Butler frosh Mohney excelling
BUTLER TWP — The bar has been raised high for Landon Mohney, but Butler's freshman soccer standout continues to make the climb.
For the second straight year, Mohney will be competing in the Olympic Development Program's tournament as part of the exclusive East Region squad. The event will take place Dec. 18-22 in Florida and will include the best U15 players in four regions from around the country.
Mohney, a midfielder, traveled to last year's ODP event in Arizona, but the novelty of being selected has not worn off for him.
“I'm still really excited about the opportunity,” he said. “Being part of this helps with my knowledge of the game, my skill and the pace I'm able to play at.”
Mohney's older brother, Tate, a senior at Butler, was selected for ODP the last two years. The latter recently was named All-State and a Regional All-American while being named Butler Eagle Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
Troy Mohney, Tate and Landon's father, graduated from Butler in 1995 after setting the program's record for career goals with 62. That standard still stands.
But Landon Mohney has not shied away from the accomplishments of his family members. Instead, he is using them as motivation.
“I'm trying to live up to that standard,” said Landon. “I want to break my dad's record at Butler.”
Landon Mohney contributed six goals and 10 assists this fall to Butler's varsity team, helping the Golden Tornado reach the WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinals.
“Landon has always played at a high level, always played up an age level with his club teams,” said Troy Mohney, Butler's varsity coach. “He did an excellent job this season for us and was a huge part of our offense.”
“I thought I did well,” Landon said. “It helped that I was able to play with Tate because I know how he plays and what he is capable of.”
To reach the upcoming ODP tournament, Landon Mohney first had to be selected to the PA West State Team. He then survived several cuts to be picked for the East Region squad.
He will soon find out if he is picked for a team that will arrive in Portugal next spring to compete against international teams. He reached that tier last year and traveled to Costa Rica.
But first comes the trip to Florida, an important step if Landon is to attain his lofty hopes in soccer.
“My ultimate goal is to make the U.S. National Team,” he said.
“With ODP, everything is a step up,” said Troy Mohney. “You're playing against the best competition from all over the country and you learn a lot. It makes you think faster and react quicker.”
Like his older brother, Landon picked up soccer at an early age. When the latter was 7, he played for a U9 team.
“I took it seriously right from the start,” he said.
“My wife and I never forced soccer on our (three) kids,” Troy said, “but it is very enjoyable to see Tate and then Landon develop that passion for the sport.
“When I was in high school, it was a much different time,” he added. “Back then, there were a handful of club teams around. Now, there's about 15 in Western Pennsylvania. There are a lot more opportunities now for kids.”
