Taking the lead
for Ryan’s soccer team

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Dan Stevens has always learned from the best.
As a kid, Stevens discovered the basics of soccer from professional athlete Matt Knowles — who also happens to be his uncle.
Now, as a teenager, Stevens has found another mentor on the pitch. The Archbishop Ryan senior is playing for coach George Todt, who is the all-time winningest high school soccer coach in Pennsylvania and ranks fifth in the nation for most coaching wins.
"I have so many people in my life who love soccer," said Stevens. "I always played with my uncle when I was younger, and now playing under George Todt is great. I learned a lot from him."
Stevens, a midfielder and team captain for the Raiders, has helped Archbishop Ryan to a 7-2-3 overall record this season.
"We have a solid nucleus of players," said Todt. "We have excellent leadership in our seniors and a lot of talent this year."
The Raiders have won 12 of the last 19 Catholic League titles. And they’re working hard to score lucky number 13 this season.
"I haven’t had a championship yet," said Stevens. "It’s every high school player’s dream to win a championship. It would be an incredible experience."
Like most high school athletes, Stevens dreams of playing on a professional level one day. But after watching his uncle’s success firsthand, Stevens’ high hopes hit a little closer to home.
"I love playing soccer and I’m hoping to take it to the next level," said Stevens, who has been playing since he was 5. "I always went to see my uncle play, which was a huge inspiration. I’d love to play professionally."
In 1996, "Uncle Matt" Knowles was a defender for the MetroStars, a Major League Soccer team based in New Jersey. He teamed up with the Philadelphia KiXX in 1997 and received the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Defender of the Year Award during his debut season.
However, before he joined the big leagues, Knowles also got his kicks with the Raiders, helping them to championship victories in 1986 and ’87.
Watching Knowles kick and score on the soccer fields around the nation was an enormous inspiration for Dan.
But he wasn’t the only one.
Dan’s brother, Jim, also was a regular on the pitch and had a successful run in the Philadelphia Catholic League. The Ryan alumnus was named All-Catholic four times during his high school career.
"I guess soccer is like a family thing," said Dan. "It makes family parties pretty fun."
These days, Jim works as an electrician, but he still offers sound advice to his brother.
"Having a brother who is so good at soccer definitely helps my game," said Dan. "We goof around a lot when we play together. But he’s always talking trash, so it makes me play harder."
After looking up to family members and coaches who have influenced his game, the four-year varsity player is taking a shot at leadership as well.
"I love being team captain," said Dan. "I know I have to step it up and help the underclassmen. I enjoy that responsibility of helping the team any way I can."
Last year, the Raiders earned a spot in the finals but lost the title to La Salle High School. During Dan’s freshman and sophomore years, the Raiders’ season ended prematurely in the semifinals. However, so far this season, things look promising for the Raiders.
"We’re a tough team and I know we got what it takes," said Dan. "Winning is definitely the best part of soccer. I’m a sore loser. I hate losing. I want to leave Ryan with a Catholic League title."
Spoken like a true champ. ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com