schedule against a lot of WPIAL teams, mostly in the same classification (Class 3A).

“District eight has been what we’ve been funneled into instead of District seven, as we had been for well 0ver the past decade,” Tyberg shared. “The past couple of years, becoming an at-large, independent school has been hard for us, as we view ourselves as a contender and on par with WPIAL teams. But, we’ve enjoyed our state runs and being able to play our way into it.”

The Allderdice roster will lose just four seniors from last year’s team that did make it all the way to the PIAA semifinal round, beating WPIAL champions, West Allegheny, among others, along the way.

“Every year’s a little different,” Tyberg added.  “We have just four starters we need to replace. So, it’s exciting to have the core team back.  The same principles in play. The same culture. But we have some exciting new freshman that are pushing for varsity spots right now.”

Tyberg added: “Last year was really special, hopefully this year it will be too, but we’ll take it one day at a time.”

Field-Side Interviews from Wednesday’s Training:

  • Head Coach David Thyberg: Reflections on building off last year’s historic playoff run and setting the standard for the 2026 campaign.

  • Ira Clemens: Discussing team chemistry and expectations for his senior campaign.

  • Huxley Lackner: On the momentum from last year’s PIAA run and preparing for the season opener. Watch Interview 

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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).

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