SV boys soccer squad takes 2-1 loss vs. unbeaten Central
JACKSON TWP — Playoff preview?
One thing's for sure — Thursday night's non-section boys soccer game between Central Catholic and Seneca Valley certainly had a postseason feel to it.
The teams entered the contest with a combined record of 23-1.
It was the Vikings who prevailed, with junior forward Nick Broujos breaking a 1-1 tie with a goal in the 51st minute. Central goalkeeper Anthony Tirone made four saves in the final 13 minutes to preserve the 2-1 victory.
The game was hard-fought on both sides, which made for an entertaining 90 minutes. But Seneca Valley mentor George Williams had his coach's cap on.
“If I hadn't been so focused on what we were doing, I probably would have enjoyed the game,” he said.
“I have a lot of respect for Seneca Valley,” said Vikings' coach Claudio Morini. “They have a great coach and a great team. I was expecting this type of game.”
The Raiders had one final chance to score the tying goal after being awarded a free kick 20 yards from Central's net with just five seconds left, but Matt Saluga's boot sailed wide left of the goal.
The undefeated Vikings (14-0) had already clinched the Section 4-AAA title with a 5-0 win over Bethel Park on Tuesday. The Raiders (10-2) lead the Section 2 standings.
“Central is definitely a playoff-caliber team,” said Williams. “I saw some things that we need to work on. Right now, we're just focusing on the rest of our section games.”
The Vikings scored first in the fifth minute of play. Senior forward Ryan Sproule got to the ball just before a hard-charging and sliding Bryce Benjamin and the former lofted a shot behind the goalkeeper.
The Raiders had an apparent goal waved off 17 minutes later, but Saluga scored the equalizer in the opening minutes of the second half.
He took possession to the left of Central's net and hesitated for just a second or two, which fooled Tirone, who dove to his left in pursuit of a phantom shot. Saluga then had a wide-open target and did not falter in tying the game.
It was Saluga's team-leading 13th goal of the season.
“He's an explosive player and really drives to the net,” said Williams. “He shows up when you need a goal. Even with the free kick at the end, he just missed by inches.”
Broujos' score came nearly eight minutes later. Despite the loss, Benjamin came up with 10 saves, including seven in the second half. Tirone made seven saves.
“I thought we controlled the play for a good bit of the night,” said Williams. “Both teams had opportunities, but Central took advantage of one more than we did.”
The Raiders dive back into section play when they travel to Hampton on Tuesday.
