Community Schools Sports

Saucon Boys Soccer Team Falls to So. Lehigh in District Quarterfinals

It was a cold, wet, dreary afternoon Thursday–not the ideal playing conditions for a soccer game on a grass field. But the show went on for Saucon Valley and Southern Lehigh and didn’t have the ending Panther fans were hoping for.

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It was a cold, wet, dreary afternoon Thursday–not the ideal playing conditions for a soccer game on a grass field. But just like the saying “the show must go on,” because of the tight timeline for the district playoffs, “the game must be played.” Despite the cold rain many dedicated Saucon fans turned out in the foul weather to root their team on.

The last time these two teams faced off (in league play) Saucon pulled off a narrow 1-0 victory on Southern Lehigh’s fields. But the winner of Thursday’s game would not only earn bragging rights between the two longtime rivals, but also advance to the District semifinals next week.

It was evident from the start of the game that Southern Lehigh wanted revenge after the last meeting. They were quick to the ball, stringing their passes and creating many chances.

With less than 20 minutes in the first half, Goalkeeper Senior Noah Kriner made an incredible save by leaping in the air and punching a rocket shot over the goal. Without his efforts, Southern Lehigh would have definitely scored a goal then. Kriner made five saves in the first half.

Saucon had several scoring opportunities in the first half but just couldn’t get the ball into the net. Southern Lehigh couldn’t make it past Saucon’s defense and goalkeeper, keeping the score at halftime 0-0.

With all the back and forth, it seemed like it would be a low-scoring game. The first team to score would have a very high chance of pulling off the win, so both teams were determined to get the ball in the net at the beginning of the second half.

Six minutes into the second half, a Southern Lehigh forward found his way through Saucon’s defense and shot one in the back of the net, putting Southern Lehigh in the lead on the scoreboard.

With seven minutes left in the game, the same Southern Lehigh player received his second yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct. Two yellow cards equal a red card so he was sent off the field and his team had to play a man down for the rest of the game. This player is not allowed to play in the next District game.

The weather kept deteriorating, but the Saucon boys fought to the bitter end. Despite their hard work and determination, the final score was Southern Lehigh 1, Saucon Valley 0.

Southern Lehigh will face Colonial League Champion Northwestern Tuesday in the District semifinals.

Head Coach Mel Moyer III said, “The boys played their hearts out today and I am especially proud of this group of seniors. They had the opportunity to experience league playoffs, districts and a championship during their playing careers at Saucon. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”

Team captain and League 1st team All-Star, senior Zach Harvey, added his feelings about the team. “Even though the year ended before we had hoped, it was still the end of a great career for the senior class,” he said. “The boys should all be proud of the work they put into it and all of the things they accomplished.”

It was not the outcome the Saucon team, coaches and fans had hoped for, but the team had a successful run and it was enjoyable watching them play this season. You could tell that these players were a family off the pitch as well as on.

Saucon Source wishes the seniors all the best. They all have bright futures.

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About the author

Josh Popichak

Josh Popichak is the owner, publisher and editor of Saucon Source. A Lehigh Valley native, he's covered local news since 2005 and previously worked for Berks-Mont News and AOL/Patch. Contact him at josh@sauconsource.com.

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