Big Macs bring Raiders' season to a close
JACKSON TWP — It was a night filled with highs and lows for the Seneca Valley boys soccer team.
Moments after receiving their Section 2 championship plaque Monday, the Raiders found themselves up by two goals against Canon-McMillan in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.
But the Big Macs rebounded to tally three unanswered goals in a 3-2 victory at NexTier Stadium, ending SV's season.
"We're in shock right now," said Raiders coach George Williams. "We knew Canon-McMillan was a big, strong team, but we planned on going so much further than this."
The Big Macs (14-4-1) scored two goals to tie the game by halftime before the team was awarded a penalty kick in the 61st minute after the Raiders (15-3) were whistled for a handball on a shot on goal by CM's Jake Camerson.
Alex Brumbaugh made good on the penalty kick and the Big Macs had the one-goal lead that became the margin of victory.
"Give credit to them," said Williams of the Big Macs. "They scored opportunistic goals tonight."
In the final 15 minutes of play, the Raiders had several scoring chances, including one with just over a minute to play.
Junior defender Stephen McConahy's free kick from 50 yards out ricocheted to the right of the Big Macs goal, but SV's Andrew Danylo wasn't able to get enough on a shot with his left foot and James Hathaway made his 10th and final save of the night.
"All season long, we've faced predicaments," said Canon-McMillan coach Michael Garet. "We had to beat Peters Township in the final section game to make the playoffs and they were ranked second in the state.
"This team's resolve, passion, heart and determination have been incredible," he added.
SV's Josh Allman staked his team to a 2-0 first-half lead with goals 4½ minutes apart.
Dylan Bilka assisted on the first tally and the second goal came after the Big Macs were unable to clear a corner kick from SV's Ryan Mershimer.The Raiders seemed to have control just seven minutes into the game."We came out on fire," said Williams. "But a 2-0 lead is the most dangerous lead in soccer. I think we got too comfortable."CM's Justin Williams scored his team's first goal in the 22nd minute of play and Matt Fonagy tied the game five minutes later."I think we came out a little overexcited to start," said Garet. "After getting down 2-0, we just stayed compact in the back and our defenders did a good job of communicating with the midfielders. We've been pretty solid on defense all year."SV goalkeeper Jordan Case made five saves."It's disappointing, but we accomplished a lot this season," said Williams.
