JACKSON TWP — Stingy doesn't begin to describe the play of the Seneca Valley boys soccer team's defense this season.

Nearly impenetrable is more like it.

Through 15 games, the Raiders have allowed just two goals. One came in a 1-1 tie with North Allegheny Sept. 13 and the other in a 3-1 victory over North Hills two days later.

Since then, goalkeeper Dylan Good and the Raiders have shut out 10 straight opponents. For the season, they have blanked teams 13 times, helping SV (14-0-1) earn a fourth straight section title.

The Raiders' starting defense includes Sam Patry, Matt Stopar, Kurt Wagner and Drew Balla. Zach McVicker has also added key minutes in the back.

“Individually, they are all good 1-on-1 defenders,” said SV coach George Williams. “They coordinate very well together and are able to channel opposing players into a certain area.”

The Raiders graduated six key cogs from last year's team that reached the PIAA Class AAA title game. Included in that group were Matt Saluga and Adam Mascio, a duo that combined for 22 goals and 23 assists.

“Coming into this season, we wanted to focus on playing good team defense,” said Williams. “He (Good) has not faced a ton of shots this year, but he has made stops at key times. He had huge back-to-back saves in our win over NA (2-0 Sept. 27).”

“The defense played in front of me this year has been awesome,” said Good, a senior and first-year starter. “My goal coming in was to keep as many balls out of the net as possible.”

With one regular-season game left to play, Good has been almost perfect, stopping 95 of the 97 shots taken against him.

Offensively, the Raiders have benefitted from the return of forward Matt Happ. Early last season, he showed his ability by scoring seven goals in three games before being sidelined the rest of the year with a knee injury.

Happ currently leads the team with 12 goals and has added six assists.

“It feels good to be back and contribute to the season we've had,” he said. “Our attack is good, but we wouldn't have it without the defense playing so well.”

But as Patry explained, the term “defense” does not apply just to SV's back four.

“It starts with the strikers and moves back to the midfield,” he said. “I'm not shocked by our performance this year. I know winning is the main thing and getting shutouts is great, but our first goal each game is to not even allow a shot on goal.”

Zach Turley has added five goals and eight assists, Cole Dengler four goals and Wagner four assists for an offense that will enter the playoffs with a chip on its shoulder.

The Raiders have scored 35 goals in 15 games.

Following Tuesday's 4-0 win over Butler, Dengler remarked, 'Some people have been saying that we're not a good offensive team, but we showed it tonight.'”

Williams has confidence that all aspects of his team can come together in the postseason.

“If you establish how you're going to stop other teams from scoring, it opens things up for the attack,” he said. “The kids are discovering that.”

As talented as last year's team was, the squad's goal of winning the WPIAL ended with a loss in the semifinals. District gold is very much on the current team's radar.

“A lot of soccer needs to be played before that happens,” said Williams, “but it is our focus again this year.”

“Our goal is to win WPIALs and get back to states,” Good added. “I think we have the talent to do it.”

SV closes the regular season with a home game against Fox Chapel on Tuesday.