2023 PIAA Class A boys soccer championship preview: Delco Christian vs. Charleroi

By: Bill Hartlep
Friday, November 17, 2023 | 4:37 PM

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PIAA Class A boys soccer championship

Delco Christian (18-3-2) vs. Charleroi (22-1)

1 p.m. Saturday at Eagle View MS

On the air: PCN-TV

Seeds: Delco Christian 1-2, Charleroi 7-2

How they got here: Delco Christian defeated Kutztown, 4-3 in penalty kicks; Old Forge, 2-0; and Faith Christian, 2-1 in penalty kicks. Charleroi beat Richland, 2-1; Tulpehocken, 1-0 in overtime; and Bentworth, 2-1.

Coaches: Rob Atkins, Delco Christian; Jon Ducoli, Charleroi

Players to watch: Griffin Schmitt, Delco Christian; Bryce Large, Charleroi

PIAA titles: Delco Christian 0; Charleroi 0

Corner kicks: Both teams are seeking their first PIAA championship. Delaware County Christian School (Delco) rallied in the PIAA playoffs after falling 3-2 in the District 1 title game to Faith Christian, winning the rematch in the state semifinals. Schmitt scored the game-winner in the penalty kick shootout in the semis. Keeper Jacob Matthews sealed the win. Cortez Cordone scored with just over a minute left in regulation to force OT in the semifinal game. … Charleroi lost to Bentworth, 2-1, in the WPIAL title game earlier this month. Large scored in the final minute Tuesday as Charleroi earned revenge against the Bearcats, 2-1, in the PIAA semifinals. Arlo McIntyre also scored for the Cougars. McIntyre, Large and fellow senior Nick Mazon, as well as sophomore Dylan Klinger, were All-WPIAL selections.

Bill Hartlep is the TribLive sports editor. A Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, he joined the Trib in 2004, covering high school sports. He held various editing roles before assuming his current position in 2019. He can be reached at bhartlep@triblive.com.

Tags: Charleroi