On verge of repeat
WEXFORD — Three down, one to go.
The Mars boys soccer team's quest to repeat as WPIAL Class AA champion moved one step closer to reality.
Christopher Karns scored a goal 48 seconds into the game as the Planets disposed of Chartiers Valley 3-0 in a semifinal match Tuesday night at North Allegheny's Newman Stadium.
"We came out early on and played better than I expected," said Planets coach Chris Knauff. "We knew (Chartiers Valley) had a good defense and getting that early goal was big."
Mars (20-1) will play Hampton in the WPIAL title game Saturday at Elizabeth Forward High at a time to be determined.
Things went from bad to worse for Chartiers Valley early in Tuesday's game.
The Planets bombarded Colts goalkeeper Ross Young with shot after shot.
In the 10th minute of play, Young went down with an injury, left the game and didn't return after making three saves.
His replacement, freshman Alex Malone, found himself thrust onto a huge stage. Malone made six saves and allowed two second-half goals.
"He's just a freshman and didn't see any playing time this year," said CV coach Gary Weber. "For him to step into a WPIAL semifinal game and play the way he did, I thought he played pretty well."
With the Colts trying to protect their inexperienced goalie, their defense stiffened. But the team's offense paid the price.
Mars goalie Robbie Sigurdsson made three saves and the Colts (12-6-2) had no corner kicks in the game compared to five for the Planets.
"With (Young) out, it changed the complexion of the game a bit," said Weber. "But man for man, Mars is just a better team than we are."
Free kicks from Tanner Panza and Jack Leslie led to scores by Yulian Lutsiv (47th minute) and Mike Page (60th), respectively.
The Planets now have won 17 consecutive games after losing to Upper St. Clair on Sept. 11. They have outscored their three playoff opponents by a combined score of 11-0.
"We felt we'd have a good season, but thought the playoffs would be tough," said Knauff. "And our playoff games have been tough. You can't just look at the scores. Both the Indiana and Southmoreland games were scoreless at halftime.
"But once you score that first goal, teams will try to open it up up front and that gives you more chances to score yourself."
