Tigers Edged By Mustangs In WPIAL Semifinals
By: Jared Barton
The North Allegheny Tigers boys’ soccer team started hot but didn’t have enough to beat the top-seeded Plum Mustangs in the WPIAL semifinals losing 2-1 at Gateway High School Tuesday night.
The Tigers had the better offensive play in the first half, scoring the opening goal with 29:57 left in the frame. Senior Mykola Desysenko tallied the lone NA marker inside the box off a pass from fellow senior Nathan Katari. Plum answered roughly 15 minutes later as Kent Holmes deflected a Bryce Bobich attempt past Ryan Young with 14:04 left in the half.
The Mustangs carried the momentum into the second half, dictating the pace for the remainder of the contest. Christian Alter scored the eventual game-winner with 37:05 left in regulation. North Allegheny had some late chances, including a corner kick attempt that was handled by senior Caleb Rumberger and tipped off the nearside post. With less than a minute to play, Junior Elliott Swiercynski planted a header towards the net that just missed the crossbar.
The Wright Automotive Players of the Game were awarded to the NA seniors Desysenko, Katari, Rumberger, Young, William Love, Lucas Henderson, Zach Nash, Ryan Eck, Ben Hickel, Noah Hutter, Emiliano Perin and Ryan Dyga. North Allegheny finishes another successful season with a 16-4-1 overall record.
The win propels the Mustangs to the WPIAL Championship Friday night from Highmark Stadium. Plum remains unbeaten with a 17-0-3 record.
BOYS SOCCER SUMMARY VS PLUM 10-29-24
| SCORE BY HALVES | 1st | 2nd | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Allegheny | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Plum | 1 | 1 | 2 |
