Riding momentum
BUTLER TWP — Butler's boys soccer team has not only a WPIAL Class AAA playoff berth, but momentum to go with it.
The Golden Tornado's 4-0 win over Brashear in the regular-season finale Tuesday evening at Art Bernardi Stadium gives the team five victories in its last seven games.
“The key for us tonight was to continue to play well,” said Butler coach Troy Mohney. “Even in our two (most recent) losses (to Seneca Valley and Allderdice), I thought we played well. The loss to Seneca Valley was in overtime and we could have very easily won that game.”
Butler (10-6-2) led 1-0 at halftime Tuesday against the Bulls thanks to a goal from senior midfielder A.J. Nagy in the 13th minute.
The score came after several chances sailed wide of Brashear's net, minded by Jesus Flores.
The Golden Tornado then broke things open in the second half with two goals from Anthony Werth sandwiched around a score on a penalty kick from Chris Fiorina. The set piece was awarded after Brashear (2-15-1) was whistled for a hand ball in the goal box.
Butler goalkeeper Adam Voelker made one save after coming in for Zach Miller, who stopped one shot on a header in the first half. Miller was part of an all-senior starting lineup for Butler. Most of the Tornado regulars who began the night on the bench entered the game with 19 minutes remaining in the first half.
The Golden Tornado will learn their first-round playoff opponent when the brackets are released today.
Butler senior defender John Fleming, a four-year starter, expects he and his teammates will continue their strong play in the postseason.
“I think we'll be loose,” he said. “We've been on a roll the second half of the season. We all get along well and with this being my last year, I'm just going to take in every moment and enjoy it.”
The difference in Butler's play now compared to earlier in the season simply comes down to fundamental soccer, according to Mohney.
“We haven't been giving up many chances on defense,” he said. “And on offense, we've been combining with each other and getting a lot of great scoring opportunities.”
That style of play has to remain with Butler if it is to make a run in the playoffs.
“Everybody has to do their job, including the six guys we bring in off the bench,” Mohney said.
