CUMBERLAND — What a difference two years make.
Allegany’s Eoin Mowbray was along for the ride as a sophomore in 2023 on a team that started 18-0 and was one of the most prolific offensive teams in area history, falling in the state final.
Two years later, Mowbray was the reason Allegany was in a position to win in the Class 1A state semifinals against eventual champion Liberty, making a series of difficult stops in a game the Lions eventually won 2-1 in two overtimes.
The three-year starter was honored for his senior-year efforts by being tabbed the 2025 Dave Searles Goalkeeper of the Year by the area’s head coaches.
“Eoin had a terrific season and an even more terrific career at Allegany,” Allegany head coach Blake Geatz said. “He is a leader and facilitator both on and off the field.
“Like any good goalkeeper, Eoin had a knack for keeping us in tight contests. Countless times this season and prior, Eoin would step up for big one-on-one saves. His leadership gives our back line more confidence, as well.”
Mowbray won the honor over Fort Hill’s Bobby Brauer, Frankfort’s Alyn Weaver and Calvary’s Peyton Poland.
The boys soccer awards were selected at a meeting of the area’s head coaches.
Fort Hill’s Zach Steckman was named Coach of the Year in Wednesday’s edition of the Times-News, and the Joe Rowan Defensive Player of the Year will be revealed Friday.
The award winners, with the exception of Coach of the Year, will receive their awards at the 77th Dick Sterne Memorial Dapper Dan Sports Banquet at a date/time to be announced.
Mowbray was a key cog in Allegany finishing 13-3-2 and capturing the area championship as the final line of defense on a team that allowed 20 goals (1.11 per game).
The senior, a two-year captain, pitched seven shutouts and had a 76.25 save percentage.
“It has been nice having a student of the game in goal the past few seasons,” Geatz said. “It has made coaching easier, as Eoin is a player who understands shape, back-line depth. He has taken our program another step in the correct direction, and we’re going to miss our rock at the back.”
Mowbray’s leap from being solid to a standout also helped develop trust with his backline, allowing center backs Jack Hensel and Kohen Madden to take more chances stepping to passing lanes knowing their keeper could bail them out if necessary.
“I just think back to when I was in high school and even college, it does a world of help for a center back to know that if you get beat, it’s not a guarantee the ball is going to end up in the back of the net,” Geatz said.
“Even back when he was a sophomore, he made some big saves. He’s really grown as a player and as a person. It was intimidating being on a team like that two years ago, but in the end, it was good for him to know what it takes to take a team to the next level.”
Mowbray is the third Camper to win the honor, joining two-time winner Daniel Brode (2014, ‘16) and Nate Condor (‘12).