Norwin boys soccer extends unbeaten streak, drops Penn-Trafford

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, October 12, 2017 | 10:00 PM

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Attacking the net wasn't something the Norwin boys soccer team was shy about.

Once the Knights saw red — Penn-Trafford drew the card following a collision with 33 minutes, 45 seconds left — there was no doubt what the plan was.

Norwin wanted to be aggressive and get shots on frame.

“We knew we had them pinned down because they only had 10 players,” Norwin midfielder Luca Snyder said. “We kept pushing harder because they didn't have as many attackers.”

Though it took several chances to get the finisher, Snyder banged in a rebound with 17:14 remaining to propel Norwin to a 2-1 Section 4-AAAA home win. It has the Knights — who have one nonsection game remaining — headed toward the WPIAL playoffs with serious momentum.

The Knights have a six-game unbeaten streak and clinched second place in the section with a win over the Warriors.

That's something Norwin (11-3-3, 8-2-2) would love to continue in the postseason.

“We wanted to get on a good winning streak at the end,” Norwin coach Scott Schuchert said. “We were playing good soccer, but you want to get rewarded with results. We left a couple results on the table in the midseason there. So I think that's what they wanted to do: leave no doubt and get a result tonight.”

Adding another win wasn't assured at halftime. The Knights were behind 1-0 and weren't having any luck breaking through against the Penn-Trafford defense.

Norwin made its move in the first 10 minutes after the half.

Matt Federovich tied the score when he booted in a ball after a scramble off a corner kick. Penn-Trafford (10-3-2, 7-3-2) had more trouble about 45 seconds later. Senior midfielder Austin Kreutzberger was given a red card after colliding with a Norwin player.

The two got tangled, and Kreutzberger was sent off for a kicking motion.

“It's a shame a team in a tough game like this is put in that position,” Warriors coach Rick Nese said. “We're down a man, and we've got to make sure we're dealing with what they do that's dangerous. At the same time, we just don't want to sit on a tie.”

Federovich soon had a strong opportunity in the box that was turned away by Warriors goalie Logan Kreutzberger.

Another one Logan Kreutzberger stopped initially turned out to be the deciding goal.

Snyder was waiting on the doorstep and pushed it into the net.

Penn-Trafford's goal came 11 minutes in. Josh Konkus was set up with a nice pass inside the Norwin box and pushed the ball past Knights goalie Kyle Krotec.

It was a tough sequence for the Knights, who dominated possession early.

“I was proud we didn't get deflated after conceding the first goal,” Schuchert said. “We kept to it, and they eventually got rewarded with it. That's been our game plan: sticking to what we do best.”

Snyder believes Norwin can continue the good feelings.

“I think we're playing really well right now,” Snyder said. “Even with all the injuries, we're playing as a team and playing hard.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Norwin, Penn-Trafford