Franklin Regional shows comeback ability ahead of semifinal matchup

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Monday, October 27, 2025 | 6:01 AM

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Franklin Regional righted two wrongs in the WPIAL boys soccer quarterfinals.

First, the Panthers (17-3) won their first overtime game in three tries this season. Secondly, they overcame a 1-0 deficit after two previous opportunities in that situation resulted in losses.

A 2-1, double-overtime thriller against No. 6 Chartiers Valley cleansed the third-seeded Panthers’ collective palate and infused confidence into a team that proved it can play from behind.

The Panthers had only come back from a 1-0 deficit once before, against Latrobe.

“Everything is tight in the playoffs,” Panthers coach Nick White said. “I told our guys before it started it was going to be a one-goal game. If they got the first one, it would have to be a 2-1 game on our side.

“It’s nice to come back like that and earn an OT win.”

Now the attention turns to the Class 3A semifinals where the Panthers will face No. 2 Bethel Park (14-2-3) at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Dormont Stadium.

Franklin Regional is in the semis for the seventh time in eight years and third time in a row.

Another trip to Highmark Stadium could await the Panthers if they can outwork the Black Hawks, who shut out Mars in the quarters, 2-0.

It will take a collective effort like the one they put forth against Chartiers Valley.

Senior forward Cruise Lamanna had both goals, the first on a penalty kick and the second on a highlight volley with just more than 13 minutes left in the second OT.

The game-winner had people talking after the game. How did he do that?

Lamanna tore off his shirt on a cold night and sprinted to the student section.

Junior Rory Bayne lofted a high pass over the top to Lamanna, who delivered a cobra-like strike, the game won in a bang-bang few seconds.

“I saw Rory send it in and just said go for it,” Lamanna said. “My goal last year against Mars (in the semifinals) was pretty big, but so is this one. Maybe more.

“We were down but knew this couldn’t be our last game. It couldn’t end here.”

White hugged Lamanna and told him how special the golden goal was.

“There was some tic-tac-toe there,” White said. “That was probably our best possession of the night. What a volley. What a great moment.”

Franklin Regional couldn’t post its 13^th shutout, and allowed its 10^th goal, but White appreciated the moxie his team showed when it fell behind with 17 minutes and 35 seconds to play.

“I was proud of our defensive shape,” White said. “We absorbed their pressure without giving up any grade-A chances.

“Everybody played a role in the win. We had bumps and bruises and guys were cramping up. That’s a testament to our fitness. Playoff victories are precious and you can’t take anything for granted. You earn these moments, they aren’t given to you.”

Chartiers Valley was primed for an upset, but Colts coach Bill Douglass credited Franklin Regional on the win.

“Unfortunately, FR made one more play than us to give them the win,” Douglass said. “They will be a tough out for any opponent.”

There was a shake-up in the 3A bracket Wednesday as both No. 1 Hampton and No. 4 West Allegheny lost.

No. 8 West Allegheny edged Hampton, 2-1, while Moon fell to No. 5 Thomas Jefferson, 1-0.

West Allegheny and Thomas Jefferson will meet in the other semifinal.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Bethel Park, Franklin Regional