Playoff loss motivates Mars boys soccer team

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, October 1, 2018 | 8:33 PM

The Mars boys soccer team had a difficult time handling its 3-1 playoff loss to Blackhawk last year.

In fact, the Fightin’ Planets never did get over it.

Instead of dwelling over the upset defeat, though, Mars is channeling its anger on the rest of WPIAL Section 1-3A, where the Fightin’ Planets are 10-0. They’ve outscored section foes 58-2, too.

“My guys were really hungry coming into the season,” Mars coach Chris Knauff said. “They were distraught last year that we got upset in the first round against Blackhawk. They had high expectations last year, but we didn’t play well at the wrong time. They definitely came in this year ready to go.”

Mars reached the 2016 WPIAL title match, but fell to Chartiers Valley. The Fightin’ Planets hope to get back to Highmark Stadium this year after coming up short last fall.

“After the early playoff loss last year, we’re pretty hungry this year,” Mars senior captain Shane Lisman said. “We know we have to work together. Even if it’s not your day, you have to work through it. That’s what we learned last year. We’re really pushing ourselves in practice. We’re excited for playoffs.”

Mars returned experience from last season and needed little time to get in a groove this fall. The team opened with two big sections wins before it dropped a 2-0 decision to Pine-Richland and tied Upper St. Clair, 0-0, at the Pine-Richland tournament. Since then, the Fightin’ Planets have been untouchable.

“I think the players really clicked on the team. The pieces of the puzzle came together nicely,” Knauff said. “They are finding their roles and that came together quickly. Some years, it takes a while for a team to click. I felt from our very first scrimmage that the team clicked, which is a nice feeling to have at the beginning of the year.”

Another advantage for Mars is its scoring depth. Austin Rocke and Dane Beller lead the way, but plenty of others are putting the ball in the net.

“The scoring has been pretty spread out the last couple games. At the midpoint of the season, we had a player with eight goals, another with seven and we probably have five or six players around five goals,” Knauff said. “That’s definitely a luxury to have. I think a lot of guys are playing well. They give us options. The midfielders are chipping in goals, which is always nice. I am definitely very happy with our balance.”

The diverse attack makes the Fightin’ Planets tough to defend for their opponents.

“A lot of people are chipping in,” Lisman said. “We have tons of goal scorers up front, and our defense is getting in the attack and scoring some goals. It’s nice knowing that whoever you pass the ball to can put it in the back of the net.”

Mars has been steady on defense, too. The group faced some adversity, though, when starter Garrett Riddle was lost for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

“That’s a huge loss for us. Different players have been filling his role and stepped up; I am happy with the way the team responded to that,” Knauff said. “I think the defense has been really strong.”

“It really stinks to lose a key player. But, you have to find a way to get past it,” Lisman added. “The defense is working well together.”

The Fightin’ Planets are eager to close out a section title and get back to the postseason.

“I am just looking forward to the playoffs and trying to end the season strong,” Knauff said.

Joe Sager is a freelance writer.

Tags: Mars