Panthers slide by Trojans
PITTSBURGH — Ian Deihle ripped off his jersey and slid on his knees across the turf at Highmark Stadium.
The Sewickley Academy senior had just done something no one had been able to do for 94 minutes in the WPIAL Class A boys soccer championship game Friday night.
Score a goal.
It was a sudden end to a magical WPIAL run for Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic — a team that had won just two games two years ago, but was playing for a district title.
“Definitely mixed feelings,” said North Catholic coach Jordan Wiegand. “I'm just so proud my guys made it to this point. I've been saying the whole time it's been badly steps, but the reality is these guys deserved to be here tonight.
The first 94 minutes didn't decide a thing.
Both teams spent the first half feeling each other out as the two teams combined for just three shots on goal.
The pace picked up in the second half.
Sewickley Academy had a golden opportunity to put the ball in the net when a header by Matt Rooney was deflected away by North Catholic keeper Nathan Paras, who sprawled out to make the save.
Just seconds later, Paras — only a sophomore —made another save.
North Catholic never got such good chances in regulation.
A shot early in the first half by Mike Drambel was buried into the chest of Sewickley Academy keeper Derrick Littlefield.
Sewickley Academy had a golden chance second before the game-winner.
A left-footed shot by Mike Napoleone was slapped away by a diving Paras to end that threat.
Both Sewickley coach James Boone and Napoleone were shocked the ball didn't find the net.
“From my angle, it looked like it was going far post,” Boone said. “Mike came off and said, “How did that not go into the net?”
Deihle didn't miss his opportunity.
“It was just a breakdown,” Wiegand said. “Lack of communication.”
North Catholic will open the state playoffs Tuesday vs. an undetermined opponent at a site and time to be determined.
