Sewickley Beats CWNC in Overtime for WPIAL 1-A Boys Crown

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, November 5, 2016 | 12:52 AM

For the sixth time in program history, the Sewickley Academy Panthers took home the WPIAL Championship after tonight’s 1-0 overtime victory against the Trojans of Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic in the 1A Boy’s Soccer Championship Game.

In a game that was very defensive, it saw just four total shot opportunities in the first half, three by the Trojans and one by the Panthers. Two of those three shots by the Trojans were on net.

The second half saw more of the same, until around 15 minutes left when the Panthers pushed on the accelerator, however, they just couldn’t get a shot past the Trojans and the game would remain tied after regulation, 0-0.

Cue overtime, and it was back and forth for the first 13 minutes of the 15-minute frame. In the 14^th minute, Panther senior midfielder Mike Napoleone had a tremendous opportunity looking far post and Trojan goalkeeper Nathan Paras made a leaping, diving, game-saving stop.

Not too long after, with one minute left in overtime, senior forward Ian Deihle tucked a shot on the near post past Paras, sealing the deal for the Panthers.

The Trojans finished the evening with five shots, three shots on goal and no corner kicks. The Panthers won after having 11 shots, six on goal and four corner kicks.

With the victory, the Panthers move into the PIAA 1A bracket to face the second place team in district nine, Brockway. The Trojans, also move to the PIAA bracket and will face the winner of either district eight or district 10. Those games will both be played on Tuesday at sites and times to be determined.

Tags: Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, North Catholic