Boys' Soccer News

by: Randy Gore

In an early-season showdown between a pair of undefeated teams, the North Allegheny boys’ soccer team fell to No. 1-ranked Plum on Tuesday night, 1-0, at Newman Stadium.

Both teams were coming off a pair of shutout victories in their season-opening tournaments over the weekend and looked to continue baffling their opponents with strong defense. In a rematch of last year’s WPIAL Class 4A semifinal, the Tigers were vying for a measure of revenge and had the best scoring chance in a competitive first half. With 21:40 remaining in the first half, junior Francis Randiga raced past the defense for an open shot on net but was denied on a sprawling save by Plum junior keeper Chase Eber.

Coming out of halftime, North Allegheny had another great scoring opportunity with 27 minutes left in regulation when a crossing pass found the toe of junior Owen Lopresti but a diving stop by Eber kept the game scoreless. Plum gained the upper hand with 21:24 remaining in the game as persistent pressure from junior Andy Strasser led to an NA foul narrowly outside the penalty box. With a free kick at the top of the 18, Strasser delivered a line drive shot that found the back of the net to give Plum a 1-0 lead.

Down two starters due to injury, including first-team all-section performer Austin Kolinkowski, Plum managed to stave off a furious North Allegheny rally in the remaining minutes and hung on for a 1-0 victory.

With a strong all-around effort on the night, freshman Josh Tufts was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game.

The loss drops North Allegheny’s record to 2-1 on the young season, while Plum improves to 3-0 on the campaign. The Tigers look to bounce back on Thursday night with a non-section road contest at Upper St. Clair.

Boys Soccer Summary vs. Plum, 8-26-25

SCORE BY HALVES	1	2	FINAL
Plum	0	1	1
North Allegheny	0	0	0