Connect with us

High School

Annual East-West Soccer Classic set for Highmark Stadium this weekend

Pittsburgh, PA,  This year’s FNB East-West Classic will be held on Friday, August 30th and Saturday, August 31st at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh.

Admission is free.

The East-West classic will kick off another year that will include a series of matches where PIttsburgh Soccer Now will be featuring in-depth game coverage of select high school games.

Our coverage for the East-West Classic, will include:

  • An audio broadcast of Saturday’s matches on Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s Facebook Live page with Spencer Witt on play-by-play and analysis from former Seton-LaSalle coach Ryan Kelly
  • On-site reporting from John Krysinsky and Matt Harkins.  
  • Photography from Ed Thompson

“It’s the ultimate litmus test,” Bill Perz, Mount Lebanon’s head coach, said. “Playing against real quality opposition, this early in the season is the best way to put our players in uncomfortable positions early in the season.”

We will have more from Matt and John previewing these matches later today and tomorrow and we’ll be posting the direct link and game day blog for Saturday’s games.

ABOUT EAST-WEST CLASSIC

One of the premier high school tournaments in Pennsylvania, the East-West Classic has showcased top boys’ teams for 26 consecutive years. This year’s tournament, the 27th East-West Classic, will be held at Highmark Stadium, one of the premier soccer venues in the country.  Quaker Valley, Mt. Lebanon, and West Allegheny high schools will represent the West. Exeter, Fleetwood, and Wilson high schools will represent the East. 

This year’s six teams represent a combined 28 state finalists and 14 state championships. Fleetwood and West Allegheny were 2018 Pennsylvania AA & AAA State Champions respectively. Wilson was a 2018 AAAA Pennsylvania State Finalist. 

“The East-West Classic is always a special event for the players, families, and schools involved. Not many high school soccer players get to experience this type of format with their teams.,” Andrew Marshall, Quaker Valley head coach, said. “2019 is particularly special as it will include two State Champions and one Finalist with all six games played in a professional, soccer-specific stadium.

This year’s East-West Soccer Classic would not be possible without the title-sponsorship of First National Bank, and contributing sponsorship of ēlizur, Highmark, and Steel Town Auto Sales. 

EAST-WEST CLASSIC MATCH SCHEDULE

all matched will be played at Highmark Stadium

Friday, August 30th

4:00  Quaker Valley vs Exeter

5:30  West Allegheny vs Wilson

7:00  Mt Lebanon vs Fleetwood

Saturday, August 31st

10:00  Wilson vs Mt Lebanon (PSN Facebook Live) 

11:30  Exeter vs West Allegheny (PSN Facebook Live)

1:00 Fleetwood vs Quaker Valley (PSN Facebook Live)

First National Bank is sponsoring this year’s East-West Classic. 

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

Subscribe to PGH Soccer Now

Enter your email address to subscribe to PGH Soccer Now and receive notifications of new posts by email.

More in High School