ADAMS TWP — Describing the Mars boys soccer team as dominant is like calling the Grand Canyon big.

With Wednesday's 7-0 win over Gateway in the regular-season finale, the Planets pushed their goal differential this season to plus-87 (101-14).

The team recently won its fourth section title in seven seasons with a perfect 12-0 record, 17-1 overall.

The loss came in a 2-0 setback to Upper St. Clair, which made the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs with a mark of 15-2-1.

The Planets open the Class AA postseason by hosting Indiana (12-6) Monday at the Mars Athletic Complex.

"The seniors on this year's team got a lot of playing time as sophomores," said Planets coach Chris Knauff. "Our style of play is very similar to the (2007) team."

That's fine with Knauff and Mars boys soccer fans because the 2007 Planets went 21-4-1 overall and played in the PIAA Class AA title game.

Last year, Mars won the WPIAL title. Over the last two seasons, this year's seniors have played a total of 14 playoff games, eight WPIAL and six PIAA, with a record of 11-3.

"It certainly helps, having the knowledge that you've been there before and can compete at that level," said Knauff.

Knauff knew what he had coming back in forward Ryan McKenzie, last year's Butler Eagle Boys Soccer Player of the Year after scoring 20 goals and adding 17 assists. But the senior has taken his game to an even higher level as he takes 30 goals and 14 assists into the playoffs.

"It has a lot to do with the players around me," said McKenzie. "Everybody's doing their part."

That includes junior forward Yulian Lutsiv, who is second on the team with 15 goals.

"He's had a huge impact," McKenzie said of Lutsiv. "He's fast and he's got a good shot. It gives us another threat on offense."

Lutsiv, who recently moved from the Canon-McMillan School District, was expected to make an impact, but he has exceeded expectations.

"I knew he had a good shot, from seeing him in the summer, but it's a different animal when it comes to doing it in games, and he's done the job for us," said Knauff. "His biggest goal was in overtime against Hampton (in a 2-1 win Sept. 29)."

Led by players like Dylan McNany, Christopher Karns, Tim Vandall, Mike Page and Alex Perri, the midfield also has been a strong suit for Mars.

Defensively, Knauff starts Jack Leslie, Tanner Panza and Josh Brake while Ryan Gralish chips in as well.

"I'd say our defense is as good as last year's," said Panza. "We're holding things down pretty well back there."

Both Robbie Sigurdson and Garrett Gabriel have started in goal, but Knauff is hoping to settle on one for the playoffs.