North Allegheny blanks Upper St. Clair, 1-0
by: Bob Orkwis
In their final tune up before section play next Thursday, the Tigers put the clamps down on the Panthers, dominating the ball, limiting scoring chances and capitalizing on a free kick to post the 1-0 shutout at Newman Stadium.
North Allegheny controlled the first half, not allowing Upper St. Clair a shot and getting several opportunities in the attacking third, but the game was scoreless at halftime.
More of the same in the second half, although the Panthers did have a couple of attacks when senior goalkeeper Ryan Young had to make plays on the ball to deny shot opportunities.
North Allegheny notched the games only goal of a free kick sequence in the 57th minute. Nathan Katari dribbled in towards the box from the near wing and beat two Panthers defenders. As he tried to maneuver around a third, he slipped to the turf and the ball squirted free. Senior Zach Nash picked up the loose ball and fired a shot that trickled off the fingertips of Panther keeper Tyler McClintock across the goal line for the 1-0 lead.
That would be the only mistake the senior McClintock would make, as he finished the match unofficially with 14 saves.
The Tigers used the same ball possession to keep Upper St. Clair at bay the rest of the way and pick up the win. North Allegheny had all five of the corner kicks on the night and did not allow the Panthers a shot on goal.
The win for the Tigers (2-1-1) gives the team a three-game unbeaten streak heading into 4A Section 3 play next week. Upper St. Clair falls to (2-2) in the early season.
With his play on the game’s only goal, and with several other sequences on the night, possessing the ball and creating opportunities with creative dribbling, Katari was awarded the Wright Automotive Player of the Game honors.
North Hills comes to Newman Stadium next Thursday for the section opener against the Tigers. That contest, set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff, will be broadcast on the North Allegheny Sports Network.
Boys Soccer Summary vs. Upper St. Clair, 8-29-24
| SCORE BY HALVES | 1st | 2nd | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper St. Clair | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| North Allegheny | 0 | 1 | 1 |
