Late second half surge propels Greensburg Central Catholic to 3-0 win vs pesky Riverside

File Photo courtesy of Jared Todhunter

WPIAL Girls Class 1A Soccer Playoffs

Final: Greensburg Central Catholic 3,  Riverside 0

Greensburg Central Catholic comes into familiar territory as the top seed to the WPIAL playoffs. For first year GCC coach Olivia Kruger, she’s well-aware of the expectations that come with being the favorites in Girls Class 1A. 

On Saturday, in their opening round playoff match against Riverside, Kruger had her team ready, coming out on the attack, with five shots on goal in the first five minutes 

Still, they had nothing to show for it.

The first quality scoring opportunity of the match though came from a corner for Riverside off of a corner, forcing GCC keeper Lyndsey Szekley to dodge traffic and smother the shot.

GCC went back to possessing the ball but the next chance on goal would come from Riverside again as Lexi Fluharty got behind GCC’s back line, forcing Szekley off her line to make another big save.

GCC countered after the save, then forced Riverside keeper Jade Farnsworth to come out and make a sliding save.

Riverside’s first year Head Coach John Siget came into this match with an effective game plan, getting his players drop behind the ball as a unit, as they stayed organized filling lanes and forcing lower quality shots.

These tactics worked out well, as the match between the top and 16 seeded teams remained knotted at zero at the end of the first half.

Could Riverside pull off the upset?

As the second half began, there was more of the same from GCC, as the Centurians possessed the ball but could not find any quality shots. As the game was worked its way into the later stages, Sara Felder became stronger on the ball and creating issues for Riverside.

Sara Felder led an attack down the right wing which didn’t allow Riverside to get numbers back. Felder’s cross would go into the six-yard box and find its way back to the sophomore forward and she blasted a left footed shot just inside the post for the first goal of the game.

Samantha Felder not to be out done by her little sister came right back with a goal of her own minutes later making it 2-0.

The Centurions continued to apply pressure and Samantha would earn a brace on the backside of the goal for a tap in to make 3-0.

Riverside came in with a good game plan but eventually GCC found the first goal. Riverside had a few great opportunities but just could not find the back of the net. Riverside goal keeper Jade Farnsworth faced 24 shots and finishing with 21 saves.

GCC will now take on section foe Springdale on Wednesday at a site to be determined.