ADAMS TWP — It seemed as if Ben Esser's goal in the 65th minute of Monday's WPIAL first-round boys soccer playoff would be the spark that North Catholic needed.

The Trojans (12-4) still trailed Shady Side Academy, 2-1, after the score, but with so many scoring chances to that point just missing for North Catholic, Esser's effort seemed to set the tone for the remainder of the contest.

Instead, it was the defending champion Indians who scored next with what proved to be the winning goal in a 3-2 Class AA victory over the Trojans at the Mars Athletic Complex.

Midfielder Sam Farner made the score 3-1 with a tally just over three minutes after Esser's score.

“That third goal was huge,” said SSA coach Ed Ellsworth.

“Sam is just a freshman, it was unbelievable.”

North Catholic cut its deficit to 3-2 with Joe Kearney's goal in the 75th minute. The Trojans, as they did most of the night, stormed SSA's net late. They earned two corner kicks in the final 45 seconds, but were denied both times.

It was a frustrating end to a night filled with great scoring chances that yielded only disappointment for the Trojans.

“Especially in the second half,” said NC coach Aaron Kelly. “We had so many chances. Shady Side is a very athletic team and their goalkeeper made some great saves. Unfortunately, we came up short tonight.”

North Catholic's struggles began in the first half when several shots either sailed just wide, hit the crossbar or were saved by goalkeeper Bruce David.

Shady Side's scoring chances were far fewer, but the Indians made one of them count.

Senior midfielder Wally Navid headed in a 50/50 ball past NC keeper Ryan Jackson in the 36th minute.

Navid extended the lead to 2-0 in the 58th minute.

“We've played in the WPIAL championship game the last two years,” said Ellsworth. “Sometimes, that doesn't mean anything, but I think it did tonight.

“Wally is a four-year starter and he's not afraid of big moments. The playoffs bring out the best in him.”

David made nine saves for the Indians (9-6-1) while Jackson stopped three shots for North Catholic (12-4).

The Trojans, who won the WPIAL Class A title and reached the state final last year, did well for themselves in their first year in Class AA.

“I'm proud of the way we played this year and the way we fought back tonight,” said Kelly. “We're looking forward to next year.”