Photo Gallery: Franklin Regional, West Allegheny ride a pair of 1-0 wins advance to WPIAL Class 3A boys final

In the WPIAL’s Class 3A Boys Soccer semifinal doubleheader played at Keystone Oaks’ Dormont Stadium on Tuesday night, two schools which have been mainstays at the top of the classification in the past decade-plus, Franklin Regional and West Allegheny, earned a pair of 1-0 wins to advance to the Championship game at Highmark Stadium later this week (date/time TBA).

Photographer Jared Todhunter was on hand to capture the action for Pittsburgh Soccer Now.

In a tightly contested match where one big play was likely going to decide the outcome, No. 3 seed Franklin Regional rode the momentum from being on the front foot for long stretches of the first 45 minutes against No. 2 seed Bethel Park.

The Panthers continued to bring pressure into the second half — and finally had the breakthrough — when Fabrizzio Costa came up with the game’s lone goal, as Michael Hillebrand was credited with the assist, after making a deep run down the left width, then cut back a pass into the middle of the box for Costa.

Costa took it from there to deliver the game-winner, which was enough to send Franklin Regional through to its second straight appearance in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Final.

In shutting down the potent Bethel Park attack, Panthers’ keeper Emerson Bush earned yet another clean sheet while the Panthers were extremely organized — keeping Bethel Park limited to four shots in the match — and just one in the second half.

Bethel Park’s goalkeeper, Luke Rubican, was outstanding, making numerous saves while Franklin Regional’s pressure included many crosses and 19 total shots.

In the other semifinal, No. 8 West Allegheny battled No. 5 Thomas Jefferson in a match that had plenty of back-and-forth action in the first half.

The breakthrough moment for West A came when Harrison Murray got a step on the last defenders on a through ball, then completed the run with a clinical finish.

Franklin Regional 1, Bethel Park 0

(Jared Todhunter Photo Gallery)

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West Allegheny 1, Thomas Jefferson 0

(Jared Todhunter Photo Gallery)

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John Krysinsky

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).