Second-half surge puts Raiders into the playoffs
JACKSON TWP — Maybe it was George Williams' halftime speech, a change in strategy or simply the players' realization that their playoff hopes were on the line.
Whatever the reason, the Seneca Valley boys soccer team played with a purpose in the second half.
In a Section 2-AAA clash that was essentially a playoff game — with the loser staying home for the upcoming WPIAL tournament — the Raiders scored three goals in the final 40 minutes to defeat rival Butler 3-1 Thursday night at NexTier Stadium.
Josh Allman's goal in the 57th minute put SV up for good.
"We needed to win or tie tonight to make the playoffs," said Williams, the SV coach. "I tried to light a fire under the guys at halftime and they played great in the second half."
Most of the first-half action took place in Butler's offensive zone and the Golden Tornado (6-8-2, 4-5-1) led at the break after Cory Werth's goal in the 39th minute. The Tornado also forced SV goalkeeper Justin McAtee to make six saves in the first 40 minutes.
"We definitely played well in the first half," said Butler coach Troy Mohney. "We controlled play."
The Raiders (9-6-1, 6-3-1) tied the score in the 55th minute when, after a throw-in by SV, the Tornado were unable to clear the ball and junior George DeAugustino beat Butler goalie Aaron Voelker.
It wasn't the first time DeAugustino was involved in a key play around the net.
Midway through the first half, a Butler rush toward SV's goal forced McAtee to leave his post.
He made an initial save, but the Raiders were unable to gain control of the ball and Butler got a shot off before the senior goalie could recover.
DeAugustino was standing in front of the net and blocked the shot with his leg.
"It feels real special to help the team win such a big game," said DeAugustino, normally a defender who also played a bit of midfield Thursday. "The difference in the second half was we played with a sense of desperation and won more balls in the air."
"He did the job at both ends of the field tonight," said Williams of DeAugustino. "He's played so well all season."
Allman's goal came less than two minutes after DeAugustino's in the second half, giving SV a 2-1 lead.
"They made an adjustment in the second half by playing three forwards," said Mohney. "That put more pressure on our defense and it obviously affected the way we played."
SV's Ryan Mershimer tallied the game's last goal in the final minute.
McAtee made 10 saves while Voelker had six.
The section schedule is complete, but both teams will be back in action Saturday night, with SV playing at Mars and Butler hosting Upper St. Clair.
The WPIAL playoff meeting is Wednesday.
