Mohneys reflect on Butler scoring record
BUTLER TWP — The career scoring record for Butler's boys soccer program had been in the back of Landon Mohney's mind for several years.
After all, it was held by his father and Golden Tornado coach, Troy Mohney, who found the net 62 times before graduating in 1995.
“I always thought it would be cool to break it,” said Landon, a senior forward. “At the end of last season, I realized I was only 30 goals off. It was one of my goals this season to get the record, as well as win a WPIAL championship.
Landon scratched the first of those off his list Tuesday night when he scored four times in a win over Mercer, giving him 65 career markers.
“After he got the record, I received a bunch of texts from friends,” Troy said. “About three-fourths of them were just congratulating him. The other fourth were people reminding me that I'm a has-been and that I'm getting old.”
As the end of the regular season approached, it seemed as though the record would elude Landon. But he then went on a scoring spree, collecting 17 goals in the final five games.His production has increased each campaign. His 17-goal, six-assist effort earned him All-State recognition as a junior and he enters this year's WPIAL playoffs with 32 goals and 10 assists.“Landon has the ability to run at people with the ball at his feet,” Troy said. “He can be at full speed and still have complete control of the ball. He's nearly impossible to defend 1-on-1.“And his vision allows him to anticipate where people are going to be, three steps before they get there.”
Troy Mohney has remained heavily involved in the sport since starring at St. Francis (Pa.) in the late 1990s. He is currently the director of Hotspurs Soccer Club's North site in Butler, where he coaches five teams. Previously, he had similar roles with Northern Crew and Northern Steel.“My life revolves around soccer,” said Troy. “It's 24/7 for our family. I didn't push soccer on any of our kids, but they were around it all the time.”It didn't take long for Landon to gain a passion for the sport.“I used to go to my older brother (Tate's) games when I was very little,” he said. “The other kids my age would go off and play around, but my mom (Chris) said I would just sit there and watch the game.”Landon aspires to play college soccer at the Division I level. He has made one visit, to Duquesne University, but others are sure to follow.There are two facets to Troy and Landon's relationship, the father/son side of it and of course, player/coach.“We have a good relationship and have always been close,” Landon said. “He's my coach, but at home, he's my dad and I respect him all around.”
