Burrell edges Knoch in a 1-0 decision
PINE TWP — One shot was all either team needed.
Knoch couldn't get it, but Burrell did.
In the first round of the WPIAL Class AA boys soccer playoffs, Burrell had only one shot on goal during the first 45 minutes — a Kodey Koscianski goal with 22:15 left in the first half — which gave the Bucs a 1-0 victory at Pine-Richland High School.
"We know when the ball is at the side of the goal, we have an angle there," said Bucs coach Alex Roberts. "We pass toward the center and the player should be there.
As it turned out, the pass came from Eric Sokol. Koscianski then fired it past Knoch goalie Andy Fritz.
The teams had met in a nonsection game that ended in a 0-0 draw on Oct. 9.
"We knew it would be close. We knew it would be tight," said Knoch coach Doug Wood. "Unfortunately, we weren't able to cash in during the first half.
"This was a game where the first goal was paramount. At no time we thought we were out of it," Wood added.
The Knights (12-5-1) had several opportunities throughout the game, particularly a shot that hit the football crossbar just above the post, then hit the post and bounced away with 28 minutes left in the first half.
Then, with 4:25 left until the break, Trevor Gordon's header hit the left post.
It also didn't help that Burrell goalie Brandon Daughtry was sharp, making eight saves.
"He's been solid in goal all year," said Roberts. "What's especially helpful was the defense. They gave the angles that are small areas to cover."
"At halftime, we said to come out and play your game and things will take care of themselves," Wood said.
Burrell (13-3-3) spent the game trying to clog the midfield, something they were fairly successful at doing.
"The midfield was a bit of a problem," said Wood. "Other than that, we played a solid game and so did (Burrell). They came to play and tonight was their night.
"If we got that one goal, we'd be in good shape. We just didn't finish."
Fritz finished with three saves.
