After losing to Moravian 3-2 in the Colonial League playoffs, the Panther boys put the loss behind them and set their sights on going as far as they could in the District playoffs.
Blue Mountain won their league’s championship game, placing Saucon as the number 3 seed. Saucon (13-3-1) hosted number 6 seed Wilson (10-7-1) at their home field last week.
The last time Saucon and Wilson played each other the result was 3-2 Saucon. It was evident as soon as the ball was kicked off that Wilson was determined to redeem themselves.
Wilson’s keeper was incredibly talented, so there were several shots on goal before Saucon made it on the scoreboard. With only six minutes left in the first half, senior Jack Causey had a beautiful shot over the Wilson keeper’s head and into the net. Causey said, “My celebration was raw emotion. I thought ‘wow, I just scored my third goal of the season.’ I didn’t realize until later what impact that goal had on setting the tone for the game.”
The 1-0 score in the first half seemed to increase the energy levels in both teams, and as a result, the play intensified. There were several scoring opportunities for both teams, but no results until a Wilson player made a long shot from half field, burying the ball in the back of Saucon’s net with only 20 seconds left in the first half.
The second half yielded cautions, missed indirect and direct free kicks, and increasingly rough play, but no additional goals. As a result of the game being tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time, the teams were required to play golden goal overtime.
The first 15 minute overtime was scoreless. Wilson seemed to start to control the game, but they couldn’t get the ball past Saucon’s defense. Despite numerous attempts, Saucon just couldn’t penetrate Wilson’s defense.
Tensions were mounting as the second overtime period started. If the score was still tied at the end of the second overtime, the game would go into penalty kicks. Wilson’s goalie was so talented it would be definitely be a nailbiter. But, it didn’t come to that. With nine minutes left, junior Zach Nicholas scored, making the score 2-1 Saucon and bringing Wilson’s dreams of advancing in districts to an end.
Saucon advances to the District semifinals and will face second seed Blue Mountain in Palmerton Tuesday.
Ashton Gonsalves and Jakob Raven team up to get the ball from Wilson.
Saucon gains possession of the ball.
Fighting for the ball in overtime.
The Saucon Valley boys soccer team celebrates their overtime win over Wilson in the District quarterfinal game.
