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PSN Featured Game Preview: Section champ Deer Lakes look to remain unbeaten

PSN Featured Game

Class 2A – Section 2

Deer Lakes (13-0-1, 10-0-1 in section) vs Freeport (8-8, 6-5 in section)

Thursday, October 11 – at Deer Lakes – 7:15 p.m. kickoff (approximate)

PSN Coverage

Facebook Live broadcast – Matt Gajtka

Reporting – John Krysinsky

Photography – Ed Thompson

 

Last season, WPIAL Class 2A boys soccer Section 2 fourth place team was Shady Side Academy.  The Indians pulled off a remarkable run in the postseason, capping it off with a 2-1 overtime win against eventual state champions, Quaker Valley.

Once again, this season, there are four very strong teams in this section, with Deer Lakes having the most impressive season of them all.

The Lancers captured the Section title on Tuesday night, beating Mt. Pleasant, 2-1, in a come-from-behind fashion capped by a Colton Spence penalty kick with a little more than a minute remaining in the match.

It was the first section title for Deer Lakes boys soccer since 2003.

The win on Tuesday wasn’t Deer Lakes’ first exciting comeback this season.

The first time they had to fight and claw their way to overcome a deficit was against Freeport. Trailing 3-1 on the road with 13 minutes left, the Lancers were in trouble of losing its first game of the season back on September 20.

“They’re always tough to play,” Jordan Wiegand, Deer Lakes coach, said of Freeport. “They’re going to play at a fast pace, especially at home. They’re going to win balls in the middle. It’s section opponent that we know we’re going to have to battle.”

Wiegand’s team showed resilience that evening.

After scoring in the 13th minute to cut the lead to 3-2, Spence scored the equalizer just as time expired.

Then, with three minutes remaining in the second extra time period, A.J. Dorman scored the game-winner to give Deer Lakes a 4-3 win.

While Deer Lakes earned a section title on Tuesday night, Freeport also had a big win too. Hunter Hardin and Stevie Teorsky scored two goals apiece, giving Freeport avenging an earlier loss to Burrell, and securing its spot in the playoffs. Tanner Hoscheid and Addison Stewart also added goals.

Freeport will now have the opportunity to get some revenge, and spoil Deer Lakes’ perfect season on Thursday evening.

It won’t be easy for the Yellow Jackets. It will be senior night for the Lancers.

While Wiegand boasts a roster that includes an impressive crop of underclassmen led by what he describes as ‘key pieces’ in sophomores Devin Murray, Michael Sullivan and Spence, it’s his two seniors defender Nick Sero and goalkeeper Jesse Greyshock who provide immeasurable leadership for his section championship squad.

“It’s nice to have a strong presence in the back with Nick and Jesse,” Wiegand said. “Jesse is back there directing everyone. He’s a real leader. Nick is a workhorse who does a phenomenal job.”

 

 

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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