Raiders Nip Tigers In Section Clash
by Dave Floyd
Thursday evening’s boys soccer matchup between North Allegheny and Seneca Valley—a battle for first place in Section 2-AAA—turned out to be a tale of two halves.
North Allegheny controlled play and possessed the ball for much of the first half; however, the previously unbeaten Tigers could not find the back of the net. Seneca Valley then came out hot in the second half and eventually broke through for the game’s only goal to give them a 1-0 victory.
The Raiders’ road win at Newman Stadium gave them sole possession of first place in the section, improving their record to 5-0 (6-1-1 overall). North Allegheny, on the other hand, fell into second place at 4-1 (7-1 overall).
In the first half, the Tigers had the better of the play, mounting a number of attacks, many of which started on the left side with junior outside back Steve Binnig and junior outside midfielder Sam Conti. Senior striker Peter Tobias was one of the beneficiaries of the strong left flank play, as he had one or two quality chances in the contest’s opening half.
No North Allegheny player could notch the game’s opening goal, though, which set the stage for Seneca Valley to get on the board in the second half.
The Raiders showed their improved second-half play from the opening kickoff, creating a chance in the half’s first minute. Then, a shade past the midway point of the second half, Danny Wallowicz headed home an Alex Pollaci corner kick to give Seneca Valley the only goal they would need.
North Allegheny senior Sean Dickerson played another solid game as the Tigers’ holding midfielder. He continues to win seemingly every ball in the air in the middle, as well as distribute the ball to the outside with composure. For his efforts in Thursday’s contest, he earned the title of Wright Automotive Player of the Game.
The Tigers return to Section 2-AAA action Saturday afternoon with a 12:30 matchup at North Hills.
Boys Soccer Summary vs. Seneca Valley 9-19-13
| GAME SUMMARY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| SCORE BY HALVES | 1 | 2 | FINAL |
| Seneca Valley | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| North Allegheny | 0 | 0 | 0 |