One goal in mind for PT seniors
Peters Township’s boys soccer team expects greatness. The program evolved into one of the best in the state. Once seniors graduate, the next group continues the tradition built since the 1988 Indians won the PIAA Class AA title.
Over the past eight seasons, Peters Township holds a 144-30-10 overall record. That stretch includes four WPIAL championships, a PIAA championship in 2007 and two state title game appearances.
The Class of 2015 is no different. When Peters Township lost its second match against rival Upper St. Clair, 2-1, Oct. 2, the seniors walked off their home field with a bitter taste in their mouths.
Since that night, the Indians relentlessly pressured opponents into errors and capitalize with a fast-paced offense. In the 10 games since that loss, Peters Township has outscored its opponents, 39-1.
That stretch included a 5-1 win over Upper St. Clair for the WPIAL championship and a 10-0 goal differential during the state playoffs. The next step is one the 13 seniors have been working toward since their season ended in the state quarterfinals last year – a PIAA Class AAA title.
Peters Township (21-2) will face Great Valley (19-5-2), the District 2 runner-up from Malvern, tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Hersheypark Stadium for the gold medal.
“Ever since that last loss to (Upper St. Clair), we’ve been a completely different team,” senior midfielder Ryan Ponchione said. “I don’t think we’ve done anything different, but it’s a mental change.”
The Patriots advanced to Hershey with a 2-1 win over Mechanicsburg Tuesday night in Exeter. Using an aggressive attack through the midfield, Great Valley controlled time of possession and registered nine shots on goal.
After watching film on Great Valley, Indians head coach Bob Dyer, who led PT to the 2007 state title, saw a defensive-minded team and an attacking pair of forwards – junior Colin Deitch and senior John Hajnik.
“We have an idea of what they are and what they are going to try to do,” Dyer said. “They are a very good team. They are a very good attacking team. It seems like they have hit their stride lately. They are playing very well.”
The Indians registered 13 shutouts during the regular season and the varsity players only allowed goals against one team – Upper St. Clair. Great Valley has scored at least two goals in each of its state playoff games.
Peters Township practiced Thursday night indoors at Southpointe Field House and practiced outdoors Friday morning before taking the trip to Hershey. While the practices were fast paced, making adjustments to the team’s play was not on the agenda.
“At this point, you basically are who you are. We aren’t going to change dramatically,” Dyer said. “We’ve talked about the things we need to do well in the game. We are going to make sure we are prepared to play the game mentally and emotionally.”
With their sights on continuing the winning tradition at Peters Township, the Indians’ seniors are savoring every moment as they try to capture the program’s fourth state title.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” senior midfielder Rylen Faloni said. “We’re ready.”