Devon Nardelli’s journey from freshman year to senior year as the Tyrone/Bellwood-Antis soccer team’s goalie was a little rocky.

He went from an instant success story on the varsity roster to battling for playing time as his career progressed, but now, as he winds down his senior season as the Eagles’ starting goalie, it all seems to have worked out in the end.

“Devon has been extremely patient,” said Coach Alex Bartlett. “He has sound commitment to be a part of the team.”

Nardelli’s freshman year, starting goalie Eric Sims got injured and Bartlett gave Nardelli a chance to start for the next two games. Then during Nardelli’s sophomore year he started most games but had to compete with Wyatt Walls for his starting spot.

There was no splitting of time last season, when Walls took over the position full time, forcing Nardelli to work a little harder and make improvements he may not have even realized he needed to make.

It has worked out well so far as Nardelli and the Eagles are 8-4 and Nardelli is allowing  a single goal per game. He has allowed more than two goals in a game just twice and has recorded four shutouts.

“Devon is playing well,” said Coach Bartlett. “He has only conceded 12 goals this season.”

Nardelli wasn’t always a soccer player. He started off playing hockey when he was 5 or 6 but later on the expenses of playing such a costly sport began to pile up, and his parent suggested switching to soccer.

Devon’s favorite memories with the team are team breakfasts and bonding outside of the field.

One person Devon looks up to is his father, who got him into soccer.

“I love how he learns from his mistakes and fixes it for the next time that situation occurs,” Devon said.

Devon said he tries his best every day to be like his dad.

For both Devon and the soccer team, the goal is to make it to playoffs again and shoot for Districts and states. Currently, the Golden Eagles are ranked No. 3 in the 3A standings.

But for Devon, soccer has always been about more than wins and losses. It’s been a way for him to form bonds with other people.

“I always have people who care about me outside my family,” he said.

Nardelli noted that Coach Bartlett has been a big influence on him to be the best goalie he can be for the team and himself individually.

You can see Nardelli and the Eagles at Harry K. Sickler jr. Athletic Park Saturday in an 11:30 game against Cambria Heights.