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* GAME SUMMARIES *

NA COMPLETES IMPROBABLE RUN, CAPTURES PLAYOFF SPOT
by Jim Luchini

(10/13/11) Two weeks ago the North Allegheny Boys Soccer Team needed a miracle to make the playoffs, pinning their hopes on three straight section wins and three straight section losses by Butler to make the post season. On Thursday night, it all came to fruition as a North Allegheny 3-0 victory over North Hills and a Butler 1-0 loss to Seneca Valley has placed the Tigers in the WPIAL Playoffs.  Despite being in dire straights two weeks ago, the Tigers believed all along that it could happen, and after Seneca Valley beat Butler on a Mike Chowansky game winning goal Thursday afternoon, the playoff pulse of the Tigers went to North Hills in the final Section 2 game of the season.

With the some of the Butler's Boys in attendance, North Allegheny started strong out of the gate as Jamie Luchini fed Connor Gwaltney a few minutes in on a break, but the North Hills keeper made the save to keep the game scoreless.  Consistent offensive pressure continued as Phil Fives, Brandon Merry, Logan Burdwood, Luchini and Gwaltney controlled the pace with shot after shot.  At 29:00, Alex McIlvried made a tremendous defensive effort as a North Hills forward was going in all alone on the Tigers goal to prevent a breakaway shot.  That play seemed to excite the North Allegheny offense again and Brij Dhanda at 24:44 found Fives on a through ball and Fives continued his recent stellar play and converted on a well placed shot for a 1-0 Tiger lead.  At 13:14, Alex Perry made a steal and followed with a rare shot that barely eluded the goalie.  At 11:40, Luchini was fed a well paced ball by Fives and Luchini buried the shot, his 17th goal of the season, to make it 2-0.  The back breaker for North Hills occurred at with just 20 seconds left in the half when Fives again fed Luchini who scored to make it 3-0, Tigers, at halftime.  For the half, North Allegheny had eight shots to two for North Hills.

At the start of the second half, North Hills showed that they would not lay down and in the first 10 minutes had a few quality scoring chances, but goalie Ryan Thornton coolly made the plays to keep them off the board. For the balance of the half, the Tigers played possessive ball control while still getting quality shots on goal. The contest ended 3-0 and this clearly was the best team effort of the year with Brice Merry, Sean Dickerson, Tavis Taylor, Nick Jewell, Suyash Fulay and Ryan Fulton also consistently making the right plays and effort.  Head coach Bobby Vosmaer had this team ready to play and should be congratulated on their efforts to get into the playoffs.  North Allegheny in the second half outshot North Hills, 7-5

North Allegheny completed section play with a 5-5 record and 9-6 overall. Next week they finish out the regular season with away games versus playoff bound teams, Norwin on Tuesday and Kiski Area on Wednesday in what should be excellent tune-ups for the playoff bound Tigers.

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 3  NORTH HILLS - 0 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS EARN PIVOTAL WIN OVER BUTLER,
KEEP PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE

(10/11/11) In a must win game at Newman Stadium on Tuesday night, North Allegheny played energized soccer and defeated the Butler Golden Tornado, 3-1, to keep their playoff hopes alive.  The Tigers were led by senior midfielder Phil Fives who scored a pair of goals and was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game.  Fittingly enough, Fives’ first goal came less than five minutes into the game to give NA instant momentum and a 1-0 lead.  Fives’ goal was a sensational effort as he split two Butler defenders and smoked a shot past goalkeeper Mark Malecky.

Malecky was tested throughout the remainder of the first half by Fives, Jamie Luchini, Logan Burdwood, Brandon Merry and the rest of the Tigers, but he did keep NA off the board for the time being.  On the defensive end for North Allegheny, the play of Alex McIlvried was outstanding as he shadowed Butler’s Adam Suter all game long, leaving the Golden Tornado’s top scorer visibly frustrated and without a goal on the night.  With support from McIlvried, Alex Perry, and Brice Merry, goalkeeper Carl Johnson posted a near shutout of Butler with a superb effort in a huge game.

Coming out of half-time, the Tigers used only 19 seconds before scoring their second goal of the night on a fantastic shot by Fives from the left corner to give NA a 2-0 lead.  Just nine minutes later, the Tigers struck again on a goal by Connor Gwaltney to make it 3-0 with 30:14 to play.  The third Tigers tally was set up by Nick Jewell who came in strong along the right wing.  Jewell directed a cross that settled in front of an open net for Gwaltney who hammered it home for an insurmountable three goal lead.   Butler attempted to rally late as Trey Robinson took advantage of a brief lapse in the Tigers defense to cut the score to 3-1.  It was the closest the Golden Tornado would come as NA slowed the pace and coasted to the pivotal win.

North Allegheny improves to 8-6 on the season and 4-5 in Section 2.  Butler falls to 8-7-1 overall and 4-4-1 in the section, leaving the Golden Tornado just ½ game in front of the Tigers for the third in final playoff spot out of Section.  Both teams have only one more section game to play to decide who will claim a playoff berth.  NA visits last place North Hills on Thursday night while Butler visits section champion Seneca Valley on Thursday afternoon.   

To hear an interview with North Allegheny's Jamie Luchini prior to Tuesday night's game against McDowell, click here!

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 3  BUTLER- 1 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

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HOLLIDAYSBURG STEALS SENIOR NIGHT
FROM TIGERS
by Jon Perry

(10/9/11) Hollidaysburg spoiled senior night for the North Allegheny Boys Soccer Team, handing the Tigers a 3-1 non-section defeat on Saturday night at Newman Stadium.  Thirteen North Allegheny seniors and their parents were honored prior to the contest in recognition of their years of dedication to soccer.  The feel good atmosphere continued into the game as NA totally dominated play, sparked by impressive header defense highlighted by Alex McIlvried’s header goal save at the 36:46 mark to keep the game scoreless.  That header sent NA on a breakaway but a bad bounce on the turf sent the NA shot wide.  That bad bounce was a sign of things to come.  At 29:37, Phil Fives’ free kick was sent to Jamie Luchini who put a great shot on net but was robbed by an even better save.  Minutes later, Anis Adnani was also robbed by a great save. 

NA continued the pressure as Fives rung one off the net at 22:11.  Ferocious defense from McIlvried, Brice Merry, Brij Dhanda, and Alex Perry kept play away from goal keeper Ryan Thornton’s net.  Hollidaysburg’s Zack Franks broke the tie with a goal at the 21:30 mark on an impressive run to bring the score to 1-0.  Connor Gwaltney once again provided an offensive spark when moved to forward and just missed on two consecutive shots nicely set-up by Brandon Merry.  Gwaltney got his third attempt playing tic-tac-toe from Fives and Luchini but no foul was called as Gwaltney was tackled from behind. 

The legitimate scoring chances continued but NA was unable to net the ball.  Logan Burdwood was relentless in his defensive pursuit, ball control and passing to keep the Golden Tigers in the defensive zone.  When Perry’s header from a corner kick rung off the corner crossbar the NA faithful realized lady luck did not receive her invitation to the NA Senior Night festivities.  With four minutes left in the half Zack Franks scored his second goal and Hollidaysburg took a 2–0 lead into the locker room. 

The bad breaks continued in the second half when Fives played a great pass to Tavis Taylor who was robbed by the keeper on an impressive shot.  Legitimate chances by Gwaltney from Luchini, Adnani from Fulton, and Nick Jewel all failed.  Ten minutes into the half, Hollidaysburg was awarded a penalty kick and despite a great effort, Carl Johnson could not block the point blank shot as Holidaysburg lifted their lead to 3-0.   Suyash Fulay and Sean Dickerson added quality minutes, starting plays into the offensive zone only to see Luchini robbed and Jewel strike the crossbar.  Gwaltney’s goal at 27:38 put NA back in the contest until it was waived for offsides as the referees apparently failed to see the Hollidaysburg defender parked inside the net thereby making offsides impossible.  Fives prevented Hollidaysburg’s bid for a shut-out with a goal with 1:45 left in the contest, ending the scoring at 3-1. 

North Allegheny looks to rebound in its biggest home game of the year on Tuesday night against the third place Butler Golden Tornado.  Butler sits just a 1 ½ games in front of NA in the Section 2 standings for the final playoff spot with two section games remaining for both teams.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 at Newman Stadium and the game will be carried live via the internet on the North Allegheny Sports Network.

GAME SUMMARY
HOLLIDAYSBURG - 3  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 1 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LUCHINI COMMITS TO LEHIGH

This past Friday, North Allegheny senior Jamie Luchini accepted the offer from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA to play soccer at their program starting next year.  Luchini is the Tigers team leader in scoring with 16 goals and six assists.   

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NA WIN OVER SHALER, BUTLER UPSET LOSS
GIVES TIGERS HOPE
by Jim Luchini

(10/7/11) The North Allegheny Boys Soccer team traveled to Shaler on Thursday night, still clinging to playoff hopes in a must-win situation.  The Tigers responded with an important 3-1 victory over the Titans.

The play was sluggish in the early going, but at the 12 minute mark Phil Fives and Jamie Luchini found each other with passes over the next few minutes to put constant pressure on the Titan net.  The outside midfield play of Ryan Fulton, Nick Jewell, Chris Richards and Tavis Taylor continuously threw crosses in front of the Shaler goal and mounted pressure on the opponent.  The turning point of the game happened with 12 seconds left in the first half as Shaler forward Chris Brasile was given a yellow card and North Allegheny had a chance to take a free kick from 40 yards out which Jewell floated nicely into the box.  The ball was partially cleared but ended up on Fulton’s foot in front of the net and was buried into the goal for a 1-0 halftime lead.  NA had a 3-1 shot advantage and a 4-2 corner kick advantage.

The momentum continued into the second half as Luchini had three shots in a span of four minutes on nice passes from Fives, Jewell and Alex Perry.  Connor Gwaltney was inserted into the forward position and immediately paid dividends with his play and posted some quality shots and passes.  Taylor entered the half at 18:17 and scored four minutes later on a breakaway pass from Luchini giving NA a 2–0 lead.  Goalie Carl Johnson, along with the defense of Alex McIlvried, Brice Merry, Suyash Fulay, Sean Dickerson, Perry, and Brij Dhanda kept Shaler away from the Tiger zone allowing only three shots in the second half.  At 2:45, Fulton played a ball outside to Jewell who crossed to a waiting Logan Burdwood for NA’s third goal.  Shaler scored a meaningless goal at 1:15 to end the scoring at 3-1. 

This truly was a team effort and the boys stuck together when the play got physical.  The NA win coupled with North Hills overtime victory over Butler continues to give the Tigers a playoff pulse.  Saturday night is Senior Night for the 13 seniors on the squad and all fans are asked to show their support at the game against Hollidaysburg, starting at 6:30 pm.  Additionally, on the horizon is a crucial section match-up with Butler on Tuesday at 7:30 pm in what should be a playoff atmosphere.  With the Shaler win, NA improves to 7-5 overall and 3-5 in the conference.

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 3  SHALER - 1 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS FURIOUS RALLY FALLS JUST SHY TO
PINE-RICHLAND
by Jim Luchini

(10/4/11)  The North Allegheny Boys Soccer Team fell behind big early, but a furious rally for NA for NA came up just short as Pine-Richland defeated the Tigers, 3-2.  The game would be a tale of two halves.  In the first half at 32:25 Pine-Richland forward Drew Klingenberg started the scoring to give the Rams a 1-0 lead.  Minutes later, the Rams struck again as Victor Osio scored at 27:34 to make it 2-0. Soon after at 25:33, Osio put another one into the Tiger net to make it 3-0, Pine-Richland.  Even though things looked bleak, the Tigers gained their composure and started to get some shots on the PR net as Logan Burdwood, Jamie Luchini and Phil Fives had some quality chances to get on the scoreboard. At 8:09, the pressure finally paid off as Ryan Fulton made a nice move in crowded space, coming down the left side and crossed a ball into the goalmouth when a Pine defender kicked it into his own goal making it 3-1 before the half and giving North Allegheny life. For the half, North Allegheny had four shots on goal while Pine only had three, but they all counted.  North Allegheny as always led in corners awarded 5-2, but just could not finish any.

Whatever coach Bobby Vosmaer said at halftime put a spark in the team as the boys were winning 50/50 balls and taking over control of the game.  At 36:43, Luchini notched his 16th goal of the season for the Tigers to bring the score to 3-2, Pine-Richland.  On the goal, Phil Fives had a free kick from 30 yards out that was partially cleared by the Rams defense, but came to Luchini at the side of the net for a tap in.  From then on Alex Perry, Alex McIlvried, Sean Dickerson, Connor Gwaltney, Suyash Fulay, Brice Merry and Brij Dhanda kept the Rams offense away from goalie Ryan Thornton. At 17:55 Pine coach Jon Conner made an intriguing move as he switched goalies bringing in past starter Grant Goldberg even though still leading the game.  Goldberg proved to be the difference maker as he stopped Luchini on a breakaway at 17:55, Ryan Fulton at 15:24 and 13:48, with some well placed balls that were pushed out of the net. In the closing minutes Luchini's shot from 25 yards out hit the post and the rebound shot by Tavis Taylor went wide.  At 4:12 North Allegheny had one more quality chance as Nick Jewell on a header off a corner kick from Ryan Fulton sailed high. North Allegheny in the second half had six shots on goal to Pine's one, and corners were even at three apiece.

 This was a highly contested game by both teams and North Allegheny proved again to be one of the elite teams in the section, but just needs to find a way to win these one goal games at the end. Quality minutes were also received from Anis Adnani and Alex Correa during the match.  North Allegheny falls to 2-5 in the section and 6-5 overall.  This coming Thursday the Tigers travel to Shaler in another section contest with possible playoff implications.

GAME SUMMARY
PINE-RICHLAND- 3  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 2 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS FALL SHORT TO SENECA VALLEY, 3-2
by Jim Luchini

(9/29/11)  The North Allegheny Boys Soccer Team traveled to Seneca Valley on Tuesday and threw all they could at the Raiders, but came up just short in a 3-2 defeat.  The game started with both teams feeling each other out, but at 32:32 Jamie Luchini scored his 15th goal of the season on a pinpoint pass from Brandon Merry to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Sean Dickerson, Phil Fives and Alex Perry along with Brandon and Brice Merry helped keep possession in the midfield.  However, Seneca Valley kept pressing and in the last ten minutes of the half, forced North Allegheny goalie Carl Johnson to make at least four point blank saves on the Raiders offense to keep the score at 1-0 at the half.  Seneca out-shot the Tigers 5-2 and had a 3-1 corner kick advantage.

The second half began tension filled as both teams had some good opportunities, but the defense of Alex McIlvried, Connor Gwaltney, and Suyash Fulay kept the shots away from the North Allegheny net.  Then at 33:22, Nick Jewell crashed the net and scored on a cross from Fives to make it 2-0 and North Allegheny seemed to be in control of the contest.  However, just a short time later, Seneca midfielder Mike Chowansky scored on a header off a corner and quickly it was 2-1.  At 23:50, Luchini crossed a ball to Tavis Taylor at the right corner of the net but his shot sailed wide.  Play was even until a questionable free kick was called at 06:11 and Seneca midfielder Steve McConahy drilled it from 30 yards out high into the Tigers goal for a 2-2 game.  Then at 02:34 the unthinkable happened and Seneca Valley was awarded a penalty kick, which Raiders midfielder Andreas Fatschel converted to give Seneca a 3-2 lead. North Allegheny pressed the net in the final seconds and Luchini's shot glanced off the goalie and the post, and a corner kick was awarded as time expired.

There was a playoff atmosphere in the stands and on the field and both teams should be commended for their play and efforts as games don't get much more entertaining than this contest.  In the second half both teams had five shots on goal while Seneca led in corners, 5-0.

North Allegheny falls to 6-4 overall and 2-4 in the section while Seneca Valley improves to 7-4 overall and 4-2 in section play.  The Tigers travel to Kiski Area Saturday in a non-section contest.  Kickoff is slated for 3:30 pm. 

GAME SUMMARY
SENECA VALLEY - 3  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 2 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NA BLASTS PENN-TRAFFORD, 6-0
by Jim Luchini

(9/27/11) Tuesday night the North Allegheny Tigers soccer team traveled to Penn-Trafford in a non-section match and played pass and possession soccer all night leading to a 6-0 shutout victory. Jamie Luchini started the scoring with his 14th goal of the season at 34:21 on a steal in front of the net for an unassisted tally. North Allegheny kept the offensive pressure up with some nice passing and through balls by Brandon Merry, Phil Fives and Luchini that led to many good scoring opportunities.  Nick Jewell entered the game at 18:40 and at 12:28 scored unassisted off a save and rebound into the Warriors goal.  Connor Gwaltney, in his new forward position, scored the third goal of the contest at 4:30 on a nice feed from Brandon Merry to bring the score to 3-0, NA.  At 2:31, Luchini passed a through ball to Fives in front of the net and scored to make it 4-0. Meanwhile, Tigers goalie Carl Johnson made a nice save with seconds left keeping the shutout in effect. North Allegheny finished the half with 11 shots on goal against just two for Penn Trafford.  The Tigers also had five corners to the Warriors one.

The second half continued with Ryan Thornton in the Tigers net and the defensive combinations of Alex McIlvried, Suyash Fulay,  Brice Merry, Brij Dhanda, Alex Perry and Sean Dickerson keeping Penn Trafford away from the net and with minimal scoring opportunities. At 11:33, Sean Dickerson made an acrobatic spinning move from 30 yards out and hammered a shot that eluded the Penn Trafford goalie to extend the lead to 5-0.  At 1:08 goalie Ryan Thornton made an impressive stop to complete the shutout and at with 15 seconds remaining, Chris Richards scored on an assist by Dylan Apessos to conclude the scoring and game at 6-0.  Making plays and getting valuable minutes during the game were Tavis Taylor, Ryan Fulton, Anis Adnani, Alex Correa, Joe Durante and Nate Gross. 

North Allegheny improves to 6-3 overall and 2-3 in section play.  The Tigers will travel to Seneca Valley this Thursday night in a pivotal section match.

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 6  PENN-TRAFFORD - 0 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS EDGE NORTH HILLS, 2-1
by Lee Mohn

North Allegheny snapped their two game losing streak on Saturday by defeating North Hills, 2-1.  After two straight one goal defeats in section play, North Allegheny came out strong, continually applied pressure, and was finally rewarded at 28:34 of the first half when North Allegheny was awarded a corner kick.  Nick Jewell placed a perfect kick into the box where Phil Fives was able to deflect it in to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.  North Hills would tie it seven minutes into the second half on a goal by Andy Ondek. 

With 24 minutes remaining Ondek was ejected for some unknown reason.  This forced North Hills to play shorthanded for the rest of the night.  North Allegheny was finally able to capitalize with just under seven minutes left when Connor Gwaltney set up Jamie Luchini for the winning goal.  With that goal and his all around play, Luchini was named the Wright Automotive player of the game. 

North Allegheny improves to 5-3 and 2-3 in section play.  The Tigers will move on to play Penn Trafford on Tuesday night to face the Warriors in a non section match up.

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 2  NORTH HILLS - 1 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BUTLER HOLDS OFF TIGERS RALLY, EDGES NA 4-3

by Jim Luchini

(9/21/11) North Allegheny traveled to Butler on Thursday night for a pivotal section game, but was edged by the Golden Tornado, 4-3.  The contest started promising as Phil Fives placed a through ball to Brandon Merry, who scored on a wicked shot at 32:04 to put the Tigers up 1-0.  At the 20 minute mark, Nick Jewell placed a high-arcing shot towards the net, but Butler senior keeper Mark Malecky made a timely save. 

The turning point of the game happened at 13:25 when North Allegheny was called for a take down in the box , resulting in a penalty kick awarded to Butler forward Adam Suter.  Senior goalkeeper Carl Johnson made the initial save, then stopped another point blank shot by Suter, but eventually a third shot eluded Johnson for a 1-1 tie.  Minutes later, Suter scored again. Butler closed out the scoring for the half on a tally by Jonah Kalafut to give the Golden Tornado a 3-1 lead at halftime.  Shots were even for the half, but North Allegheny had seven corners to just two for Butler.

The Tigers came out determined in the second half with some early pressure and shots by Jamie Luchini, Logan Burdwood, Tavis Taylor and Fives.  However, NA just couldn't get the ball past the Butler goalie.  At 19:43, Butler again scored to widen the lead to 4-1, but North Allegheny to their credit did not give up.  At 12:40, Jamie Luchini stole the ball off a goal kick and scored down the left side to make it 4-2.  The pressure kept coming from North Allegheny as Ryan Fulton stormed the net and was taken down for a penalty kick.  Luchini at 4:43 took the kick and scored his second goal of the night to make it 4-3.  The balance of the game was hectic and the Tigers were almost rewarded for their efforts as Jewell, with 15 seconds left, banged a ball from the corner to Alex McIlvried who headed it off the crossbar just before time expired.

Sophomore Sean Dickerson gave the Tigers some quality minutes in both defensive and offensive capacities, along with the complete defensive core that played in horrible field conditions.  In the second half the Tigers out shot Butler 6-2, along with having seven corners to none for Butler.  North Allegheny falls to 4-3 overall and 1-3 in the section, and looks forward to an important section game this Saturday at 6:30 pm versus arch rival North Hills.  The game will be broadcast live via the internet on the North Allegheny Sports Network. 

GAME SUMMARY
BUTLER - 4  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 3 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TITANS SMOTHER TIGERS, 1-0

(9/19/11) One goal was all Shaler needed to take down North Allegheny at a soggy Newman Stadium on Monday night.  Despite controlling the ball and the play for much of the game, the Tigers generated few scoring chances, as they could not break through strong defense put up by the Titans.

The first half featured physical, at times unnecessarily chippy play.  Three yellow cards were issued for varying infractions by both squads.  Possession alternated quickly with neither side sustaining much offensive presence.  What little offense the Tigers mustered was thwarted by the Shaler defense, led by goalkeeper, Kirk Zelich.

The Titans broke the scoreless tie in the 28th minute of the first half, when a bouncing ball on goal hopped out of goalie Ryan Thornton's grasp.  With the keeper out of position, Shaler forward Chris Brasile outraced a pair of Tiger defenders to the ball, depositing a shot into the unoccupied cage for the lone goal of the contest. 

After seizing the lead, Shaler exhibited a defensive posture, outnumbering and smothering North Allegheny attackers.  In the waning moments of the first period, the rain began to subside, before picking up intensity again in the second half.  Following halftime, North Allegheny began controlling possession in the Titan end of thet field.  To counter, Shaler dropped as many as nine defenders into the box, warding off strikes from the Tiger frontline of Jamie Luchini, Alex Jewell, Logan Burdwood, and Phil Fives. 

With seventeen minutes to play, North Allegheny had a slight opportunity to knot the score.  Brandon Merry  offered a well-placed cross into the box, but Zelich dove and corralled the pass before it reached an intended receiver.  Minutes later, Fives sent another cross into the box, but it was also snatched out of the atmosphere by the Shaler keeper.

Late in the game, North Allegheny intensified pressure in the Shaler zone.  However, the Titans kept the Tigers from any prime scoring chances, collapsing on ball-handlers, and clogging passing lanes.  Eventually, the clock ticked down to zero, and Shaler left Newman Stadium with their second section win of the year, surpassing their total from all of 2010.

Boys soccer will return to action Thursday night when they travel to Butler to face the Golden Tornado in a key section match.  The opening kick is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

GAME SUMMARY
SHALER - 1  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 0 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NA DEFEATS ALTOONA IN
NON-SECTION CONTEST

by Jon Perry

In addition to facing a tough opponent at a foreign stadium two and a half hours from home, the varsity soccer squad also had to deal with injuries to two of its starting players.  In a true sign of the depth of this team, underclassmen Nick Jewell and Suyash Fulay stepped in and fit right in. After giving up the opening goal six minutes into the contest, North Allegheny settled down and took control.  Jamie Luchini continued his offensive dominance of opponents and scored four unanswered goals to put the contest out of reach.  Assisting on the goals were Brandon Merry, Jewell, and Fulay.  

In what is becoming a trademark of this team, NA displayed an impressive ball control defense that limited Altoona's scoring chances.  When Altoona did get a scoring opportunity, goalies Ryan Thornton and Carl Johnson thwarted all but one threat.  NA was particularly impressive in ownership of midfield led by Alex Perry's  13 headers and willingness to take a physical  beating to gain possession so that Phil Fives could take control and distribute the ball to his offense. The defense of Brij Dhanda, Connor Gwaltney, Merry and Fulay wore down the speedy attack of the Altoona strikers.  With a commanding 4-1 lead, coach Bobby Vosmaer turned the second half over to his underclassmen and they gave fans a reason to be excited about the future.  Ryan Fulton added NA's fifth and final goal with an impressive header.  From there, NA outplayed and out-hustled Altoona until the horn sounded.  Gwaltney and Brice Merry played superb defense for the entire 80 minutes of the contest. 

North Allegheny will look to continue its winning ways on Monday at home in an important section game against Shaler.  Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NA KNOCKS OFF SECOND-RANKED
PINE-RICHLAND, 5-2

by John Fulton

North Allegheny earned their first section win of the season on Thursday night, and it was a big one as the Tigers went on the road and knocked off second-ranked Pine-Richland, 5-2.   

NA started the contest strong when Brandon Merry slotted a pass down the left side to Jamie Luchini, who crossed the ball to senior striker Logan Burdwood. The PR defense rushed to clear the ball as Burdwood arrived. Senior central defender Alex McIlvreid was outstanding all night as the Rams attempted to counterattack through the middle of the field. At 3:30, the Rams patience almost paid dividends; however, senior keeper Carl Johnson was forced to rush off his line to make a big save to keep the score level at zeros. It wasn't until the 17:00 mark, when a steal by Burdwood and subsequent pass and goal by Luchini from inside the box that broke the deadlock and put the Tigers up 1 - 0. The defensive unit of Alex Perry, Connor Gwaltney, Brij Dhanda, and Brice Merry continued to come up big in stalling any attack by PR; however, at 24:00, the Rams finally broke through to tie the contest at 1-1.  Johnson continued to come up big until min 31:00 when the Rams placed a chip over the NA keeper's hands to take a 2-1 lead. The Tigers answered four minutes later when senior midfielder Phil Fives crashed the net to tie the contest at 2-2. The momentum continued to swing in the Tigers favor when junior winger Ryan Fulton intercepted a pass along the right side and chipped the ball overtop of the Rams defense with precision to Luchini, who carried the ball across the top of the box and slotted the go-ahead goal far post to put the Tigers up 3-2 just before the half.

The Tigers continued to press in the second half when at 2:00, sophomore winger Nick Jewell carried the ball along the right side and crossed the ball with accuracy to Brandon Merry, who buried the shot from 14 yards to put the Tigers up 4-2. Phil Fives and sophomore midfielder Sean Dickerson continued to direct the offense from the midfield. At 13:00, Fives slotted a pass through the middle of the Rams defense to an on-rushing Lucchini, who capped off the evening with his third goal. Junior defender Suyash Fulay  and junior striker Chris Richards pressured the Rams defense . Johnson was outstanding in the second half as well, making three big saves to keep the Rams off the scoreboard, ultimately securing the win for the Tigers in an important section contest.

The Tigers improve to 3-1-0 on the season and 1-1-0 in section play. The Rams fall to 1-1-2 overall and 0-1-1 in the section. North Allegheny will be back in action on Saturday for a non-section game at Altoona. Kickoff is at 4:00 pm.

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 5   PINE-RICHLAND - 2
 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TIGERS FALL TO RAIDERS, 2-0

Seneca Valley received two goals from forward Rob Wright to give the Raiders a 2-0 victory over North Allegheny on Tuesday night.  In 2010, the Tigers dealt Seneca Valley their only section loss of the season with a 2-0 win at Newman Stadium.  With the defending section champions back at Newman Stadium to start the 2011 section schedule, the result this time was much different. 

Despite initiating the attack and maintaining it throughout most of the first half, North Allegheny was unable to strike first in the contest.  Instead, a long pass to Rob Wright deep in the Tigers end set up the game's first goal.  With Wright streaking in, the senior lofted a shot over NA goalkeeper Ryan Thornton to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead with 29:02 on the first half clock.  The Raiders nearly struck again a minute later, but Seneca Valley was narrowly ruled offside.  The break kept the Tigers within one goal as NA continued their offensive pressure thanks to nifty footwork by Jamie Luchini and Phil Fives.  Also on the attack for NA was Brandon Merry and Logan Burdwood, among others.  While the Tigers owned the action in the first half, the Raiders held the lead at halftime, 1-0, behind strong play by senior goalkeeper Brian Pudlo.

As Seneca Valley's goaltending and defense kept the Raiders ahead, the Tigers defensive effort kept NA within striking distance.  Great play by senior Alex McIlvried hampered SV forwards all night long.  For his efforts, McIlvried was selected as the Wright Automotive Player of the Game. 

In the second half, the Tigers seemed poised to tie the score as a foul by Seneca Valley gave Phil Fives a penalty kick just two minutes in.  However, Fives was denied on a terrific sliding save by Pudlo and the Raiders maintained their one goal lead.  That lead was expanded with 11:51 remaining in the game when Mike Chowansky placed a perfect pass in front of the Tigers net to Wright who tapped the ball in for his second goal of the game.  That score took the wind out of NA's sail as the Raiders held on for the 2-0 victory.

The loss drops the Tigers record to 2-1 overall and 0-1 in section play.  Seneca Valley improves to 4-2 and 1-0 in Section 2.  North Allegheny will look to rebound on Thursday night with another big section game at Pine-Richland.  Kickoff is slated for 7:30 pm. 

GAME SUMMARY
SENECA VALLEY - 2   NORTH ALLEGHENY - 0
 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

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MERRY'S SPECTACULAR SHOT EDGES PLUM, 1-0

Senior Brandon Merry's goal from an extreme angle was the difference on Saturday night as North Allegheny prevailed over Plum 1-0.  His strike came from deep in Mustang territory off a give and go with senior Phil Fives.  Receiving the pass close to the goal line, near the corner flag, Merry lofted a shot that glanced off the post and into the net.  The lone marker was all the Tigers needed, as the defense, led by goalkeeper Carl Johnson, pitched a shutout. 

Despite dominating the play throughout, the Tigers were unable find the back of the net during the first half.  Mustang goalkeeper Brandon Carroll pulled off several athletic saves to keep Plum in the game through forty minutes of play, including a sprawling leg save on Jamie Luchini at the start the second half.

North Allegheny appeared to get on the board early in the half when a sophomore Nick Jewell corner was redirected by sophomore  Sean Dickerson.  However, the officials ruled the play was offside.  The score remained deadlocked at zero until Merry got the Tigers on the board.

Although North Allegheny ball control kept Plum in their own zone for most of the night, the Mustangs generated their best scoring opportunity late in the second half.  With a wet surface from a brief  but heavy downpour, Plum junior Colin Smith slipped behind the defense.  With goalkeeper Johnson out of position, Smith's shot went wide, narrowly missing tying the contest.

Near the end of the game, Coach Vosmaer rotated in juniors Dylan Apessos, Alex Correa, and Chris Richards to help preserve the win.  The Tigers (2-0, 0-0) return to action on Tuesday when they host defending section champion Seneca Valley.  Catch the live broadcast on the North Allegheny Sports Network, beginning around 7:30.  Opening kick is scheduled for 7:45.

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 1   PLUM - 0
 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

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TIGERS TAKE DOWN PREP IN
SEASON OPENER, 5-1

by Boys' Soccer Contributor

Unlike college football teams, North Allegheny varsity soccer faced a formidable opponent for their first game of the 2011 season, traveling to Erie to face perennial powerhouse Cathedral Prep.  NA  Coach Bobby Vosmaer has a team led by seniors that he has coached for their entire high school careers.  Coach Vosmaer started 11 of those seniors shouldered with their own high expectations and an air of confidence.   For the first ten minutes Prep seemed like the better team but an aggressive and physical defense led by Alex McIlvried, Bridge Dhanda, Connor Gwaltney and Alex Perry combined with the speed of Brice Merry kept goalkeeper Ryan Thornton’s area safe from enemy attack.  The defense provided the stability that allowed the offense to find its game and once they did, Prep’s impressive defense was unable to halt the onslaught. 

The game’s offensive star, Jamie Luchini scored the first of his natural hat trick at the 12 minute mark with assists from Tavis Taylor and Brice Merry.  What followed was a clinic in teamwork and ball movement that had the North Allegheny crowd believing that the cohesiveness of playing together for years was finally paying dividends.  NA’s second goal was set-up by a fantastic crossing pass from Nate Gross who hit the far goal post, rebounding to Luchini for his second.  Twelve minutes later, McIlvried sent Luchini in one on one with the Prep goalie who was no match for Luchini’s gifted footwork.  Prep had no answer for NA’s possession game led by Phil Fives that was implemented with a two goal lead in hand.  

Underclassmen Ryan Fulton, Sean Dickerson, and Suyash Fulay supplied quality relief in the 94 degree heat.   The senior connection continued when Connor Gwaltney crossed to Luchini who found a strategically positioned Logan Burdwood for the fourth goal.  Phil Fives tallied the game’s final assist with a precise cross to Brandon Merry who buried his shot for NA’s fifth goal.  

NA will travel to Kiski on Wednesday for a 7:30 PM non-section contest.

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 5   ERIE CATHEDRAL PREP - 1
 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
 

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Any questions or comments should be directed to Athletic Director
Bob Bozzuto at:  bbozzuto@northallegheny.org