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Canon-Mac, Norwin Take WPIAL Class AAA Titles

Before a packed house at Highmark Stadium on an unusually pleasant mild early November night, there was plenty of joy and agony to go around as Class AAA WPIAL Soccer finals played out.

Canon-McMillan boys won in dramatic fashion, 2-1, in extra time, over a Fox Chapel side that had their way for 78 minutes; and Norwin girls exercised their dominance to keep their unbeaten season intact by defeating Upper St. Clair 3-0, as both teams took home Class AAA WPIAL soccer titles on Friday night.

The drama of the Big Macs win was captured by Pittsburgh Tribune-Review‘s Bill West:

CANON MCMILLAN BOYS WIN WPIAL CLASS AAA TITLE

Canon-Mac won their 2nd WPIAL title in the last four year in dramatic fashion.

Canon-Mac won their 2nd WPIAL title in the last four year in dramatic fashion.

I covered the Norwin-USC game, and I’ll have to say, this was my first look at the Knights.

That is a very impressive team that played at a fast pace, are strong technically, can be physical and they had solid goalkeeping to boot.

As their coach Lauren Czapor said, the sky’s the limit for her team.  They should be a very strong contender to win the State title.

Finally, I failed to mention this in my game story — that maybe the most impressive stat line for Norwin’s 22-0 run this year is that they’ve surrendered just 4 goals (I know I mistakenly tweeted five at one point last night).

That’s right four goals in 22 games.

Sign of a dominating season and well-deserved WPIAL Champions.

Here’s my complete game story of Norwin’s 3-0 win:

NORWIN GIRLS CAPTURE THIRD WPIAL TITLE 

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There are four more games Saturday at Highmark Stadium.  I will be providing updates throughout the day — and will be covering both the Boys and Girls AA finals at 2 and 4 p.m. respectively for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
I’m sure there will be a lot more drama to follow.

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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