CLARION — One by one, members of the Karns City boys soccer team approached head coach Roy Parker and embraced him with tears in their eyes.

Not only did the season come to an abrupt end in a 3-1 loss to Brockway in the District 9 Class A boys soccer championship match at Clarion University, so did the coaching career of Parker.

The coach will leave the program after 12 years and 201 wins.

“It’s hard for me to walk away,” Parker said. “It really is. But it’s just something I have to do.

“First of all, we need to get some young blood in here, because I’m getting old,” Parker added, chuckling.

Karns City (16-3) jumped out early against Brockway with a goal five minutes into the match off the foot of Evan McGarvey. The shot hit the right post and trickled across the goal mouth before finally rolling into the left corner of the net.

The lead didn’t last long.

Zach Puhala scored on a beautiful header 10 minutes later. Phil Esposito booted in the go-ahead goal in the 37th minute and then iced the match with another perfectly placed shot seven minutes into the second half.

“Brockway is one heck of a soccer team,” said senior sweeper Andrew Johnston. “We had a great season. I am so proud of the guys in purple.”

Parker finished his career with 201 wins and three District 9 crowns.

“Playing under coach Parker and coach (Jim) Grenninger has been an absolute honor and a pleasure,” Johnston said. “It’s times I will never forget for the rest of my life. I’m very thankful.”