Krotec makes 10 saves, Breen nets winner as Norwin tops No. 2 Franklin Regional
By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 | 9:54 PM
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) challenges Franklin Regional’s Shane Popko (10) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin goal keeper Kyle Krotec (1) grabs a penalty kick out of the air after a shot on goal in the final seconds of the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Justin LeDonne (6) dribbles around Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Zach Tusay (14) is up ended after a slide tackle from Franklin Regional’s Zach Guidry (22) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Jake Nebinski (7) tries to navigate past Franklin Regional’s Justin LeDonne (6) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin goal keeper Kyle Krotec (1) clears a corner kick from the goal against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Auston Kranick (23) brings the ball upfield against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) heads the ball against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Auston Kranick (23) battles for the ball against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Carter Breen (6) watches his shot on goal against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Nolan Scholze (30) looks for a shot on goal against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Justin LeDonne (6) looks for a way past Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Zach Ullum (40) reacts to a missed shot on goal against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Zach Ullum (40) charges upfield defended by Franklin Regional’s Jacob Shulock (8) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) looks for a penalty call against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) elevates to head the ball against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Justin LeDonne (6) is tripped up by Norwin’s Zach Ullum (40) and Norwin’s Jake Nebinski (7) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) calls for a penalty against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) passes the ball onto a teammate past Franklin Regional’s Shane Popko (10) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) is fouled against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Carter Breen (6) turns with the ball against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin goal keeper Kyle Krotec (1) holds off an attack on goal from Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Will Keber (13) stops a charging Franklin Regional’s Ryan Beard (27) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) controls the ball against Norwin during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Carter Breen (6) celebrates a goal against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Jacob Shulock (8) heads the ball against Norwin during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin goal keeper Kyle Krotec (1) brings the ball out after a save against Franklin Regional during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Matt Kimmich (24) heads the ball against Norwin during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Shane Popko (10) takes a shot on goal against Norwin during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Carter Breen (6) knocks the ball from Franklin Regional’s Shane Popko (10) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Jake Trapanotto (34) reacts to a penalty call against his team during play against Norwin during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Shane Popko (10) tries to dribble around Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Auston Kranick (23) is slowed down by Norwin’s Zach Ullum (40) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Justin LeDonne (6) is challenged by Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Jake Nebinski (7) holds off Franklin Regional’s Auston Kranick (23) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
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Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) challenges Franklin Regional’s Shane Popko (10) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin goal keeper Kyle Krotec (1) grabs a penalty kick out of the air after a shot on goal in the final seconds of the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Justin LeDonne (6) dribbles around Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Zach Tusay (14) is up ended after a slide tackle from Franklin Regional’s Zach Guidry (22) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Jake Nebinski (7) tries to navigate past Franklin Regional’s Justin LeDonne (6) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin goal keeper Kyle Krotec (1) clears a corner kick from the goal against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Auston Kranick (23) brings the ball upfield against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) heads the ball against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Auston Kranick (23) battles for the ball against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Carter Breen (6) watches his shot on goal against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Nolan Scholze (30) looks for a shot on goal against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Justin LeDonne (6) looks for a way past Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Zach Ullum (40) reacts to a missed shot on goal against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Zach Ullum (40) charges upfield defended by Franklin Regional’s Jacob Shulock (8) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) looks for a penalty call against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) elevates to head the ball against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Justin LeDonne (6) is tripped up by Norwin’s Zach Ullum (40) and Norwin’s Jake Nebinski (7) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) calls for a penalty against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) passes the ball onto a teammate past Franklin Regional’s Shane Popko (10) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) is fouled against Norwin during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Carter Breen (6) turns with the ball against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin goal keeper Kyle Krotec (1) holds off an attack on goal from Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Will Keber (13) stops a charging Franklin Regional’s Ryan Beard (27) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Domenick DiFalco (9) controls the ball against Norwin during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Carter Breen (6) celebrates a goal against Franklin Regional during the second half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Jacob Shulock (8) heads the ball against Norwin during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin goal keeper Kyle Krotec (1) brings the ball out after a save against Franklin Regional during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Matt Kimmich (24) heads the ball against Norwin during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Shane Popko (10) takes a shot on goal against Norwin during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Carter Breen (6) knocks the ball from Franklin Regional’s Shane Popko (10) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Jake Trapanotto (34) reacts to a penalty call against his team during play against Norwin during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Shane Popko (10) tries to dribble around Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Auston Kranick (23) is slowed down by Norwin’s Zach Ullum (40) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Franklin Regional’s Justin LeDonne (6) is challenged by Norwin’s Jared Crowley (8) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
Christian Tyler Randolph | Tribune-Review
Norwin’s Jake Nebinski (7) holds off Franklin Regional’s Auston Kranick (23) during the first half on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017 at Franklin-Regional.
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Having Norwin's boys soccer team spend the 20 minutes before halftime in a daze wasn't something Knights forward Carter Breen was pleased with. No. 2-ranked Franklin Regional was controlling possession Tuesday night at home and appeared on the verge of breaking through.
The wake-up the Knights needed came quicker than anyone expected. Breen charged inside the box with the ball 23 seconds into the second half and flicked a shot past Franklin Regional goalkeeper Jeremy Lucas to propel Norwin to a 1-0 win.
“I saw they were playing better than us in the first half, and we needed to step it up and bring the energy up,” Breen said. “That always helps. When the energy's up, we play better and are motivated better.”
Finding sufficient reason to play defense was easy for the Knights. Norwin's backline had to match the effort of its keeper, Kyle Krotec. Moving confidently through his box, Krotec turned away 10 shots for the Knights (3-1-1, 2-0).
For most of the first half, neither team was able to get much going toward the net.
Once the Panthers (4-1, 2-1) found their path to the net, they ran into Krotec.
“Our keeper made a bunch of great saves today,” Breen said. “The game was on him. He saved our butts a few times. When we got a chance, we took it. Settle in and play defense from there.”
Franklin Regional's Shane Popko was the first to threaten Krotec in the 32nd minute, putting a shot off the outside of the post.
Three minutes later, Ryan Beard got ball about 7 yards from the goal line off a pass from Austin Kronic, only to have it parried away by Krotec.
“I get the ball quick as I can and don't let them have a chance to shoot it,” Krotec said. “I take every shot as its own.”
Krotec's biggest stops came in the 10 minutes following Breen's goal. Domenick DiFalco was set up close to the net by Popko, but Krotec turned his shot away.
Shortly after, DiFalco sent a hard shot that sailed over the crossbar.
“We gave them too much time in their back end,” Norwin coach Scott Schuchert said. “So we wanted to shrink the field at full press, and that changed the dynamic. We were causing them to make more mistakes in their own end.”
Nolan Scholze nearly evened things up for the Panthers with nine minutes remaining. Reporting in after a substitution, the ball found Scholze and he put a shot goal from 15 yards out that was knocked away by Krotec.
DiFalco's free kick from 28 yards out with 6 minutes left was again punched away by Krotec.
Franklin Regional coach Rand Hudson lamented the close calls. Having the Knights form a solid defensive shape early made it difficult for the Panthers to get many clean looks at the net.
“It was (close) from the beginning,” Hudson said. “We wanted to possess and shift it quickly to try and get different angles to penetrate on the passing. … We hit that crossbar, that crossbar and that post. Another night, three inches, we might win the game 3-1. It didn't break that way tonight.”
Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.
Tags: Franklin Regional , Norwin