HARBORCREEK — Ryan McKenzie scored both goals Wednesday night as the Mars boys soccer team shocked previously unbeaten North East 2-1 in the first round of the PIAAClass AAtournament.

The victory marked the first state tournament triumph in the program's history.

"They had the better of the scoring opportunities, probably 60-40,"Mars coach Chris Knauff said. "(Goalkeeper)Joey Haefner played a great game for us."

The Planets (19-3-1) got on the scoreboard midway through the first half when McKenzie scored off an assist from Timmy Frigot, who assisted on McKenzie's second goal as well.

That second tally occurred 15 minutes into the second half. North East (21-1) scored its goal about a minute later.

"We were able to hold them off from there,"Knauff said.

McKenzie, who has 16 goals this season, nearly scored a hat trick, but rolled a shot just wide of the goalpost. Drew Glavin nearly scored for the Planets as well.

The Mars victory sets up a rematch with Center in the next round of the state tourney Saturday, with the site and time to be determined.

Center defeated the Planets 1-0 in the WPIALsemifinals.

"I thought we outplayed them in that game. We just didn't score,"Knauff said.

Center lost in the WPIALfinals, but defeated Bradford 2-0 in the first round of the PIAA tournament. Center has won 12 of its last 13 games while Mars has won eight of its last nine.

The Mars-North East game originally was scheduled for Tuesday night, but heavy snow in the Erie area forced its postponement to Wednesday.