After Clinching Playoffs, Soccer Looks for Seeding
McKeesport, Pa. – After clinching a spot in the Penn State University Athletic Conference Playoffs last time out, Penn State Greater Allegheny (6-1, 5-0) look to continue their success on Thursday when they take on Westmoreland County Community College (0-8, 0-3) in non-conference action at 4 p.m.
PSUGA picked up their first ever win against Penn State Hazleton their last time out coming up with a nail-biting 3-2 victory to clinch their fourth consecutive PSUAC playoff spot. Jake Theiret (Port Vue, Pa./South Allegheny) scored the game winning goal on a penalty kick in the 80th minute to put PSUGA ahead for good and secure the victory. Marin Marina (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin HS) and Belmo Nurkic (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin HS) also contributed goals in the victory.
However, it was the defense that shined in this match-up especially late in the ball game. They were led by freshman goalkeeper and PSUAC Goalie of the Week Colin Bucsok (Pittsburgh, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) who collected 13 saves in the game. Head Coach Dale Odim was very pleased with the play of his back four and has said that they have been key to his team’s success.
PSUGA is off to their best start in program history sitting at 6-1 overall and 5-0 in conference play. While they have clinched a playoff spot, they are not satisfied as they want to capture the number one overall seed.
Westmoreland County Community College enters this contest on an eight-game losing streak to start their season. Last time out, they fell to Montgomery College by the score of 14-1. WCCC would take a 1-0 lead early on, but allowed 14 unanswered goals to fall in the contest and drop to 0-8 on the season.
The overall match-up between these two teams has been dominated by PSUGA. They have a record of 8-1 against WCCC with their only loss coming all the way back in the 2013 season. PSUGA has won the last seven match-ups between these two teams including a 4-0 victory earlier in the season at WCCC.
Kickoff for Thursday’s contest is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Francis McClure Elementary School Soccer Field located at 500 Longvue Drive, White Oak, Pa. 15131.