Raiders don't take state run for granted
HERSHEY — Tears dotted Seneca Valley’s bench following Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Central Bucks East in the PIAA Class AAA boys soccer championship game at Hersheypark Stadium.
But also visible were some well-deserved smiles.
Perhaps it was the fact that even in the wake of the disappointing result, some players were more focused on the incredible journey the Raiders had taken in 2015.
Seneca Valley earned its third straight Section 2-AAA title during the regular season. A win over Central Catholic in the WPIAL quarterfinals was followed by a 1-0 semifinal loss to Canon-McMillan, ending the team’s district championship hopes.
Just two days later, the Raiders had a chance to extend their season in the WPIAL consolation game, but how would the team respond?
“We went to practice the day after (the loss) and knew we had to work as hard as we could to get to the state playoffs,” said senior midfielder Jorge Olan. “We didn’t take anything for granted.”
Seneca Valley disposed of Kiski Area 4-0 to earn the program’s first-ever berth into the PIAA tournament and the Raiders were off and running.
Wins over State College (5-1), in a rematch with Canon-McMillan (1-0) and Springfield (1-0) brought the Raiders to Hershey.
One final victory eluded George Williams’ team, but the state-playoff run provided all involved moments to remember.
“This team has left a large imprint on the program,” said Williams. “This was the best season Seneca Valley soccer has ever had. They set a very high bar and an excellent example for future teams.
“We wanted to defend well and we did that all season,” he added, “but moving forward and attacking, that’s something we really improved on during the season. I felt we were playing our best soccer coming in to today.”
While the Raiders were loaded with talent, including All-State players Matt Saluga and Adam Mascio and All-WPIAL selections Griffin Mathew and Olan, attitude played just as key a role in the team’s 18-3-1 record.
“I’ll remember the heart everyone showed,” Olan said. “Every player putting his best into every drill, every practice, every game....that’s what I love about this team. Getting to play in the state title game, it was all worth it. We just got beat by a great team.”
Senior goalkeeper Luke Pecora played his last high school game here Saturday and was not shy when describing what being part of the team means to him.
“The last few weeks, being in the state playoffs, it’s been unbelievable,” he said. “I’m so proud of us. It was one heck of a ride.”
