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Dylan Smith aims to backstop Central Bucks West to another deep playoff run

The senior goalkeeper delivers "wow" moments every game, his coach says.

Central Bucks West goalkeeper Dylan Smith makes a save during the Central Bucks West and Pennridge soccer game Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Pennridge High School in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. WILLIAM THOMAS CAIN / For The Inquirer.
Central Bucks West goalkeeper Dylan Smith makes a save during the Central Bucks West and Pennridge soccer game Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Pennridge High School in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. WILLIAM THOMAS CAIN / For The Inquirer.Read moreWILLIAM THOMAS CAIN

Central Bucks West senior goalkeeper Dylan Smith, whom many regard as the best in the state at his position, has made a name for himself by making incredible saves and keeping the opposition off the scoreboard.

Head coach Stefan Szygiel vividly recalls last year's district quarterfinal win over Lower Merion that clinched a state soccer tournament berth. After a 0-0 tie in regulation and two overtimes, Smith stopped four penalty kicks and made a PK of his own at the other end. The Bucks eventually lost to Conestoga in the state semifinals, but it was the deepest playoff run in program history.

Teammates and coaches describe those wow-type moments from Smith as "Smithian" performances.

"Last year is a great example of those Smithian performances," said Szygiel, who is in his sixth year at the helm. "Typically that comes with where we're not doing our job [in terms of scoring goals], but he's making save after save. And not just routine saves, but saves that 80 percent of high school keepers don't make. There's usually two or three wow-type saves in there. That's a Smithian performance."

Smith notched a career-high 12 shutouts, had a career-low 0.80 goals-against average and recorded four shutouts in six playoff starts last year. He recorded 11 shutouts as a freshman and seven as a sophomore. The 30 combined clean sheets have earned Smith three all-Suburban One Continental selections in three years.

Smith played several sports as a kid and his love and passion for being a soccer goalie happened by chance. After an injury sidelined the goalkeeper, Smith took over between the pipes with no experience.

Years of hard work and dedication to his craft have allowed Smith to become the goalkeeper he is today.

"I watch a ton of film," said Smith, whose ultimate goal is to play for a local Division I school. "I'm really into that stuff. There's a lot that you can learn about yourself as well as the opponent."

Szygiel says Smith is a "vocal leader" on the field, guiding teammates and facilitating communication. Smith added that his ability to lead people is a major advantage.

"We do a great job as a defense leading the rest of the team and keeping them organized," said Smith, a team captain since midway through his freshman year.

The Bucks, who went 18-7 last season, have big plans for 2018 thanks to an experienced roster. All-American Tarin Morris (La Salle University) and defender CJ Lang were the only two starters lost to graduation.

West's back line is anchored by senior Nick Centenera, senior Luke Fehrman, senior Mike Redfield, junior captain Bailey Moyer, and sophomore James Lutz. The midfield is led by senior captain Carson Snyder, senior captain Reed Sturza, senior Kyle Holt, and senior Colin Burn. The attacking line is guided by junior Alan Zlotin and junior Jimi Leder.

"You don't want to be just hard to play against," Szygiel said. "You want to be in the conversation of being one of the best out there. I think we're knocking on the door of that. Last year was certainty a big step forward in that direction. Dylan and his class have been such a big part of that."

The ultimate goal is to win the program's first state title, but West has taken on a one-game-at-a-time mentality.

"Coach put some stock in our class and had some really high hopes for us," said Smith, who has already posted five shutouts in 2018. "Hopefully, we can deliver like we did last year."