Numbers don't tell whole story for Penn State New Kensington men's soccer player Jake Guerrini

There’s part of an adage that says, “Figures don’t lie.” In the case of Penn State New Kensington sophomore soccer player Jake Guerrini, the numbers might not lie, but they tell only a half truth.

The numbers say Guerrini saw a dropoff after a strong freshman season. In 2021, the Burrell grad posted 21 goals and seven assists on his way to earning first-team All-United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-American honors. His effort helped the Lions qualify for the USCAA national tournament for the first time.

This season, Guerrini had 10 goals and four assists.

A dropoff? Perhaps statistically. But PSNK coach Mark Duffield said there is more to Guerrini than scoring.

“I think he’s added a lot more to his game,” said Duffield, in his fifth season as coach. “There’s so much more he does off the ball. He wins back possession. He’s coming back and supporting the fullbacks when needed. He’s vital to our build-up and winning back possession and supplying balls earlier in the build-up to our other players.”

Guerrini is in no way disappointed with his output. He said his lower numbers have more to do with having a deeper offense this season.

Through the end of the regular season, PSNK (11-2-1, 7-1-1) had 13 players score goals, and the team’s goals-per-game average was up from 4.3 in 2021 to 4.6 this season. Shots per game jumped from 14.4 last season to 23.8 this season.

“This year, I was able to possess more and keep the ball and have a lot of players to pass with,” Guerrini said. “There’s definitely a lot less pressure on me. I just know I can trust my whole offense.”

Part of Guerrini’s quick rise at the college level can be traced to his longstanding relationship with Duffield. Duffield coached Guerrini in club soccer, so that connection helped Guerrini get comfortable right away.

“I have a lot of respect for coach Duffield,” he said. “He’s a great guy, and I’ve known him since I can remember playing Cup soccer. I have a really good relationship with him. I see him as a friend and also a coach. I feel comfortable talking with him about anything.

“He’s one of those people who is always positive, so he’s always able to give me the confidence I need to go into a game.”

Duffield is equally complimentary of Guerrini, calling him a “fantastic finisher” and a great leader for the younger players.

He also is impressed with the development of Guerrini’s total game. Without being able to sneak up on the opposition, Guerrini, Duffield said, has “added a few more strings to his bow.”

Guerrini said he has improved in his knowledge of the game.

That, he said, helps with his decision-making, and he can relax on the pitch and think about what he’s doing rather than simply charging forward in search of a goal.

“People probably were more concerned about Jake this year,” Duffield said. “Though statistically it might say Jake has scored X-amount of goals this year. But if you analyze the full picture of the game, he’s doing a lot more for the team.”

Guerrini has had plenty of help. Sophomore Austin Arnold led the team with 13 goals in the regular season. Jordan Cooper was next with 11.

Sophomore defenseman Ryan Wurzer, like Guerrini a sophomore from Burrell, added a pair of goals and contributed to a unit that allowed only 1.64 goals per game. Junior Shane Stefanik (Highlands) and senior Sam Barca (Valley) also played key roles on the defense.

Another sophomore from Burrell, Justin Potts, contributed a goal in his seven appearances.

PSNK’s quest for a conference title came up short. The Lions lost 3-1 to PS Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

But despite the loss — and, no matter what the numbers might say — Guerrini is pleased with his progress.

“In the coming seasons, I’d like to, individually, have more success,” he said. “I’m happy with how I have been playing this season. Really solid.”