Everything boys soccer does is preparing them for playoffs—we might have another Highmark Stadium appearance from our boys this season.
“I have faith that our boys can go far again this year. We have a great line up,” said Coach Scott Hazuda.
Finishing out the regular season, the boys had quite a few games to get through despite already being playoff bound. Some of the most important things to keep in mind playing in section with an already existing playoff spot is to keep intensity up, don’t get injured, and most importantly of all, don’t get carded the game before playoffs.
October 2 the boys traveled to Blackhawk to play another section game. The game was intense and stuck at a 0-0 tie thoughout regulation. The boys had to go into overtime not once, but twice.
With the clock running out in the second overtime, senior captain Evan Baker scored a buzzer beater winning the Bobcats the game based on golden goal rules.
“Should have been a high score but our heads weren't really in the game because we thought [a win] was going to be easy,” said freshman Sean Perez.
October 3 the boys played Ellwood City for their senior night. Ten out of 12 seniors started due to two players being sidelined with injuries.
Thought the game multiple seniors and other boys scored to eventually result in an 11-0 blowout win for our Bobcats.
Though the next two games were rough for the Bobcats, neither affected the boys’ playoff standings.
October 7 they played a non-section game against North Hills. The game was close, but the Bobcats came out a bit short in a 3-2 loss.
October 10 the team lost 2-0 to rival Avonworth.
The boys played their last regular season game October 12 against Riverside. Freshman Anthony Furda scored two goals and junior Joey Pruszenski scored one to secure a 3-1 win.
A last minute surprise, the boys scheduled a game against Beaver County Christen School, and the game could have been very dangerous if a card were to get involved since it was the final game before playoffs.
Why is it so important not to get carded the game before playoffs? While a yellow card won’t hurt much in the moment other than taking you out of the game for a few minute, it does put you at risk for a red if you were to get another card. A red card would put you out for the game you’re playing as well as the next game—which in this case would be the Cats’ first playoff game.
Luckily the boys pulled it out with a clean 3-0 win over BCCS October 17.
The boys will play again tonight at Shady Side for their first round of playoffs.
“I’m exited for playoffs. I think we should win first round, but next round is going to be a surprise,” said sophomore Caleb Kullen.