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WPIAL CLASS AAA GIRLS SOCCER FINAL PREVIEW: Unbeaten Norwin vs 8-Time Champs Upper St. Clair

Norwin girls keep their unbeaten season going strong, punching their ticket to Highmark Stadium to Class AAA Girls Finals.

Norwin girls keep their unbeaten season going strong, punching their ticket to Highmark Stadium to Class AAA Girls Finals.


WPIAL Class AAA Girls Final – Norwin vs Upper St. Clair
Highmark Stadium
Friday, November 6, 2015 – 6 p.m. Kickoff
Broadcast: www.msasports.net
#1 Norwin
(21-0, 12-0, Section 1-AAA Champs)
WPIAL Two-Time Champions (1996, 1997)
Head Coach – Lauren Czapor-Karcher
How they got here: def Franklin Regional 3-1, def Plum 3-0. def Seneca Valley (2-0)
Taking note: It’s been a magical season for Norwin, remaining unbeaten primarily due to a strong defense. Including their three playoff wins, they’ve posted 16 shutouts this season and surrendered a total of five goals. They have also been the top scoring team in Class AAA with 117 goals.
Players to watch: Lexi Kendro and Emily Harrigan netted first-half goals for Norwin in the WPIAL semifinal win over Seneca Valley. Lexie Kolano (21), Micayla Livingston (18) and Harrigan (15) were Norwin’s top goal scorers in the regular season. Sam Wexell has been one of the best keepers in the WPIAL.
#3 Upper St. Clair
(16-1-1, 10-0, Section 5-AAA Champs)
WPIAL Eight-time Champion (1987, 1989, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2011)
Head Coach – Dave Gray
How they got here: def Kiski Area (2-1), def Mt. Lebanon (1-0), def Fox Chapel (0-0, 5-4 in penalties)
Taking note: The Panthers are seeking their first WPIAL title since 2011. While Maddie Rocks leads the team in goals, Penn State recruit Emma Hasco is the one who orchestrates their attack at center midfield — watching her in person on Monday night — I came away watching a player that has terrific technical ability — and athleticism to match.
Players to Watch: Veteran coach Gray contends that Hasco is the best player he has ever coached. She scored 15 goals in the regular season. Senior midfielder Rocks led her team with 22 goals. Nikki Gibbons earned the starting job in net as a freshman.

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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