Fatschel develops quickly
SEVEN FIELDS — Picking up solid out-of-season soccer competition was important to Carnegie Mellon University sophomore Andreas Fatschel.
Being able to travel throughout the United States and Canada was also enticing for the Seneca Valley graduate, who plays for the Tartans’ soccer team.
Fatschel spent last summer playing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds U-23 team.
This season at CMU, Fatschel started all 16 games, garnering honorable mention All-University Athletic Association honors.
Playing for the Rivershounds developmental team involved taking the field with and against Division I players.
Fatschel, who plays club with the Cleveland Internationals, had been pitted against academy teams sponsored by Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire.
“I wouldn’t say playing against high-level guys was intimidating,” Fatschel said. “I played academy soccer in Cleveland and we played against a lot of academy teams sponsored by pro teams. So, it was nothing new to me.”
The Riverhounds went 2-11-1 and in the Great Lakes Division in their first year in the USL Premier Development League.
The league has 63 teams, 55 in the United States and eight in Canada.
“All the teams we played against were really good,” Fatschel said. “The Michigan Bucks won the whole thing and we tied them in the first game I played.”
First-year Tartans coach Brandon Bowman paired Fatschel as a centerback with fellow defender Greg Allen.
CMU went 8-5-3 and ended the season with a 0-0 tie against No. 14 nationally ranked Emory (Ga.) University, which qualified for the NCAA Division III Tournament.
“He’s able to control and read the game well and directs those around him,” Bowman said. “One of the tricks for defense is organizing what happens in front of you so you don’t have to make a tackle. He has great technical ability.”
During Fatschel’s freshman season, he only appeared in one game. Playing over the summer against some players who are trying to play professional was a big help.
Fatschel traveled to Toronto, New York City and Chicago to play games.
Not that he had an opportunity to go explore the city.
“We didn’t get to do too much walking around the city,” Fatschel said. “We were so focused on soccer.”
Fatschel, who is majoring in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, isn’t sure if he’ll try to play for the Riverhounds against next summer.
He’ll be trying to find internships around the country.
Bowman expects Fatschel can continue to grow as a player.
“I think although he is one our leaders, he can be more vocal and draft players with him up to the standard he plays,” Bowman said. “As an upperclassman, I expect him to show a lot more leadership.”
