Going Out in Style
ADAMS TWP — If the recent state championship game in Hershey was indeed Dane Beller's last time of playing competitive soccer, he certainly went out in style.
The senior forward scored two goals just one minute, 48 seconds apart Nov. 20 as Mars' boys overcame a 1-0 deficit to win the program's first PIAA crown with a 2-1 decision over Northern York.
Beller, who does not plan to play in college, also scored the winning goal in a 2-1 overtime win over Franklin Regional in the WPIAL title game in early November.
“There was a bit of a sense of urgency, but a lot of it just came down to finding a way to grind out a win,” Beller said of both situations. “Out of my four years, this year's team was the most enjoyable to be part of. We had a lot of chemistry.”
Beller scored 38 goals and added 19 assists this fall. His performance made him a unanimous choice for Butler Eagle Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
Mars coach Chris Knauff came to expect Beller's penchant for clutch scoring.
“If a game wasn't going our way, it always seemed like we were just one opportunity away from Dane scoring,” he said. “It was going to happen.
“He pressures defenses and never quits on plays. He is relentless in his attack.”
Beller's junior season was very productive with 20 goals and 12 assists, but he knew he had to take his game to another level this year.
Mars graduated Austin Rocke and Steve Papik, who combined to score 44 goals for the 2019 team.
“It was pretty clear Dane could be depended on to pick up his scoring,” Knauff said. “He had scored 20 goals (in a season) and that's a good benchmark in high school.”
“I knew I had to improve on my finishing,” said Beller. “I believe I did that.”
The record book at Mars agrees.
Beller's 38 goals this fall broke the program record for scoring in a single season, breaking Ryan McKenzie's total of 35 goals in 2009.
“I didn't know about the record until late in the season when Coach (Chris) Knauff told me I was getting close,” said Beller, who added 19 assists. “Getting the record, it's a pretty cool feeling, but it was made so much better that we were able to win the WPIAL and state title.”
Beller played his first season of Cup soccer when he was eight years old. Though it yielded a state championship, his final game prompted him to think about what he's leaving behind.
“I didn't think about it much during the game, but after we got done celebrating, it kind of hit me.”
But he will always be linked to the team that brought Mars its first-ever PIAA title in boys soccer.
“I'm so proud of our team as a whole, especially the seniors,” said Beller. “It was awesome to see everything come together for us this year.”
