SV boys stunned by Norwin
JACKSON TWP — Defending 4A boys soccer state champion Seneca Valley went 357 straight days without a loss.
That streak came to an end on Saturday with No. 8 seed Norwin shocking the top-seeded Raiders in a penalty shootout (4-2).
Seneca Valley’s dreams of winning its third state championship in four years were shattered by the Knights. The Raiders dominated possession of the ball and had more shots on goal, but weren’t able to ever grab a hold of the game. Seneca Valley entered the game outscoring opponents 80-10 on the season and 21-0 in their last five games.
Seneca Valley controlled the ball for the majority of the first half. The Raiders were on the front foot for much of the opening 30 minutes until Norwin won a free kick deep in Seneca Valley’s half of the field.
The Knights found themselves in front after senior midfielder Alex Brown scored off an in-swinging set piece to give Norwin a 1-0 lead going into the break.
The Raiders’ battle-tested group didn’t panic, though.
“To get scored on like that early, especially after a long time off, it can definitely rattle you,” Seneca Valley coach George Williams said. “I’m very proud of our players for responding with the effort they did and getting goals back.”
Seneca Valley junior midfielder Zachary Garma found the equalizer just two minutes into the second half, bringing the home crowd back to life. The Raiders began to send more players forward in hopes of scoring a go-ahead goal, but missed a few great chances that could’ve changed the outcome of the game.
“We did keep pressing, we were able to get a lot of shots but we’ve gotta get the goals and be able to finish it,” Williams said.
Seneca Valley let Norwin hang around and the Knights made them pay for that in the 67th minute. Brown caught Seneca Valley goalkeeper Gus Wytcherley off his line and stunned the Raiders with a screamer from 25 yards out – good for his second goal of the match to put Norwin back in front.
“We knew coming in how talented that team is,” Norwin acting head coach Mike Powers said. “We just told them that you have to win the 50-50 balls, win your individual battles and take advantage when you get the opportunity.”
Brown did just that.
But the Raiders once again answered back quickly. With just eight minutes left in the match, Seneca Valley captain Cole Kamarec sent the game into extra time with a blistering strike. Both Seneca Valley goals were assisted by junior midfielder Tyler Prex.
With the score deadlocked at two at the end of extra time, the fate of Seneca Valley’s undefeated season came down to the penalty spot. The Raiders took a 2-1 lead, but Norwin senior goalkeeper Anthony Scalise came through when his team needed it most. Scalise stopped two consecutive penalties and sent Norwin onto the next round, stunning the home fans.
The Norwin student section stormed the field to celebrate with their team. but the Knights know that the job isn’t done yet.
“One game at a time,” Powers said. “It doesn’t matter who is up against us, it’s just ourselves against ourselves.”
