Tigers survive, advance to WPIAL Semifinals with 3-2 win in OT
The fourth-seeded North Allegheny Tigers hosted the 12th-seeded Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils on Thursday night at Newman Stadium in a WPIAL Quarterfinal clash. Mt. Lebanon pulled off an upset in the first round in penalty kicks and things got dicey as it took overtime but North Allegheny survived the scare and won the match 3-2 in overtime.
The Tigers struck early as 1:47 into the match, Rosalia Varlotta sent a cross into traffic in the box but Luciana Zagacki was able to get control and score to give NA the 1-0 lead. With 14 minutes left in the half, Mt. Lebanon would test North Allegheny keeper Maggie Nestor from 25 yards out but Nestor made the save. Three minutes later, the Blue Devils had another great opportunity that was stifled by Nestor and the Tigers led 1-0 at halftime.
It was another quick start out of the locker room as Mia Barsotti scored 1:43 into the second half off an assist from Aubrey Wells and NA led 2-0.
Goal by Mia Barsotti ⚽️ vs. Mt Lebo in the WPIAL Quarterfinals ‼️ @NATigerAthletic @Big56Conference @TribLiveHSSN @pghsoccernow @PGVarsityxtra @soccer_burgh #WPIALsoccer pic.twitter.com/Dk47eDf743
— North Allegheny Girls Soccer (@nasoccergirls) October 25, 2024
Mt. Lebanon would answer nine minutes later to cut the lead in half and give themselves some hope. With 10 minutes remaining in regulation the Blue Devils went into desperation mode attacking the Tigers. Nestor made some great saves and got some help from the cross bar but with 2:35 left in the second half, Mt. Lebanon would tie the game 2-2 to send it into overtime.
Two minutes into the overtime period, Kieran Shannon beat a defender, took a shot from 20 yards out, the shot was saved but Shannon got the ball right back and took another shot, this one hit the crossbar but the rebound came right to Wells who settled it and scored to put the Tigers through to the WPIAL Semifinals with the 3-2 win.
With the game-winning goal and an assist, Wells was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game.
North Allegheny advances to the WPIAL Semifinals where they will take on top-seeded Peters Township on Monday at a site and time to be determined. This game will be broadcast on the North Allegheny Sports Network.
Girls Soccer Summary vs. Mt. Lebanon, 10-24-24
| SCORE BY HALVES | 1st | 2nd | OT | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Lebanon | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| North Allegheny | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
