ERIE, Pa. – All it took was one.
Freshman James DiSanza’s goal off a corner kick with 1:05 to play in the first half proved to be all Cathedral Prep needed in a 2-0 win over WPIAL champion South Fayette in the PIAA Class 3A boys’ soccer quarterfinals.
DiSanza’s goal came off of Noah Handzel’s corner, and the Ramblers played dominant defense in the second half, paced by a couple of key saves from Tyler Chermack.
“I saw No. 11 (Chad Eldridge) going front post and normally that’s my run,” DiSanza said. “So I went back post, watched the ball and headed it right in. I’ve always wanted to get one in a big game. I’m still comprehending what I did.”
See DiSanza’s goal:
“I know that the defense played their hearts out, just like I did,” Chermack said. “It was a really good team defensive effort.”
See Chermack’s full interview:
The Ramblers also got what amounted to a breakaway empty net goal from Handzel with 35 seconds left in regulation after South Fayette was pushing up to try and get the game-tying goal.
“The big thing is, we thought we could get into some patterns,” Cathedral Prep coach Sam Tojaga said. “Late in the game is when you play desperate soccer. Our big guys all through the back line just dealt with it. They were fantastic.”
Up next is Hershey, a 3-1 winner over unbeaten Hampton, in the semifinals on Tuesday at a site and time to be determined.
CLASS 2A QUARTERFINALS
CENTRAL COLUMBIA 2, GENERAL MCLANE 1
CLARION, Pa. – Torin Karns’ goal with 13 minutes to play in regulation broke a 1-1 tie and lifted Central Columbia to a 2-1 win over General McLane in the PIAA Class 2A quarterfinals on Saturday at PennWest Clarion’s Memorial Stadium.
General McLane had scored just four minutes into the game, courtesy of Cooper Robson, but Central Columbia answered back less than 10 minutes later to tie the game.
With the win, Central Columbia advances to play Quaker Valley, a 2-1 winner over Shady Side Academy, in the semifinals on Tuesday at a site and time to be determined.
The Lancers, meanwhile, end the season with a record of 15-6-2.
GIRLS’ CLASS 3A QUARTERFINALS
AVONWORTH 6, CLEARFIELD 0
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Fiona Mahan had a hat trick to lead Avonworth to a 6-0 PIAA quarterfinal win over Clearfield.
Gianna Babusci had a pair of goals for Avonworth, while Caroline Sweeney added the other.
With the win, Avonworth advances to play Shady Side, a 2-1 winner over South Park, on Tuesday in the semifinals.
