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Deja Vu For @CVHS_BoysSoccer In Capturing 1st #WPIAL Title in 15 Years


 

Chartiers Valley entered the WPIAL 3A soccer playoffs on a hot streak and completed the quest for its first district title in 15 years by winning its 12th straight game, defeating Mars, 1-0, at Highmark Stadium on Saturday night.
Five minutes into the second half, Chartiers Valley (17-4-0) broke a scoreless tie on an unlikely goal from distance that caught the Planets off guard. Jimmy Boyle‘s low shot from 40 yards slid through the Mars (16-4-1) back line, freezing Mars goalkeeper Emin Diren in the center of the goal box as the ball rolled into the right side of the goal to give the Colts the 1-0 lead that would hold up.
“We battled so hard all year, to see our kids lift that trophy, there’s nothing like it,” said Garrett McKenzie, who helped lead the Colts to WPIAL title in 2001 as a player when they had a similar 1-0 win over Fox Chapel. “It was an identical goal as 15 years ago.  From more than 30 yards out.  At first your saying, ‘why are you shooting it?’ And then it goes in, and everyone is jumping up and down.”
For Mars, it was a tough pill to swallow.
“It was a breakdown in communication,” said Chris Knauff, Mars Head Coach “The keeper thought the defense had it, and the defense thought he had it.  Emin kept us in the game all night long, and that happened to be an unfortunate play for us.”
Indeed, Diren did everything he could to keep the Planets in a game that saw Chartiers Valley’s attack create quality scoring chances for the better part of 80 minutes.
“They’re fast, athletic and have great skill,” said Knauff. “They have a really good team and put a lot of pressure on our defense all game.”
Diren came up with a few big saves along with some help from his back line mates to keep the game scoreless.
In the 18th minute, Colts midfielder Sean Tinney shot over Diren, but three defenders scrambled to keep a multiple-deflected ball out of the goal.
Then, in the 37th minute, Diren had to make two saves in the same sequence that began with a Tinney free kick. Diven saved a solid header by Nate Wood, then a quick rebound shot attempt.
 
Mars had a few decent chances to find the equalizer in the second half, as Caleb Brake’s shot from 22 yards was stopped by Colts keeper Caleb Zajicek.
The Planets drew a foul just outside the right side of the box and had a dangerous free kick opportunity in the 68th minute, but Zane Mundy’s ball toward the near post was headed away by Josh Dimatteo.
Chartiers Valley kept pushing forward, limiting Mars opportunities to mount a comeback in the late stages, as the Colts hung on for the shutout win. 
 
This was Chartiers Valley’s fifth overall WPIAL title, while Mars fell in the final for the second consecutive year as they were trying to win their first district crown since 2009.
 
“Our defense doesn’t get enough credit. Lot of credit to our defenders, they played hard and shut out a really good team.” said McKenzie. “To get on a run like we have, and to finish with 12 wins in a row. What a time to do that. It’s awesome.”

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).

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