PIAA soccer semifinals: What to know about Freeport vs. Burrell girls, Seneca Valley vs. Abington boys
Butler County’s rich tradition in high school soccer has added two more chapters this season. Seneca Valley’s boys (Class 4A) and Freeport’s girls (2A) are one victory away from playing for a state championship.
The Raiders (19-3) will face Abington (20-2-3) in a semifinal at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Chambersburg High School.
Freeport (20-1) will face WPIAL Section 2-2A rival Burrell (14-7-2) at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Fox Chapel High School.
Here’s a closer look at each matchup.
This meeting features a stark contrast in program success in the PIAA playoffs. While the Galloping Ghosts will be making their first-ever appearance in the state semifinals, SV will be attempting to reach the state final for the fifth time, the previous four instances all coming in the last 10 years.
One thing the teams have in common is head coaches with decades of experience at their respective schools. Abington is led by Randy Garber, who is in his 33rd season of guiding the Galloping Ghosts. George Williams has been head coach at Seneca Valley for 31 seasons.
Seneca Valley will carry an impressive streak into the game. The Raiders have not trailed in any of their previous five postseason games, which includes nearly 450 minutes of regulation and overtime. Their one playoff defeat came on penalty kicks against Fox Chapel in the WPIAL title game. Abington defeated Fox Chapel 2-0 in Saturday’s quarterfinal round.
Abington features junior Jaza Vasquez, who has been at the center of many of the team’s scores this season between goals and assists. The Galloping Ghosts scored all three of their goals in a first-round win over Chambersburg off throw-ins. Their two scores against Fox Chapel came off free kicks.
For Seneca Valley, Owen Eastgate has scored five of the team’s nine playoff goals, followed by Michael Pokrzywinski (2), Jacob Prex and Connor Mackrell.
Freeport is looking to carry its historic campaign into the state championship match. Section foe Burrell stands in its way for a fourth time this go-round.
Coach Steve Kukic’s Yellowjackets (20-1) have allowed just one goal over their past four outings, including a 1-0 win over Burrell in the WPIAL title game.
Kukic expects the Bucs (14-7-2) to "do what they always do," which means playing physically and with a stout defense. Burrell kept a close eye on Woods during their most recent clash and didn't let the ’Jackets dent the scoreboard until seven minutes remained in regulation.
The Bucs fell into an early hole against District 5 champion Bedford on Saturday, then Katie Koehler evened it up at 1-1 in the second half before McKenna Miller, a junior midfielder, netted the go-ahead goal with 18:08 to go.
"We need to be composed but play with urgency," Kukic said.
To finally get past Freeport, Burrell will have to hand it its first defeat since Aug. 27. The ’Jackets have won 19 in a row since then.
