Balanced scoring helps Franklin Regional boys stay undefeated at midway point

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 21, 2018 | 8:12 PM

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The Franklin Regional soccer team made it through the first waves of section play with an unblemished record.

The Panthers (7-0 overall, 6-0 in Section 4-3A) have outscored opponents 32-2 by fielding a variety of formations and schemes that coach Rand Hudson said was done both on the fly and by design.

Hudson said the hefty goal total has come in waves from a variety of players based on what opposing defenses have shown. He credited his team’s willingness to produce when called upon.

“I’ve had teams in the past that are really good, but one or two guys do all the scoring,” he said. “A team in the playoffs can double-team them and try to make them beat you another way. In our case, we have had people try to mark out various guys.

“But we have enough depth that people are going to be able to step up and get a goal that wasn’t expected.”

Auston Kranick leads the scoring with six goals, just ahead of Justin LeDonne’s five and Joseph Bonfiglio’s four. Connor Hudson (three goals), Zack Snider and Matt Kimmich each have a pair of goals.

With only two goals against, Jeremy Lucas has been stout in net. Hudson credited Lucas’ athletic ability and ability to position himself to make necessary saves that can turn momentum as a great addition.

The Panthers play a 3-5-2 formation this season — a different scheme than year’s past — which has forced Lucas to be a fielding player.

“Jeremy is athletic, he can get side-to side, and fly through the air,” Hudson said. “He’s tremendous with his feet. We can drop it back, and it opens things up for us. As players pursue the ball, we can break them down.”

With a second trip through the section schedule on the horizon, Hudson said he expects teams to note how they played them the first time and adjust to fit their needs. He said he switches things up in practice daily to prepare the team for alternative schemes they aren’t familiar with.

“We’re trying to add our own wrinkles and work on plan b and plan c, and if we’re thrown x, we’ll throw y,” he said. “We have to challenge our guys with more than what they’ve done already.”

The Panthers have been up to the task when matched against a variety of situations this season. Against Chartiers Valley — a 1-0 win — the Colts played a defensive scheme they overcame despite hitting three posts.

Against South Fayette — a 3-0 win — the Panthers were pressed and used patience and precision passing and ball placement to break through zones and score.

“Every game has had a different feel and challenge,” Hudson said. “It’s a testament to our depth, patience and understanding of what the task is that we were able to come out with a win in those games.

“Even though they aren’t perfect at whatever scheme, they may think they’ve got it down. So we try to add to that, and hopefully we’ll have some other surprises.”

Brian Graham is a freelance writer.

Tags: Franklin Regional