Seneca Valley boys soccer’s constant pressure can’t crack North Allegheny in WPIAL section rivalry clash
JACKSON TWP — Seneca Valley boys soccer was living large through the first four games of the season, scoring 19 goals in that span.
But the Raiders spent a frustrating night trying in vain to crack the scoreboard against rival and WPIAL Section 3-4A foe North Allegheny on Tuesday.
After falling behind on Connor Heliger’s goal just 40 seconds into the contest, SV controlled play for the vast majority of the game’s duration.
Three corner kicks and numerous throw-ins near the Tigers’ net went for naught as the Raiders lost for the first time in 2026, 1-0 at Seneca Valley’s NexTier Stadium.
“They caught us sleeping on the first restart of the game, and after that goal, they packed it in defensively and that was pretty much the story of the game,” SV coach George Williams said. “That can happen anytime you give up an early goal. We had some opportunities but couldn’t find a way to break through.”
Despite NA’s emphasis on defense, SV (4-1, 1-1) had multiple scoring chances in the game, none better than shots from Fynn O’Donnell and Jacob Prex in the 61st minute.
Tigers’ goalie Jaxon Cowger stopped O’Donnell’s shot just inside the right post, then moments later made a leaping save on Prex’s attempt from left of the net.
Cowger made six of his eight saves in the second half to earn his fourth consecutive shutout.
“He’s great at distributing the ball and is one of the best goalies in the WPIAL with the ball at his feet,” NA coach Manny Montero said. “That’s something that is often overlooked.”
Heliger’s goal came on a header deposited into the upper left corner of the net. SV starting goalkeeper Kyle DeMaster was injured while attempting to make a save on the play and was replaced by sophomore Ben Ozdinec, who saw his first varsity action of the season.
“(Heliger) is a center back, but (he) has a knack for scoring,” Montero said.
Ozdinec came up with a save to keep his team’s deficit at one goal in the 25th minute, when NA (4-1, 2-0) enjoyed a reprieve from Seneca’s pressure. Three corner kicks in a span of 45 seconds yielded just one shot on goal, a header Ozdinec corralled.
Williams was unsure of DeMaster’s status following the game.
Seneca Valley hosts North Hills in another section clash Thursday.
“It’s important for us to play well to get some confidence back,” Williams said.
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Seneca Valley’s Jacob Prex (10) shows his disappointment after losing 1-0 to North Allegheny in a boys soccer game Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Seneca Valley's NexTier Stadium. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Seneca Valley’s Jake Howard (24) battles to head the ball with North Allegheny’s Colin Sanner (2) in a boys soccer game Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Seneca Valley's NexTier Stadium. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Seneca Valley’s Fynn O’Donnell (2) fights for the ball with North Allegheny Harper Boles (10) in a boys soccer game Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Seneca Valley's NexTier Stadium. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Seneca Valley’s Luke West (3) fights for the ball with North Allegheny's Preston Herzog (3) in a boys soccer game Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Seneca Valley's NexTier Stadium. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Seneca Valley’s Derek Larrimer (11) tries to tap the ball in the net against North Allegheny goalkeeper Jaxon Cowger in a boys soccer game Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Seneca Valley's NexTier Stadium. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
