Top-seeded Plum boys soccer team headed to 1st WPIAL final in 19 years

By: Jerin Steele
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 9:49 PM

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For years, Plum boys soccer coach Raf Kolankowski has talked about how the soccer gods haven’t shined on his group in the postseason.

Well, on Tuesday, the Mustangs went to an “Alter,” and their prayers were answered.

Christian Alter scored three minutes into the second half for what proved to be the game-winning goal as top-seeded Plum earned a 2-1 win over No. 4 North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals at Gateway’s Antimarino Stadium.

Plum has endured some heartbreaking losses over the past five years, including three losses in the semifinals, but finally found a way to get to Highmark Stadium.

“I’m happy for the kids and happy for the community,” Kolankowski said. “The last time we made it to the championship was in 2005. We’ve been close, and we were finally able to break through. The kids have worked their tails off all year, and now we have at least two more games.”

The Mustangs (17-0-3) will play the winner of Tuesday’s late game between Fox Chapel and Peters Township. They also clinched a state playoff bid. North Allegheny was denied a return trip to the final and finished 16-4-1.

Alter’s goal came off a free kick and gave Plum a 2-1 lead. Garrett Chandler lined up just on the other side of the midfield stripe and launched a ball into the box. Noah Smith got a head on it to send it across the goal to Altar, and he headed it in.

“It was like a rush of adrenaline was going through everyone,” Alter said. “I was just happy we were able to get in front. It was emotional.”

The Mustangs had to withstand a late barrage from North Allegheny. In the 76th minute, North Allegheny got a direct kick from 30 yards, and Nathan Katari put a shot on goal. But Plum keeper Chase Eber dove to make a save. Three minutes later, a loose ball in the box came to Ryan Eck, but his shot went over the crossbar.

The Mustangs defended frantically and were able to secure the win.

“It’s kind of like kickball at that point,” Alter said. “You’re just trying to get it down the field and waste as much time as possible. It’s tiring. My stomach is killing me right now.”

North Allegheny and Plum tied 1-1 back on Aug. 27 in a nonsection contest, and it was the same score at halftime in the rematch.

Mykola Desysenko scored in the 11th minute to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.

Kent Holmes scored the equalizer in the 21st minute. He found some space close to the goal and headed in a cross from Bryce Bobich.

“It was a great play through the middle, then Austin (Kolankowski) played it out wide, and Bryce (Bobich) played a perfect ball to Kent,” coach Kolankowski said. “Those little plays sometimes make the big difference.”

The Mustangs are headed to a WPIAL final for the first time in 19 years — a fact that’s not lost on Alter.

“It feels amazing,” Alter said. “We’re coming off back-to-back years of being the top seed and moved up from (Class) 3A to 4A. We’re making moves and winning games that matter now. I’m proud to be on that team that made it.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: North Allegheny, Plum