Free kick priceless for Mars
SHALER TWP — It was just a matter of time before for Mars' Andy Knauff got his chance — and he made the most of it when it came.
Knauff took a free kick and blistered a shot past Grove City High goalie Drew Clausen with 10:45 remaining in the second overtime to give the Planets a 1-0 victory in PIAAClass AA first-round action at Shaler High.
"He was one of three guys we use for free kicks and I gave the early ones to Mike (Page) and Ryan (McKenzie)," said Mars coach Chris Knauff.
Knauff, a senior midfielder, got the opportunity when he was hit on the shoulder from behind. His shot was a low liner to the left side of the net.
"I was really surprised by the officiating at that time," said Grove City coach Brian Beil. "I thought a game of this magnitude, a state playoff game, they would let the teams play.
"We played a majority of the match on our back foot. ... We did well to run with them most of the game. It was unfortunate that they got the goal,"Beil added.
Clausen was sharp for the District 10 runner-up Eagles (17-3-1), making 15 saves to keep the WPIAL champion Planets (17-2-2) in check.
"That was the best game he's ever had," said Beil. "He stood on his head."
The senior keeper made three saves in the first overtime period and two more in the second overtime, including a pair of diving stops within a 30-second span, until Knauff's goal.
On the other side, Mars goalie Joe Haefner made five saves over the 99-plus minutes.
Mars' control of the game was apparent, but the Planets' inability to convert chances into scores raised the tension level.
"I get more and more nervous as the game goes on," said coach Knauff. "I've been in plenty of games and it only takes one opportunity to get beat.
"Our players never give up. They work hard until time is up,"Knauff added.
The Planets definitely had their chances to score. Mars had a pair of headers go over the crossbar, another shot just clear the crossbar and a Page shot that hit the post and rolled away — all in the first half.
In the second half, Clausen made six saves, all coming off headers or hard rollers, to keep the game scoreless.
The Eagles' defense played an outstanding game, limiting the Planets opportunities in front of the net.
"They were very strong down center and gave us space out wide," said Knauff. "They have a very good sweeper and stopper. ... They dropped the sweeper kind of deep. We have a hard time when we face a strong center back."
With the win, the Planets advance to the quarterfinal round to face Susquehannock Saturday at a time and site to be determined.
