Springdale boy soccer’s playoff run ends with state quarterfinal loss to undefeated Brockway

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, November 11, 2017 | 5:57 PM

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SLIPPERY ROCK — Springdale overcame plenty during its run through the WPIAL and PIAA boys soccer playoffs, including injuries and favored opponents.

But the Dynamos met their match in a team that closely resembled them.

Zane Puhala scored his second goal of the game with 13 minutes, 8 seconds remaining, giving District 9 champion Brockway a 2-1 victory over Springdale in a PIAA Class A quarterfinal Saturday afternoon at Slippery Rock High School.

“We lost against North Catholic in the (WPIAL) championship, one of the best teams, and then the best team in District 9,” Springdale coach Cesareo Sanchez said. “We played with them: a 2-1 game is not a bad loss. A loss is a loss, but the guys did a great job.”

Brockway, which advances to play WPIAL champion Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic (22-1) in the PIAA semifinals Tuesday at a site and time to be determined, plays a similar possession style to Springdale.

After an even first half, the Rovers (20-0) took control in the second half and limited Springdale's attack to record their second consecutive state playoff victory over a WPIAL team. Brockway took down Seton LaSalle in the first round.

“These kids just don't care who they play,” Brockway coach Rich Esposito said. “They just play their brand of soccer. They don't get worked up about anything. They want to just play whoever's on the field. They don't quit. They've just got a lot of heart.”

Springdale (16-6-1), playing without midfielder Michael Krason and with goalkeeper Mike Zolnierczyk, defender Logan Panza and striker Jared Demore dealing with injuries, couldn't maintain the possession it showcased in WPIAL playoff victories over higher-seeded Freedom and Seton LaSalle and its PIAA opener against Windber.

“In the second half, I don't think we had the strength to go,” Sanchez said. “They were keeping subs fresh, and I think that was the difference.”

The teams traded possession throughout the first half, and Brockway struck first when Puhala converted a pass from Anthony Esposito with a low shot past a diving Zolnierczyk and inside the far post.

Springdale tied the game just over a minute later as Demore tracked down a long through ball and put his shot past Brockway keeper Austin Moore.

“That's what you expect in games like this: There's no soft spots out there,” coach Esposito said. “Everybody's good, quality players. Springdale's a great team. We knew we were going to have our hands full, but our defense again, we limit the goals we give up. To hold them to one I thought was pretty impressive.”

Puhala scored his second goal with a similar shot to his first, another well-placed shot to the lower portion of the net. The Rovers packed their defense in from there to stave off any chance of another Springdale comeback.

“(The first half) was back and forth, and I don't know what happened the second half,” Esposito said. “I think maybe they realized they could compete with the WPIAL and play with these kids and came out more relaxed.”

Springdale's season ended with its first state playoff appearance since 2009 and its furthest advancement in the PIAA playoffs.

“It's unbelievable. Nobody gave us a chance, even when we started the playoffs in the WPIAL,” Sanchez said. “We were No. 7. … We believed we could do it, and we did it.”

Doug Gulasy is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at dgulasy@tribweb.com or via Twitter @dgulasy_Trib.

Tags: Springdale