2009

Season Summary

Congratulations to all of the players and the coaching staff for an outstanding season.  To repeat as WPIAL Champion is a tremendous accomplishment and the Planet Nation salutes you!  Please consider the following accomplishments:

Final Record:
  Section 12-0
  Overall 22-2
  Record against AAAA schools: 4-1
  Repeat WPIAL Champion - 2009
    - outscored opponents 12-0
  PIAA Quarter Finals 

Shut-outs:  14

Goals Scored During Season: 122 
Goals Against During Season: 16

Goal Scorers: 3 Players in double digits, 8 players with 5 or more goals and 17 players that scored at least one goal.

Top Scorers:
  Ryan McKenzie - 35
  Yulian Lutsiv - 20
  Chris Karns - 11

Seniors:
  Tony Dominijanni
  Christopher Karns
  Greg Kraus
  Jack Leslie
  Ryan McKenzie
  Dylan McNany
  Michael Page
  Tanner Panza
  Tim Vandall

11-14-09

There is a a sense of sadness all across the Planet Nation tonight.  A season that started over 3 months ago came to end in Chambersburg today.  The Varsity Boys suffered only their second loss of the season to a very good Palmyra team.  If the PIAA Championship was awarded to the team with the biggest heart, the Planet Nation would be holding the trophy.  We all know it doesn't work that way and with the final score 2-1, it will be Palmyra moving on to the semi-finals against section rival Hampton on Tuesday night.

From the start you could tell this would be a very good match.  The Palmyra Cougars struck first off an odd goal by their leading scorer Brett Jankouskas.  I am not sure what happened but a weak ball came out of a pack and into the Planet net.  There were too many players in the way for me to see exactly what happened but it was a goal none the less.  Following the first goal Ryan Gralish was assigned to mark Jankouskas and I was extremely impressed by his play.  Ryan marked Jankouskas where ever he went and severely limited his ability to even touch the ball the remainder of the game.

The Planet faithful were not discouraged by the early goal and our boys struck back 8 minutes later.  The Planets built a solid attack and worked the ball deep a couple different times.  Michael Page took control and carried the ball out wide.  Once Michael shed his defender, he crossed the ball to the middle were Ryan McKenzie got of a good shot.  The Cougar goalie couldn't get a handle on the ball and Ryan finished the rebound to even the score.

The second half was all Mars, well, almost all Mars.  In my estimation the Planets controlled the ball for more than 30 minutes in the second half.  I think Tim Vandall had a very good game at midfield today.  He controlled the ball and worked up and down the field.  Unfortunately the Palmyra defense would bend but they wouldn't crack and with 8 minutes left in the game they mounted their first true offense effort of the 2nd half.  They worked the ball deep and earned a corner kick.  The ball was headed once and then a second time.  On the second touch it cleared the outstreched hands of Robbie Sigurdsson for the game winner.  The Mars Planets gave it everything they had for the last 8 minutes but it was not to be.  I won't be surprised if Palmyra goes on to win the PIAA trophy next weekend.

In my opinion the entire team played extremely well today.  It was a pleasure to watch you today and the entire season. 

Palmyra 2 - Mars 1

11-10-09

Wow, what a game and what a finish!  The boys took to the pitch with a lot of early pressure but it was Harborcreek that almost ended the Planet season.  The boys from Erie earned an indirect kick from outside the penalty box about 17 minutes into the contest.  The ball was struck just inside the near post for what appeared to be the first goal.  The official waived off the goal because it never touched another player.  The boys from Mars dodged a bullet!  And then the power went out.  The entire stadium was covered in darkness but after a 15 minute break the game resumed. 

In my estimation the Planets controlled the play in the first half.  They had better scoring opportunities and clearly looked to be in control.  Tanner had a fantastic shot that hit the post.  Christopher Karns had real nice volley to the top right corner that was just pushed wide by the keeper.  Unfortunately both sides went in to the half tied at zero.

The Planets started the 2nd half with good momentum and good ball movement.  They worked the ball deep into Harborcreek territory and looked to be on the verge of their first goal.  Harborcreek managed to get the ball moving our direction on a breakaway and after a collision at the top of our 18, earned a PK.  Carter Tyzinski of Harborcreek went top left over Robbie Sigurdsson to put his team up 1-0.  The stunned Planets took a minute to regroup and turned up the heat.  Shot after shot was sent sailing over, around and past the opposing goal until the 68th minute.  Ryan McKenzie finished a Yulian Lutsiv flip-throw for the equalizer.  Regulation ended 1-1 and neither team could manage a goal in the first overtime.

2 minutes into the 2nd overtime the Planets finally caught a break.  The Harborcreek keeper muffed the goal kick and sent it directly to Yulian about 25 yards out.  Yulian made one touch to settle the ball and sent an amazing, curving shot past the outstretched hands of the keeper and into the top left corner of the goal.  I think only Yulian had a better view of the shot than the Planet cheering section.  To say the fans went wild would be an understatement.

Way to hang tough and battle for a full 97 minutes!  Get some rest and get ready to face Palmyra on Saturday.

Mars 2 - Harborcreek HS 1 (double OT)

11-7-09

What a beautiful day for soccer!  Our Planet boys took control of the ball early and kept the pressure on Hampton for 75 of the 80 minutes today.  With the exception of a breakaway (missed wide) and one corner kick, Hampton could not generate any significant offense against the Planet defense.  The lone score in the game today came off a Tim Vandall corner.  Tim sent a belt high ball curling into the box just 2 minutes before the half.  Several Planet players charged the net and I believe Ryan McKenzie finished with the goal.  The announcer indicated Alex Perri was the goal scorer but the reaction from the team indicates otherwise.  At any rate, it was clear that several players were in the right area and the Planets only needed one goal to retain the title of WPIAL Champion!

According to the PIAA bracket, the Planet Boys will play Harborcreek HS on Tuesday.  The game will be played at 6 PM at West Allegheny HS.  The address is: 205 West Allegheny Road, Imperial PA.

Mars 1 - Hampton 0

11-3-09

In just 48 seconds the Mars Planets took away any hope the Chartiers Valley team had for an upset victory.  Following the opening kick-off Dylan McNany worked his way down low and sent a hard cross back in front of the net.  The ball passed several defenders and Planet players before Christopher Karns put it where it belonged - the back of the net.  The Planet boys controlled the ball and the clock throughout the game limiting Robbie Sigurdsson just 4 touches on the ball and all CV shots came from long distance-nothing that was a real threat.

For the Planet offense, the shots were many but only three found the back of the net.  Following a 1-0 score at the half, Yulian scored the second goal of the game at the 46 minute mark Tanner sent a long ball from the mid-line.  The opposing keeper came up to make the stop but could not get clear of Ryan McKenzie and mis-played the ball.  Yulian finshed with a well placed shot to make the score 2-0.  15 minutes later Jack Leslie sent a real nice ball into the box from the 50 yard line.  Michael Page had a beautiful one-touch shot passed the diving keeper.  The defense and mid-field play was very strong this evening and Coach Knauff emptied the bench to get everyone some play time before Saturday.

Let's Go Planets!  See you Saturday at Elizabeth Forward.

Mars 3 - Chartiers Valley 0

10-31-09

Where to start? The first half of soccer was not much fun to watch. It was clear the field surface was a problem, both from being too slick and because it was rock hard. At one point I counted six bounces before a ball settled on the turf. I really don't understand playing a quarter-final game on a surface that clearly had an impact on the quality of play.

To their credit the Southmoreland Scotties came out with a lot of pressure and created the first several scoring opportunities of the game. Fortunately they could not finish their shots or put them on goal. The first half ended with Mars controlling the ball for the last five minutes or so but still not finding the back of the net.

The 2nd half started with the Planets continuing to control the ball and it took the team all of five minutes to put the ball in the net. Tanner worked the ball up from his defensive position and took a shot from outside the 18 yard line. The Scotties' keeper could not control the ball and Yulian put it to rest just inside the left post. 3 minutes later Ryan McKenzie sent the ball out wide to Alex Perri drawing the defender and clearing some space. Alex sent the ball back inside to a wide open McKenzie who beat the keeper for goal #2. Robbie Sigurdsson came up with the stop of the day a few minutes later to keep the 2 goal advantage. Yulian took a direct kick from 30 yards out 25 minutes into the second half and sent a curving ball to the far post. Chris Karns finished with a one-touch gem before the Scotties defense even knew what happened. The final goal of the match came at the end of some very hard work by Tony Dominijanni. Tony worked the ball down the far side-line running shoulder to shoulder with the defender. As soon as Tony found a wee bit of space he sent a center ball to Yulian who dented the twine and capped a 4-0 victory.

Now it is on to North Allegheny HS Tuesday night to face Chartiers Valley.  Game time is 7:45 PM!

Mars 4 - Southmoreland 0

10-26-09

The Fast and the Furious . . . that was what was expected by the Planets and that is what Indiana received, in the second half.  The first half did not go at all as planned despite several very solid scoring opportunities.  Indiana came out with a lot more hussle and a lot more pressure than I remember from the first time these two teams met.  The Indiana goalie had an outstanding half and made several unbelievable stops on certain goals to keep the score 0-0 at the break.

In the second half the Planets showed their skill and their depth.  In the first minute of the second frame Christopher Karns sent a beautiful ball from the right wing to Ryan McKenzie who's magical heel touch missed the far post by inches.  I had to mention it because it was a fantastic play.  Not a minute later Tanner sent a ball to the top of the 18 from 32 yards out. Ryan McKenzie's drove the header inside the near post for the first goal of the contest.  A short time later Ryan sent a hard shot at the keeper but he couldn't hold on and Yulian Lutsiv drove the dropped ball into the back of the net.  Tim Vandall's goal was another thing of beauty.  He took a terrific pass from Dylan McNanny (I think) and beat the keeper for goal #3.  The final goal of the contest went to Alex Perri who took a great pass from Preston Brown, worked through the defense and beat the keeper one more time. 

If you had an opportunity to catch the early game it was quite clear that Burrell had one go-to player, Trozzi.  He appears to be a very skilled player with a lot of speed but it was quite apparent that you can't rely on just one goal scorer.  To see the Planets have four different goal scores and four different players contribute with assists highlights the depth of this team.

Mars 4 - Indiana 0  (the next game will be Saturday at Chartiers Valley - the opponent has not yet been determined)

10-21-09

Due to a slight mis-communication the write-up for the Gateway game will be limited.  This was the final regular season game and was scheduled as preparation for the Planet's playoff run.  Gateway is a triple-A playoff team this season and our Planet's showed them how to play soccer!  The following players scored in the match:

McKenzie (2), Page, Panza, Perri, Frank, Karns

The Planets finished the regular season with a record of 17-1 (12-0 in conference) with 10 shut-outs.  The Planet boys have only allowed one goal in the month of October.  According to my notes 17 different players scored a Varsity goal this season (that includes JV players scoring when called up) and 8 players scored 5 or more goals.  That is impressive!

Mars 7 - Gateway 0

10-20-09

Tanner Panza put on a long-ball clinic at Knoch this afternoon.  I heard it mentioned in the bleachers that Tanner scored an assist hat-trick which I think is very appropriate.  The first goal of the game came off a Christopher Karns' header.  The beautiful thing was Christopher's header came off Tanner's direct kick from at least 40 yards away.  Garrett Gabriel came up with two huge saves in the last five minutes of the first half to keep the score 1-0.

In the second half Tanner again came up with a perfect long ball that Michael Page headed home to make the score 2-0.  Ryan McKenzie received a great pass from Greg Kraus (I think) and beat the keeper for the 3-0 lead and then Tanner worked a little magic one more time.  Again he sent a ball from the mid line to Jack Leslie's head-in and the final goal.

The defense and mid-fielders worked very hard to minimize the scoring opportunities by Knoch and helped preserve another shut-out.

Mars 4 - Knoch 0

10-17-09

The cold and rainy weather would not dampen the Senior Night celebration!  A special thanks to all the volunteers who made this event so special for our Seniors.  You have certainly given the underclassmen something to look forward to.  The Planet Nation truly appreciates all your hard work.  The events of this evening recognized the hard work and dedication of Seniors Tony Dominijanni, Christopher Karns, Greg Kraus, Jack Leslie, Ryan McKenzie, Dylan McNany, Michael Page, Tanner Panza and Tim Vandall.  Also recognized were Senior statisticians Cate Conner and Michelle Perri.

Was it a perfect night for soccer?  No, but it was a nearly perfect soccer game.  The boys from Mars took control early and after a solid build-up Senior Tim Vandall scored the first goal of the game just four minutes into the contest.  One minute later Senior Ryan McKenzie scored his first of the night.  The Planets continued to keep the pressure on the Seneca Valley defense and 18 minutes in Ryan McKenzie deflected a shot off the keeper and into the back of the net for his second goal of the match.  This must have ignited a fire in SV as they scored their first goal one minute later with a hard strike from outside the Penalty Box.  SV kept the pressure up until half time and held the score at 3-1.

The second half started out much like the first.  Junior Alex Perri scored five minutes into the half and then 45 seconds later Alex fed Ryan McKenzie a perfect thru ball.  Ryan beat the keeper to the ball and stuck it in the back of the net to cap his Senior Night hat trick.  The Planet defense was extremely stingy tonight not allowing any significant shots on goal in the second half and preserved the margin of victory.

Mars 5 - Seneca Valley 1

10-13-09

Shame on you for a week if you missed the opening 42 seconds of today’s match. The Planets scored on the opening possession: with a combination of 16 consecutive passes the Planets moved the opening face off back to Brake to Leslie to Panza, to Perri, back to Leslie to the near sideline to McNanny, a sweet heel pass for an overlap run by Brake, across to Kraus, across the middle to Vandall, to the opposite touch line to Panza, a chip to Brown, back to Perri to the middle to Kraus, another 1 touch pass to McKenzie—score. An early lead and a 6-0 halftime lead. Coaches Knauff and Perri were able to unload the bench in the first half, (I think the first time this year) to give very valuable playing time for the underclassmen. Several underclassmen took full advantage of the opportunity. Goal scorers were: McKenzie (2), Vandall, Brown (2), Dominijanni, Kraus, McNany, and Jackson (1st of the year). Assists were notched by: Kraus (2), Karns, Perri, McKenzie, McNany, and Brown.

Garrett Gabriel stoned the Golden Rams to secure the shutout. The Planets host Seneca Valley Saturday night (Senior Night-whoa-what a record these seniors have tallied) which should be a very good test for the Planets as SV is playoff bound in AAA.

Mars 9 - Highlands 0 

10-8-09

It was the first time in recent years that Freeport hosted Mars at their football stadium downtown rather than at the high school pitch.  It was explained to me that the Yellowjackets can have 2 night games per year. This year they are hosting Mars and Hampton (Freeport’s Senior Night).  It makes you reflect and realize how nice we have it at Mars. The Planets controlled the match from the very beginning and waited for their opportunities and Alex Perri eventually go the game winner at the 23 minute mark. Goals followed on a regular basis by Preston Brown, Christopher Karns, Ryan McKenzie, Brendan Frank, and Yulian Lutsiv. Again the coaching staff took the opportunity to play underclassmen in attempt to prepare for next year, and again the future looks promising. Garret Gabriel notched the shut out while only having to make a minimal number of saves. However his play in the 2nd half may make the highlight tape as the Freeport attacker flipped over a standing Gabriel.

As Larry the cable guy say “dat dier dat is goud stuff” (that their, that is good stuff)

Mars 6 - Freeport 0

10-6-09

10-1-09  

The Planets traveled over to Deer Lakes for a rescheduled afternoon match. The Planets had an easy time of it as they outpaced the Lancers 6-0. Those in attendance witnessed one of the best goals of the season. The Planets’ first goal started with Jack Leslie winning a header and flicking it to Tanner Panza, Tanner passed it down the sideline to Alex Perri, back to Tanner, diagonally to Tim Vandall, diagonally backward to Greg Kraus, diagonally forward to Christopher Karns, cross to McNany, dribbles square toward the middle, through ball to Ryan McKenzie, back across the goal mouth to Alex Perri—shoots and scores. 1-0. Mars went on to score 5 additional goals. Goal scorers included Karns - direct kick just outside the 18, Spencer Posey – on a rebound, Lutsiv - a hard drive with 9 seconds remaining in the first half, McNany - on a through ball, Brown - PK. With 28 minutes remaining in the match the reserves entered the contest and outplayed the Lancers’ regulars. The defense of Jared Williams at sweeper, Brake and Gralish in defense and Zack Hudac at stopper kept the contest in front of them making Gabriel’s job at goal an easy one. 

Mars 6 - Deer Lakes 0  

9-29-09

Yulian Lutsiv scored the game winner in overtime to down the Talbots 2-1.  Ryan McKenzie scored the first goal, a PK, following a good individual effort by Christopher Karns early in the match. Following Ryan’s goal Hampton retaliated quickly with a long bullet shot by Chris Hunkele to notch the score 1-1.   The match had the intensity of a playoff game, with both teams trying to outwork the other.  The defense of Leslie, Panza, Vandall,  Brake, and Sigurdsson was impressive considering the high amount of pressure they were under.   The celebration at midfield for Mars and the obvious sign of disappointment for the Talbots were reminiscent of 2 years ago. I would not be surprised to see these two teams meet again in the playoffs.  

9-26-09

The Planets are now half way through the conference schedule and remain undefeated. It is difficult to figure if the section is a little weaker, or if the Planets are much stronger, or a combination of each. Robbie Sigurdsson made the 2 stops needed to maintain the shutout, as the defense of Leslie, Panza, (over the 15 year history of Mars soccer, we have never seen a better defensive duo) Gralish, Brake, and Vandall severely limited the Knight's attack. The Planets’ 3 goals were results of team efforts. A foul early in the match set up a long feed by Leslie, as Christopher Karns was able to flick it past the goalie. The second goal came following several possession passes that let Yulian Lutsiv score with a left footer that slid to the back corner of the goal. Ryan McKenzie scored the 3rd goal following a sustained attack and switching the point of attack, until Dylan McNany was able to thread a pass between 2 defenders freeing Ryan. The Planets seemed much stronger in the outside midfield positions than the Knights and by playing the ball wide and switching the field often gave both McNany and Karns the ball with ample space to attack.  

Mars 3 - Knoch 0

9-24-09

The boys traveled to Woodland Hills for a non section match held at their high school where there is a soccer only turf field. The Planets found it difficult to get the first goal but eventually Tanner Panza was able to get off a hard rolling crossing ball to Ryan McKenzie. Ryan made the most out of a crowded situation, and put it top left.  The defense was suffocating as Robbie and Garret both only had one shot each to field. Mars second goal was outstanding:  Tanner Panza timed Ryan Gralish’s long throw in perfectly, leaped above all defenders and headed a shot with velocity passed the stunned keeper. Michael Page drove a header off of Tim Vandall corner, with even greater authority passed the keeper. Then Spencer Posey scored his first high school goal on a well placed PK. The last goal saw Jack Leslie lay a “sweet” pass to an onrushing Preston Brown who made the score Mars 5, Woodland Hills 0.

Mars 5 – Woodland Hills 0

The Planets also won the JV contest 2-0. Nick Luce scored on a Luke Sowers' cross and Luke Sowers scored on a PK as time expired.

9-22-09

The evening started out with an exciting JV contest with the Mars team winning  3-1. Stephen Barnes scored late in the first half when the Highlands defender misplayed the ball and Stephen outraced everyone and pushed it passed the keeper. Highlands tied the score, and late in the second half: Jim Resosky flicked a serve by Luke Sowers passed the keeper for the eventual game winner. Mike Cline scored the last goal unassisted and put the JV Golden Rams away.

The varsity contest followed the JV game.  After a goal by Christopher Karns the Planets made the match interesting for about 10 minutes as the Golden Rams scored on a free kick. However from that point on it became a Planet “goal fest”: McKenzie to Lutsiv, Panza to Perri, Karns to Lutsiv, McKenzie to Kraus, --Halftime.  The “goal fest” continued: Perri to Karns, Vandall to McKenzie, Kraus to McKenzie, Gralish (unassisted on a throw in), and McNany to Frank.  All in all, 7 different Planets scored. The bench was emptied, playing time was spread around, the Rams and their parents became frustrated and verbally abusive—ALL IS WELL IN PLANET NATION.

Mars 10 - Highlands 1

9-17-09

The boys advanced their section record to 4-0 by defeating the visiting Freeport Yellowjackets by the score of 7-0. Greg Kraus scored the game winner (his first of the year, a driven shot from within the 18) off a bangoo from Ryan McKenzie.  McKenzie went on to score 2 more goals and added another assist to lead all scorers. Other scorers were: Tanner Panza, Yulian Lutsiv, Michael Page, and Christopher Karns. Freeport had very little scoring opportunities thanks to a very stingy defense, which allowed only 3 shots on goal. Freeport's best chance came late in the 2nd half when Kirkland took a 30 yard shot that bounced off the crossbar. Once again the Planets substituted freely in the 2nd half. I believe in High School Soccer it is always a conundrum, when a team builds a substantial lead: do you let the starters play and build numbers to hopefully be recognized by scouts at the risk of injury, or do you sit them for the match and build for the future.  The Planets are seeing a lot of "mixing it up" late in the matches.

Mars 7 – Freeport 0

The JV won their game 8-0

9-15-09

Well, let's start with an apology.  I was the substitute videographer as well as the substitute reporter this afternoon.  I learned years ago I can't do two things at the same time and as a result I missed some of the finer details of the team's effort today.  If anyone has additional details, please let me know and I will update this log.  So on to the game details.  The Planets jumped on Kittanning with two scores in the first 10 minutes.  Alex Perri scored off a cross from Ryan McKenzie at the five minute mark.  Just a few minutes later Yulian Lutsiv beat the keeper with hard shot that was low and in the left corner.  Ryan McKenzie scored the third goal and Yulian tallied the final score.  Coach Knauff spread the play time around in the second half and moved some players in to "new" positions.

Mars 4 - Kittanning 2

9-12-09

What a way to bounce back!  The entire team played significantly better today at the JRK Tournament at Pine Richland Stadium.  The defense played extremely well and special recognition should go to sophomore keeper Garrett Gabriel.  Garrett made one spectacular save after another to keep Erie Cathedral off the board.  Erie's only goal came off a PK  half way thru the 2nd half.  Jack Leslie, Tanner Panza, Ryan Gralish and Tony Dominijanni worked hard to keep Erie Cathedral outside the 18. Yulian Lutsiv led the offense with 4 goals including the first goal of the game.  Yulian's 3rd goal came on a breakaway down the left side and the beat the keeper from close range.  Perhaps his most impressive goal of the night came late in the 2nd half.  Yulian struck the ball from outside the 18 to beat the keeper at the far post.  Michael Page scored two goals on the night including a 1 touch beauty off a Ryan McKenzie assist.  Tony Dominijanni sent a perfect direct kick from distance that was passed from Preston Brown to Boo Frank for his first goal of the season.  I know there is additional recognition to be had but the goals were coming so fast I couldn't keep up.  I think I need to find better spotters!  Great game team.

Mars 8 - Erie Cathedral Prep 1

9-11-09

The Planets faced the 2nd ranked AAA team Upper Saint Clair in the first round of the Jim Kennedy Memorial Tournament (For those who don’t know, Jimmy played his club soccer at the Mars Area Soccer cub. The boundary line between Pine-Richland and Mars ran through Jimmy’s parent’s property and if Jim lived in their dog house he would have been a Mars Student). USC proved to be a very fast, aggressive team, and had something to prove from last years defeat against Mars. Even though the score ended 2-0 in their favor, the Planets had much to be pleased with. The stopper play of Tim Vandall (his best game of the year so far) was outstanding. The save by Garrett Gabriel on a breakaway outside the 18 was exceptionally well timed.  The Planets will hope to rebound tomorrow and get more goal scoring opportunities as they were limited by a stifling defense.

Mars 0 - USC 2

9-10-09

It is a pity that Ryan McKenzie’s 5 goal night was overshadowed by an unusual amount of yellow and red cards. The referees deemed it necessary to disrupt play to give out approximately 12 cards.  On the other hand the Planets carried the match against a very much improved Deer Lakes squad.  It is part of the cycle of soccer, Deer Lakes was the powerhouse of local soccer 15 years ago and then their program plummeted to the point of almost distinction and now we get to witness their reemergence.  Mars is currently playing at a very high level.   The good news of the match was all the red cards were ‘soft reds’ (meaning the players do not have to sit out the next match) except for the one given to Assistant Coach Mr. Steve Perri.  Mars next plays in the Pine Richland tournament which is using a round robin approach in lieu of a championship game.

Mars 5 - Deer Lakes 3

9-08-09

The Planets traveled to nearby Hampton for their first section 2 AA match-up. The Planets were ranked 2nd in the Post Gazette this week, while the Talbots were ranked 6th.  Jack Leslie started the goal scoring, when Tim Vandall won a loose ball and passed it to Ryan McKenzie. Ryan was fouled and Jack took the free kick from about the 40 yard line.  Jack’s entry pass was on goal and the goalie was pressured by on-rushing Planets. The Talbot goalie mishandled the ball and it tucked in the net.  However the game winning goal was the one that “broke the camel’s back”. 20 seconds into the 2nd half with the score 3-2, Ryan pushed a through ball to Dylan McNany. Dylan timed his run perfectly and shot it past the Hampton goalie. The goalie was off his line and could not challenge Dylan for the 4th goal. Overall a very satisfying notch in the win column. The Planets only lost their style of play for a couple of minutes in the second half.   Highlights: Mike Page’s inside midfield play, Yulian’s flip throw, no cards and Ryan’s PK in the side panel.

Mars 5 - Hampton 3

9-5-09

A gorgeous full moon rose over the MAC on Saturday night and the Planets put on quite a show for their fans (a very nice sized crowd in deed).  Early in the first half the Planets had a couple of opportunities that just missed the mark.  Tanner Panza sent several direct kicks into the 18 from a long distance out but the keeper managed to turn each one away.  At the 25 minute mark of the first half newcomer Yulian Lutsiv finished off his break-away opportunity by putting home his own rebound.  About 10 minutes later Ryan McKenzie scored the first of his two goals on the night. 

Southmoreland started the second half with more pressure on the attack.  Southmoreland's pressure did not last very long and Ryan scored his second goal off a Lutsiv assist.  With just a few minutes remaining on the clock, Tanner closed out the game with the final goal on a fantastic individual effort.  Overall it was a superb effort by the entire team.

Mars 4 - Southmoreland 0

8-31-09 (scrimmage)

The Planets hosted Indiana High School for their 2nd and final scrimmage before starting the regular season this Saturday against the Southmoreland Scotties. Indiana was in over its head as Mars demonstrated to be the: better skilled, faster to the ball and more aggressive than the visitors. The Planets scored 5 goals and Indiana scored an own goal. The Planets missed several golden opportunities which should have widened the margin. Coaches: Knauff, Perri, and Frank were able to try many different combinations, but I believe it would be hard to differentiate the line-ups due to the discrepancies in the level of play.  Highpoints: No dissent and the outside midfield play of Dylan McNany.  Low point: A collision between Josh Brake and Robbie Sigurdsson, which had Robbie leave the game visibly shaken, and later on was seen with ice wrapped around his shoulder and upper back.   

Mars 6 - Indiana 0

8-22-09 (scrimmage) 

The boys started off where they left off last year.  The  first 10 minutes the Planets dominated possession and field advantage, however the Raiders were able to rebound with a few attacks of their own within the next 10 minutes. The momentum swung back and forth, as Mars substituted players over the next 50 minutes.  Overall the Planets out played the Raiders but neither team was able to score.  The defense led by Jack Leslie limited the Raiders to handful of shots.  Highlights-Robbie Sigurdsson did an excellent job in goal and faced 2 penalty kicks; stoning the first shooter and watching the 2nd player miss the goal.  A special welcome to Yulian Lutsiv, new to the Mars school district.  Lowlights--on several occasions the Planets had players sent off for dissention (either by actions or words).   

Mars 0 - Seneca Valley 0

--------------------------------------------

2009 

10-14-09

10-8-09

The Girls Mars Varsity Girls defeated the Hopewell tonight in a 5-1 game.

Goals were scored by Kristin McKenzie and  Nicole Soose in the first half of the game. 

In the second half, a second goal was put in  by Kristin McKenzie, followed by a Penalty Kick put in by Mani Brueckner.  The final goal of the game was scored by Mani Bruckner off a kick from Jordyn White.

The Lady Planets next game Monday at North Hills at 7:45 pm.

10-7-09

Mars Lady Planets defeated the NA Tigers with a score of 3-0. The Lady Planets were first on the board three minutes into the game with a goal by Crysta Ganter.

The Lady Planets scored their second goal in the six minutes into the first half with another goal by Crysta Ganter. (aka 'THE X FACTOR')

The AWESOME goal keeping by Meghan Kelly, and strong defense held the Tigers to zero in the first half.

The Lady Planets started off the second half with a 2-0 lead over the NA team.

Third and final goal was scored by Captain Lexie Mastro.
The Mars Lady Planets ended the game at 3-0.

The JV Girls ended the game in a 2-2 tie.  Goals were scored by Trish Glavin and Tori Ruth.

10-3-09

The  Mars Lady Planets came out with a strong attack on the SV girls team.  The first goal of the game at twenty minutes into the first half by Lexie Mastro, gave the Planets a 1-0 lead.  The SV girls came back to tie it up shortly befor the half to end the first half in a 1-1 tie.  The second half had scoring attempts on both sides, however, regulation play ended in a tie. 

The first overtime play left the scoreboard holding at 1-1, after many goal scoring attempts, both teams held even. With less than half of the the second overtime left, Mars had a penalty called and a direct kick, put in by Seneca Valley left the final score reading a 2-1 loss.

Mars Lady Planets will play at Shaler-Monday October 5th at 7:30 pm.

The Mars JV girls ended in a 2-1 loss to the JV Seneca Girls.

9-30-09

The Lady Planets defeated the Butler Tornadoes tonight at the Mars Athletic Complex with a score of 5-2.
Five minutes into the game the first goal was scored off a pass from Lexie Mastro put in by Crysta Ganter.
The second goal was scored on a breakaway by Captain Lexie Mastro thirty minutes into the first half. 
Third goal was scored from a corner kick taken from Lexie Mastro put in by Dana Wonderly.
Fourth goal was scored off a pass from Jordyn White, put in by Dana Wonderly.
Final goal of the night was put by Lexie Mastro. The Lady Planets next game will be played against Seneca Valley (Away) on Saturday night at 7:30 pm.

The JV Mars team defeated the Butler JV 4-0 

9-28-09  

Scoring was at a premium as Mars Area and Knoch competed on the field at the Mars Athletic Complex. The Mars Lady Planets defeated Knoch with a score of 4-0. Goals were scored by Kristen Check, Crysta Ganter (high scorer for the season), and a corner Kick from Lexie Mastro put in by Mani Brueckner. Last goal of the night scored from a corner kick by Dana Wonderly, headed in by Alanna Haefner.  The Mars Defense  kept the Knoch shots on goal down to two in the second half. The Mars Lady Planets will play Butler on Wednesday at home. Game time 7 pm.  

The Mars JV team defeated Knoch with a score of 5-0.  

9-23-09  

Girls Varsity defeated North Hills with a score of 4-1   Shots on goal against the planets were minimized by a strong defense provided by Seniors Sarah Williams, Erica Sullivan, Junior Alanna Haefner, and Freshman Jordyn White.   

A key accomplishment was the hat trick by Kristen McKenzie.  

First goal scored three minutes into the start of the game assisted by Kristen Check   

Second goal scored by Mani Brueckner from a Free Kick taken by Jordyn White   

Third goal scored by Kristen McKenzie off a cross by Crysta Ganter   

Last goal of the game scored once again by Kristen McKenzie off a pass from Mani Brueckner.  

9-21-09

A hard fought battle by the Lady planets ended in a loss on Monday night.  The Girls Varsity teams were evenly matched throughout the night.  Score ended on a goal scored late in the second half by NA.

Next game Wednesday, September 23 -HOME vs. North Hills  

9-16-09

Mars girls defeated Shaler tonight 2-1.  Goals were scored by Kristin McKenzie from a throw in by Sarah Williams.  Second goal scored by Kristin Check assisted by Mani Brueckner.

9-14-09

A hard fought battle was had between the Mars Lady Planets, and the Seneca Valley Girls Soccer team.  Meghan Kelly defended many shots on goal, and the Girls fell late in the second half with a 2-0 loss.

9-12-09

Crysta Ganter off a throw in from Sarah Williams

Second Goal by Audra Sitterly

Third by Mani Brueckner

Fourth by Dana Wonderly from pass by Jordyn White

Fifth by Alessa Conner taking a corner kick

Next game is Monday at Home vs Seneca Valley

9-9-09

Mar's Varsity Girls defeated Butler 1-0 in a hard fought battle. Goalie Taylor Troyan (Butler) had numerous saves throughout the game.

Header goal scored by sophomore Crysta Ganter off a throw in by Senior Sarah Williams.

Quotes:
Coach Blair Gerlach: "Butler looks strong this year. They played a physical, direct style that was tough to break down. I am proud of the way that the Mars girls kept their focus."

JV game: Mars defeated Butler 2-0. Goals were scored by Sarah Baehr assisted by Brittney Wills. Second goal scored by Alessa Conner.

9-5-09

Goals were scored by:
Sophomore Crysta Ganter

Junior Midfielder Audra Sitterly off a throw in by Senior Sarah Williams

Sophomore Crysta Ganter off pass from Kristen Check

Last goal scored by Sophomore Forward Kristen Check from Freshman Bethany Perri.

Quote from Coach Blair Gerlach, "I saw a lot of promising things from many different players today, and it is an exciting way to start the season!"

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2009

10-28-09

Mars Area (7 - 8 - 3) finished the regular season with a 1 - 1 tie against Butler Area.  Noah Hudac (10) scored the only Planet goal to give the home team the early first half lead.  Butler Area followed Hudac's goal later in the half to tie the score and complete the scoring for the remainder of the game.  Both teams had scoring opportunities in the second half but neither team could get the ball past the opposing goalie.

Mars 1 - Butler 1

10-22-09

Mars Area (7 - 8 - 2) followed up their recent shutout loss with a 2 - 0 shutout victory against Valley.  Reed McDonough (24) setup Joe Sell (18) with a precision pass through the defense and Sell used his speed to get a clear shot on goal to give the Planets a 1 - 0 first half lead.  In the second half, Matt White (19) placed a corner kick perfectly in the box and Jesse Perfett (16) was in the right place to boot the ball into the net and give Mars Area a two goal cushion.  Brandt Kepreos (goalie) went the distance in goal to preserve the shutout victory.

Mars 2 - Valley 0

10-21-09

North Allegheny (Gold) used an aggressive attacking offense to create a number of scoring opportunities against Mars Area (6 - 8 - 2).  The Tigers controlled the ball in their offensive end of the field for the majority of the game and won the corner kick battle to earn the shutout victory.  North Allegheny (Gold) scored two of their five goals in the first half to give them a halftime lead that would not be challenged.  The three second half goals sealed the win for the Tigers.

Mars 0 - North Allegheny 5

10-15-09

Mars 1 - North Allegheny White 0 

10-13-09

Mars Area (5-7- 2) was held to a single goal and dropped a tough contest to the Pine-Richland Rams.  Matt White (19) scored the only goal for the Planets, who created scoring opportunities but could not find the back of the net a second time before the end of regulation.

Mars 1 - Pine Richland 2

10-12-09

Mars 2 - North Hills  0

10-10-09

The David versus Goliath rematch saw Mars Area (4 - 6 - 2) use a defensive-minded approach to slow down the offensive juggernaut of North Allegheny (Black).  The Planet's defense provided stiff resistance to the offensive attacks of the Tigers, who created limited scoring opportunities in the first half.  The first half ended with 0 - 0 tie as the teams prepared to make adjustments for the final thirty minutes.  North Allegheny (Black) provided all of the scoring in the second half when they converted on a rebound opportunity, a header off a corner kick, and a fifteen yard blast. The Tiger defense held strong and refused to allow Mars Area to generate scoring opportunities in the second half, which secured the three goal victory for North Allegheny (Black).

Mars 0 - North Allegheny Black 3

10-7-09

Mars Area (4-5-2) gained early control of the match when the Planets lit the scoreboard with the game's first goal.  Joe Sell (18) was aggressive in the box and used his body to muscle a rebound attempt across the goal line and into the net.  Seneca Valley posted the next score to tie the game at 1 - 1 and then an actual change in venue occurred requiring both teams to finish the game on a different field.  This change of venue seemed to provide Seneca Valley with an energy boost as the Raiders proceeded to score the next four goals of the half and enter into the halftime intermission with a four goal lead.  Scoring in the second half was limited to one goal.  This goal came from a Seneca Valley header with only minutes remaining in the second half.

Mars 1 - Seneca Valley 5

10-5-09

Mars Area (4-4-2) got back in the winning mode by beating Valley 5 - 1 at Mars Area Athletic Complex.  The Planets came off a winless week and immediately changed their fortunes when Matt White (18) loaded up and blasted a twenty-five yard bullet past the goalie to give the Planets the early lead.  Karim Lahiou (7) setup Joe Sell (18) for the second score of the game by providing a precision pass that Joe placed between the goal posts.  Nate Bayuk (26) started the scoring in the second half by receiving an excellent chip-pass from Kyle Nymberg (2) and calmly shooting the ball into the open net area.  Valley responded quickly with their only goal of the game to cut the lead to two but Mars Area increased the lead back to three goals with effective close-quarters passing that moved the goalie out of position and gave Connor Robick (9) the opportunity to find the open net for the fourth Planet goal.  Karim Lahiou remained in the giving mode and delivered a well-placed pass to Noah Hudac (10) who scored the final goal of the game and sealed the Mars Area 5 - 1 victory.  Scoring opportunities were present for the Planets but some shots were too hard, which missed the target, some shot were too soft, which the goalie snagged, and some shots were just right, which gave Mars Area their fourth victory of the season.

Mars 5 - Valley 1

10-3-09 

Mars Area (3-4-2) entered the final game of a demanding week with the hopes of earning a win against Butler Area.  Mars Area controlled most of the action throughout the game and won the corner kick battle but could not find the back of the net to give the team the much-needed goal.  The defense remained in good position throughout the game by keeping the ball in their offensive end of the field and stopping any transition opportunities by Butler Area.  Mars Area completed a grueling week of play by playing five games in six days and producing a record of 0 - 3 - 2 for the week. 

Mars 0 – Butler 0 

10-2-09 

Scoring started early in the contest as Matt White (19) found the back of the net in the first few minutes of play giving Mars Area (3-4-1) a 1 - 0 lead over Shady Side Academy (SSA).  SSA continued to follow its game plan and was able score the game-tying goal minutes later.  Joe Sell (18) gave the Planets a 2 - 1 lead by pressuring a shot in the box and knocking the ball out of the goalie's control.  Sell capitalized on the loose ball opportunity and placed it into the open net.  SSA proceeded to score two unanswered goals with the last goal occurring in the final minutes of play.  The game-winning goal was placed just out of the reach of the diving goalie. 

Mars 2 – Shady Side Academy 3 

10-1-09 

It was a "David versus Goliath" match up when Mars Area (3-3-1) hosted North Allegheny (Gold) at the Mars Area Athletic Complex.  Mars Area, playing the role of David, walked onto the field against the bigger, faster, and stronger opponent and it was immediately noticed that an upset would not be occurring today.  North Allegheny (Gold) unleashed some shots on goal that seemed to be fired out of a cannon giving the Mars Area defense little time to react and stop the ball from going into the net.  North Allegheny started their scoring spree early and continued to score throughout the first half giving the Tigers a 5 - 0 lead as the teams entered halftime.  North Allegheny (Black) continued to control the play in the second half but Mars Area implemented some half time adjustments and greatly reduced the number of Tiger scoring opportunities. 

Mars 0 – North Allegheny Gold 7 

9-29-09 

Mars Area (3-2-1) hosted North Allegheny (Black) and continued its busy week by playing its second game in two days.  North Allegheny (Black) kept the pressure on Mars Area throughout the game and would not let the Planets create scoring opportunities.  The ball was in the Mars Area defensive end of the field the majority of the game and although their defense stood tall, Mars Area could not change the field of play to give their offense scoring opportunities.  The final minutes of play saw a lot of action within fifteen yards of the Mars Area goal.  Joe Sell (18) was able to run down an open net shot on goal by North Allegheny (Black) and keep the ball out of the Mars Area goal.  Seconds later Greg Campbell (1) pressured a shot attempt and used his toe to deflect the certain game-winning goal just inches outside of the goalpost as the final horn sounded.

Mars 0 - North Allegheny Black 0

9-28-09

The difference in the score was one goal but the difference between a tie and a loss was less than an inch.  Pine Richland scored the game-winning goal against Mars Area (3-2) in the final minutes of play by lofting a shot that just rolled off the goalie's fingertips and into the net.  This goal was the only score in the second half, which saw a number of excellent defensive plays by the Mars Area players.  Tyler Kuntz (6) used his speed to run down a Pine Richland breakaway opportunity and divert the ball out of harms way.  Brandt Kepreos (Goalie) used every inch of his body and reach to snag a high arching shot and keep it out of the net to maintain the 2 - 2 tie.  Mars Area's first half scoring came from Matt White (19) who evened the score at 1 - 1 by booting the ball passed the goalie.  The second goal occurred when Karim Lahiou (7) and Nate Bayuk (26) refused to let Pine Richland clear the ball from the goalie box and created a loose ball opportunity that Lahiou placed in the open net area to tie the score at 2 - 2.

Mars 2 – Pine Richland 3

9-25-09

Scoring was at a premium as Mars Area (3-1) and North Allegheny (Marshall) competed on the field at Marshall Middle School.  The first half of the contest was scoreless but Mars Area controlled most of the action in their offensive end of the field.  Mars Area won the corner kick battle in the first half and created good scoring opportunities by placing these kicks in dangerous locations at the front of the opponent's goal.  North Allegheny (Marshall) stood tall and shielded the ball away from their net and out of scoring danger.  The half ended with a 0 - 0 tie and the teams used the intermission period to discuss their strategy for the second half.  North Allegheny (Marshall) gained early control of the second half by scoring on a corner kick opportunity within the first minute of play.  Mars Area shifted the momentum back in their favor when Joe Sell (18) used his speed to force two defensive players to collapse on his speedy approach through midfield.  Noah Hudac (10) trailed Sell's advancement and was in the right place at the right time to boot the loose ball opportunity past the goalie, giving Mars Area the equalizing score.  Minutes later, the game winning goal came when Karim Lahiou (7) received a well-placed corner kick and headed the ball into the net.  Sell (18) showed that he can also be a big factor on the defensive end by using his size to tip the potential game-tying shot over the crossbar, securing the win in the final minutes of play.

Mars 2 - North Allegheny 1

9-23-09

Mars Area (2-1) enjoyed a 3 - 1 victory over section foe North Hills.  Noah Hudac (10) recorded a hat trick by scoring all three goals for Mars Area.  Scoring occurred quickly at the start of the game with three goals being scored within the first ten minutes of the first half.  Hudac gave Mars Area an early lead with the game's first goal but North Hills responded quickly to tie the game at 1 -1.  Hudac capitalized on another scoring opportunity to give Mars Area the 2 - 1 lead, which they held for the remainder of half.  Mars Area created a number of scoring opportunities in the second half by using speed and precision passing but was unable to get a ball past the goalie until Hudac found the back of the net by deflecting in a well-placed corner kick.  Mars Area secured the victory by sweeping away a number of odd-man rushes against their goal.

Mars 3 - North Hills 1

9-21-09

Mars Area (1-1) encountered their first loss of the season to the feet of Seneca Valley.  Seneca Valley scored two goals in the first half and followed that scoring output by chipping in two more goals in the second half.  Mars Area created scoring opportunities by earning corner kicks and placing them well in the box.  Seneca Valley's defense stood strong and effectively nullified the scoring opportunities.

Mars 0 - Seneca Valley 4

9-18-09

Mars Area (1-0) started regular season play with a 5 - 2 non-section win over Shady Side Academy (SSA).  SSA controlled the early portion of the game by keeping the ball in their offensive end and creating scoring opportunities.  This effort resulted in SSA scoring the first goal of the game and taking an early 1 - 0 lead over the Planets.  Mars Area adjusted well to SSA's style of play and proceeded to score the next four goals of the game.  Goal scoring rotated between Matt White (#19) who scored the first and third Mars Area goals and Noah Hudac (10) who scored the second and fourth Mars Area goals.  SSA pulled closer by scoring a goal late in the second half to cut the lead to 4 - 2 but Karim Lahiou (#7) capitalized on a breakaway opportunity and slipped the final goal of the game past the attacking goalie to secure the 5 - 2 victory.

Mars 5 - Shady Side 2

9-15-09

Mars Area opened the 2009 soccer season with a 6 - 0 shutout victory over North Hills.  Matt White (#19) scored the first goal of the season to give the Planets the lead, which they held for the remainder of the game.  Nate Bayuk (#26) scored the second goal of the game allowing the Planets to enter halftime with a 2 - 0 lead.  Noah Hudac (#10) started the scoring in the second half with back-to-back goals extending the lead to 4 - 0.  Ben Luce (#4) and Rob Scanlon (#29) finished the scoring for the game with the fifth and sixth goals, respectively.  The Planets utilized a well-played team approach in both the offensive and defensive ends of the field to create excellent scoring opportunities and preserve the shutout victory.

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2008

A disappointing end to what was a very good run through the section.  I asked the question about a month ago, is it ok to be satisfied with a tie?  I believe the boys earned a tie for the section championship with the outcome of the game today.  That is an accomplishment and we are all very proud of the team.

Frankly I don't feel like adding very much but I think that would be unfair to our boys.  They started this journey about 90 days ago and worked really hard throughout the season.  I trust they enjoyed the experience and will take away some memories that last a lifetime.  I also hope they maintained a love for the game of soccer and stay inspired to continue and play for many years to come.  I know as parents, we sure enjoyed watching our kids this season (maybe not the NA game in the pouring rain, but the rest were a lot of fun!).

Knoch 1 - Mars 0

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10-13-08

Mars 1 - Riverview 0

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10-10-08

Mars 3 - Kittanning 1

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10-8-08

Mars 3 - West Shamokin 0

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10-6-08

Mars 1 - Springdale 0

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10-4-08

Mars 1 - Butler 0 

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10-3-08

Seneca Valley 3 - Mars 0 

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10-1-08

Mars 1 - Deer Lakes 0 

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9-29-08

Mars 2 - Knoch 1

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9-27-08

NA 9th Graders 3 - Mars (with only one sub) 0

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9-26-08

Mars 2 - Riverview 0

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9-24-08 

Another section game and another shut-out.  A strong defense and some early offense set the tone for the game today.  The goalies saw very little action from Kittanning and that was due in large part to solid play by the entire squad. Ryan McMahon scored two goals in the first 5 minutes of the game.  Adam Golden followed with the third tally about 10 minutes later and Logan Yeo added the fourth goal of the half.  In the second half, Kittanning filled the penalty box and left very little room to maneuver.  All in all, the passing was better and there was more chatter amongst the team then we have heard in recent games.  Keep up the hard work boys!

Mars 4 - Kittanning 0

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9-22-08

Mars 2 - West Shamokin 0

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9-19-08 

Mars 1 - Springdale 1

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9-18-08

North Allegheny Gold 2 – Mars 0

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9-17-08  

Seneca Valley 5 – Mars 0 

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9-15-08 

Mars 5 – Deer Lakes 1

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2008  

11-26-08  

Congratulations to 11th grader Ryan McKenzie for being selected the "2008 Butler Eagle Boys High School Soccer Player of the Year". The 2008 Honor Roll also included: midfielder-Andy Knauff, defenders-Jack Leslie and Tanner Panza, and goalkeeper-Joe Haefner.  1

1-15-08  

Congratulations to: Joe Haefner, Andy Knauff, Tanner Panza, Jack Leslie, and Ryan McKenzie for being selected to WPIAL All Star Team.  Those senior students will be invited to play in the WPSCA showcase game, date to be determined. Last year Mr. Chris Knauff was the coach of one of the teams and Drew Glavin was are only representative.  

11-12-08  

Congratulations to: Ryan McKenzie, Tanner Panza, Andy Knauff, and Joe Haefner for being selected all section.  

11-08-08  

In the quarterfinals of the State PIAA playoffs Mars ran into a very good, fast, and strong Susquehannock Warrior team.  Last year the Warriors knocked off the WPIAL champions in the 1/4 finals and did it again this year.  But last year Mars the #3 team from district 7 defeated them in the semi-finals.  The Warriors made it very difficult for Mars to play their normal possession type game.  Mars' lone goal came from an Andy Knauff perfectly paced through pass to a racing Ryan McKenzie, who smashed it passed the goalie to give Mars the 1-0 lead in the second half.  The Warriors battled back to score the tieing goal. After Scott Sowers got injured, I happened to look down at our bench and realized we then had 4 starters not able to play: Tim Frigot, Brendon Miller, Zack Miele , and then Scott.  Not thinking that as an excuse but rather as a credit to the depth of the Planets. The Planets had several good opportunities in the first half, but just couldn't tickle the twine. The Mars Planets ended a very successful season as did the #1 team from the east-Palmyra today.  We as "Planet Nation" are very thankful for the boys’ efforts and the positive reflection they show on our families, school, and community.  

Mars 1 - Susquehannock 2 (OT)

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11-4-08  Tim Vandall's smart 'heads-up' play combined with Andy Knauff’s very good direct free kick ended Grove City's hope to go to a shoot out. Mars controlled the entire match with several good opportunities to score but the Grove City goalie (who I must believe is a big reason they made it to the PIAA playoffs) made 15 saves.  Christopher Karns’ unselfish play replacing the injured Zack Miele in defense, combined with Tanner Panza, and Jack Leslie made it VERY difficult for the Eagles to mount any offensive attacks on Joe Haefner.  Now it is on to the PIAA quarterfinals vs. Susquehannock on Saturday.  

Mars 1 - Grove City 0 (OT)

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11-1-08  

A SUPER DAY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY--MARS WINS THE WPIAL CHAMPIONSHIP 3-2 OVER #1 RANKED THOMAS-JEFFERSON.  

Some things I think I think in no particular order: All 5 goals were picture perfect goals (unstoppable).  Ask Zack Miele and #5 from TJ and they will agree, soccer is not a "mamby pamby" sport.  Tanner Panza picked a fine time to play his best game of the year so far-his attacks from defense and his goal were a thing of BEAUTY.  Mars' set piece with Michael Page scoring the game winner was delightful to watch.  TJ is a very good team, I think we may see them again (last year we eliminated them in the WPIAL tournament at Moon High School).  When Mars switched to 4 defenders it was akin to raising the draw bridge over the mote in front of the castle.  The Mars squad did not celebrate as expected-they were smiling a lot, but were they too tired to celebrate or was this just a step along the way toward the PIAA tournament?  A tremendous victory for Planet Nation.  First ever WPIAL title.  

Mars 3 - Thomas-Jefferson 2

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10-28-08

WPIAL Semi-Finals  A cold, windy, rainy, dark night did not keep from the Planets from completing their task of reaching the WPIAL finals on Championship Saturday.  Ryan McKenzie scored with 8 minutes remaining in the first half on a very nice individual effort that slipped through the South Park Eagles wet gloves.  A very good team effort was put forth, similar to watching several worker bees concentrating on a single task.  Joe Haefner came up with a big save on a cross toward the back post, which was really the only good attack by the Eagles in the first half.  The second half became interesting after McKenzie scored again and South Park received a penalty kick making the score 2-1.  Mars' Ryan McKenzie scored again after an assist by Michael Page.  South Park received another PK making the score 3-2.  The Planets then closed the door and scheduled their bus' departing time to Elizabeth Forward and their first ever trip to the WPIAL finals on Saturday.  GOOD LUCK PLANETS-WELL DONE! A side note: Knoch lost to Thomas Jefferson (in a shoot out) in the other semi-final, however, I was informed that Knoch carried the match, but could not score.  

Mars 3 - South Park 2 (those Eagles must hate us now after losing to us at Shaler last year and then again this year)

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10-22-08 

How sweet it was!  With seconds remaining in the second overtime, Tanner Panza took a free kick from about the 45 yard line.  Ryan McKenzie went up for the header and knocked it toward the goal, Andy Knauff then half volleyed the ball toward the back post, where sophomore Alex Perri (while his defender got caught ball watching) buried the game winner in the opposite side of the outreached goalies hands (Alex's defender then could be seen on the ground with his hands covering his face).  The game clock stopped with 14 seconds remaining in the contest.  Some of the highlights included: Joe Haefner with a magnificent stop on a break away, Ryan McKenzie flying all over the field (once he ran across the field=40 yards and beat the Freeport defender to a free ball right in front of the Yellowjackets bench which made their coach scream at the defender and questioning how he could be beat to the ball when it was only 10 yards away from him).  Jack Leslie, Zack Miele, Scott Sowers, and Tanner Panza truly shutting down the Freeport star forward, and Andy Knauff controlling the airways at midfield.  The Planets controlled the possession time and field location similar to the 2 teams last match-up.  The win against a very much improved Freeport team, who played a wonderful game in their own right, places the Planets in the WPIAL semi-finals against #2 ranked Center (unless a big upset happens against South Park) at a time and location to be announced. 

Mars 1 - Freeport 0

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10-18-08  

The Planets were rewarded for their season and hosted the first round of the WPIAL playoffs.  The Hopewell Vikings witnessed their girls go down in defeat to the Lady Planets 2-0 prior to the boys match. The underdog Vikings kept the score even until Tanner Panza started a sequence, a free kick from 55 yards away from the goal that the Vikings could not clear and Alex Perri drove a shot to the goal where a very alert goalie tapped over the crossbar.  Scott Sowers' corner kick found Ryan McKenzie, who headed it back toward the center of the goal and Andy Knauff headed the ball over the goalies' reach.  The 1-0 score held until a third of the way through the second half.  Zack Miele won the ball, passed it to Dylan McNany, who passed it to Preston Brown who won a throw-in deep in Viking territory.  Zack's long throw-in could not be cleared and Andy Knauff headed it to the goal, the goalie deflected the shot successfully, but an alert McNany drove the rebound into the side panel.  Andy then scored on a penalty kick and Ryan McKenzie out worked the defenders to tally the final notch.  Notables: Michael Page sat out the second half with a possible concussion after playing maybe his best half of soccer this year.  Zack Miele took a hard shoulder to his chest, and the angelic Ryan McKenzie took a caution card in the first half for dissent.  Hopewell manages just 2 or 3 shots on Joe Haefner for the entire match.  Mars will play the winner of the Chartiers Valley-Freeport game on Wednesday.  

Mars 4 - Hopewell 0

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10-13-08  

It was a 'goalfest' vs. Ambridge.  It also ended a couple years of losing at the Ambridge stadium, last year to Center and several years ago to Moon. Following the first two goals which were things of beauty- Knauff to Perri to McKenzie and McKenzie to Page, the Bridgers were put to rest.  Several yellows and a red card to a player for a foul on Perri (deliberately denying a goal scoring opportunity) a red to the coach. The Bridgers’ Senior night turned into a sad experience.  A scrimmage on Thursday against Butler and preparations for playoffs begin. Good Luck to the Planets.  

Mars 7 – Ambridge 0

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10-9-08  

The Planets fell in defeat to the Knoch Knights at the Big Mac, ending the Planets’ 31 game home winning streak.  For the Seniors it is only their second loss at home and for the Juniors it is their first defeat at home.  It made Senior night a little less of a party atmosphere, but we are proud of our student-athletes.  It also makes us realize how blessed we were last year to go through the season with so few injuries and illness's. This year we have certainly had a handful, some quite serious and some just nuisances. The iron man squad of Haefner, Leslie, Panza, Knauff and McNany are only ones that come to mind, to last the season without missing a game.  The first goal was just classic: Tanner's long pass so accurate to McKenzie, who flicked it with just the right pace so to let Dylan run passed the defender and drive it near post. The overtime loss was hard felt, however, I believe this team has a fair amount of resiliency, and will need the reserves to step into critical positions as the post season unfolds.  

Mars 1 - Knoch 2

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10-4-08

The varsity may have played its best overall game of the year against Seneca Valley. They moved the ball exceptionally well and held possession and made Seneca Valley defend. Seneca scored very early in the match on a corner kick that Mars did not defend well.  It seemed as if there was a lack of communication that allowed an unmarked man to advance directly to the goal unimpeded for the header.  At one point in the match Mars passed the ball 17 times consecutively times with meaningful passes advancing the ball up the left side, back to the middle, and to the defense(definitely impressive for a high school team against a good Seneca team (1st place in section 2 AAA).  Being down 1-0 (first time since 9-11-08, vs. Freeport), did not seemed to make the Planets panic, although when Alex Perri scored off a pass from Christopher Karns, a sigh of relief was felt by the spectators.  Dylan McNany's goal just before halftime-delivered from Ryan McKenzie, put the Planets up for good.  However the winning goal-Sowers to McKenzie off a set piece, was imperative as the Raiders scored a goal with less than 1 minute left.  This may have been the first time all year that nobody had a weak performance. Well done Planets.  

Mars 3 - Seneca Valley 2

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10-2-08  The team put in a wonderful effort on a small grass pitch.  The goals were plentiful, the passes on target, the defense was stalwart, and all was well in the 'Planet Nation'.  Goal scorers were McKenzie (2), McNany (2), Page and Perri.  The coaching staff seemed not to be set on a line-up as we saw Dylan McNany playing forward and Brendon Miller in midfield.  The coaches were also able to substitute freely and many players received ample playing time.  The Rams scored their goal late in the match, that totals 10 goals given up by the Varsity this season.  Our substitutes were able to get in the flow of the match and show their collective talents.  Freeport beat Knoch in overtime, making the match next Thursday vs. Knoch the "WINNER TAKE ALL GAME" for section bragging rights.  

Mars 6 - Highlands 1

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9-30-08  

The boys made a statement with a 3-0 win over the visiting Freeport Yellowjackets.  The win negates an earlier 2-1 loss at Freeport.  The Planets controlled the flow of the game except a 10 minute slot where Freeport had several good scoring opportunities, which required Joe Haefner to make a couple of wonderful saves.  The match was witnessed by several Knoch supporters as the Knights play both Freeport and Mars in their last few remaining section matches.  The loss puts Freeport in a very vulnerable spot in section 2 as Hampton is only one loss behind Knoch and Knoch travels to Hampton next week.  An incident at the final seconds of the match between Sweeper Jack Leslie and an opposing forward which resulted in a caution card for Jack and a Yellowjacket on the turf.  It also brought forth the Freeport coach yelling at the Mars' coaches telling them that our team was classless and cheap (I substituted words).  The 3 goals were picture perfect shots: a through ball to Ryan McKenzie, a 'bann goo' for Christopher Karns, and a sweet little chip by Alex Perri. The defense of Panza, Leslie, Miller, and Haefner worked hard to secure the shut out.  

Mars 3 - Freeport 0

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9-27-08  

Ryan McKenzie had a hand (actually a foot) in all of Mars' 3 goals. A pass to Alex Perri, a recipient of a pass from Tim Vandall, and a pass to Andy Knauff in a game that Mars dominated from beginning to end. I have taken (and passed) classes in Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology, and I can assure you that when Andy Knauff was blasted in front of the small bleachers and almost did a forward flip, he was not hit "shoulder to shoulder" as the referee announced.  Joe Haefner had an easy day in goal fielding only two shots over the entire match.  On the other hand I know I should not be happy over someone else's displeasure, but, Highlands beat Freeport today pushing Mars into 2nd place in section 2.  Kittanning had their senior recognition at halftime; it makes me glad that our students get to play in the stadium as opposed to an offsite location. 

Mars 3 - Kittanning 0

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9-24-08  

Following two tough matches, it was good to have a less challenging match. Even though the Lancers kept Mars off the scoring board for the first 12 minutes, the Planets opened up with a goal by Dylan McNany that went thru the keepers hands, and then the goals came like rain drops. McNany (3), Page (2), McKenzie (2), and Mark Funderlich all found the back of the net, while assists were tallied by Page (2), Knauff (2), Miele, Funderlich and Campbell. Was it just me or does Ryan McKenzie and Andy Knauff get fouled often in every match?  

Mars 8 - Deer Lakes 0

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9-22-08 

Some times the score does not reflect the game.  With the score 0-0 including 2 overtimes, you could think it was a boring game filled with 2 teams playing defense but this was not the case.  Mars had several good scoring opportunities, as did Hampton.  Lots of corner kicks and set pieces from both teams, a handful of excellent stops by Joe Haefner.  Mars' players put in a tough effort against an improved Talbot team.  

Mars 0 – Hampton 0

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9-23-08 

I was unable to attend the entire match however the tie and loss through the first half of section play puts the Planets (4-1-1) in the same place as last year (a tie with Knoch and a loss to Hampton).  The Planets will have to rally the troops to win out to win the section.  

Mars 1 - Knoch 1

------------------------------------------  

9-16-08  

Highlands' lone goal came late in the match when back-up junior goalie Jake Vartanian received a "hospital" ball, allowing the single Ram forward to score an open netter. Mars controlled the match from the beginning notching 6 goals: Michael Page (2), Andy Knauff, Christopher Karns (2), and Luke Salter. The team maintained possession and utilized outside defenders Tanner Panza and Brendan Miller in a fashion that is not often seen in high school matches. Most squads do not have enough talent or confidence to have defenders move up into the attack.  Mars will travel to Saxonburg to battle undefeated Knoch on Saturday morning--BIG MATCH.  Notables: much better discipline on the pitch, less dissent, and more communication.  Also, the national anthem was not played-I hope that this is not a trend.  

Mars 6 - Highlands 1

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9-13-08  

Once again, similar to last year, the Planets put together their best half of soccer to date on the Pine-Richland turf. The first half of play the Planets controlled the tempo and scored 2 goals: Preston Brown was the recipient of a (welcome back) Ryan McKenzie pass and Andy Knauff scored off a free kick from General Scott Sowers (a nickname given by the broadcast crew from Upper Saint Clair's broadcast team), to Ryan McKenzie, who was able to head the ball toward the back post before being hit by the goalie. The second half the Planets did give up a goal, did for a short period lose their style of play, but regained it near the end of the match.  The Planets handed USC their 2nd loss of the season. USC beat Pine-Richland on Friday night 1-0. I was able to hear the USC broadcast crew during the match while I was filming and they stated Mars was as quick a team as they have played all year. The defense of Leslie, Panza, Miller and Haefner were exceptional.  

Mars 2 - Upper Saint Clair 1  A BIG WIN

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9-11-08  

A disappointing loss. It seems it is hard for Mars to play at Freeport, and Freeport has a much improved team. The boys are anxiously awaiting a rematch.  With the loss of Tim Frigot (ACL tear), Coaches Knauff, Perri, and Frank will be forced to redo the line-up to acquire more goal scoring opportunities.  

Freeport 2 - Mars 1

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9-9-08  

A much improved Kittanning squad and an injury ridden Mars squad made for an interesting match where all the goals came from penalty kicks.  Andy Knauff and Mike Page buried both of their shots. The 2-1 score demonstrated the inability of the Planets to finish their shots against a team that crowds the 18. Unfortunately Mars will face several teams this year who will resort to this tactic as the Planets reputation has grown. The Planets were able to maintain their discipline and move the ball to space. However, they were unable to finish with goals as the Cats kept 4 -5 players packed in the box.  A special note of empathy as Senior Forward Tim Frigot received the news of the recurrent problem with his ACL, he will be lost for the remaining part of the season.  Tim's work effort and unselfish play will be missed.  

Mars 2 - Kittanning 1

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9-6-08  

Tim Frigot's goal midway through the first half helped propel the Planets past North Allegheny. The 1 to 0 score extended the boys home consecutive winning streak to 26 games. Their last loss at home was on 8-9-05 vs. Burrell. The defense of Leslie, Panza, Miller, Sowers and Knauff limited the Tigers shots to those that goalie Joe Haefner could handle. North Allegheny was ranked 8th in the preseason for AAA schools by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.  

Mars 1 - North Allegheny 0

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9-4-08  

The boys advanced their section record to 2-0 by defeating the Deer Lake Lancers 6-0.  The Lancers have hired a new teacher-coach Mr. Wes Kuchta. Mr Kuchta, who played at Slippery Rock with our assistant coach Mr. Steve Perri, will have the challenge of rebuilding the once very completive Lancer soccer program. Coaches Knauff, Perri and Frank were able to substitute freely spreading the playing time around.  

Mars 6 - Deer Lakes 0

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9-2-08  

Notables:  1. Christopher Karns set the tone for the match by stealing a pass around mid-field and outracing the Hampton defenders to drive it past their goalie within the first minute of play.  2. "A thing of beauty"-As the first half came to a conclusion, with only seconds remaining-Tanner Panza's almost perfect corner kick connected with Mike Page's head, who put it back across the goal mouth to Ryan McKenzie's noggin-who tickled the onion bag.  3. Scott Sowers is "the engine that drives this racecar". 4. Hampton's lone goal came on a fairly weak foul resulting in a penalty kick.  

Mars 5 - Hampton 1

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8-30-08  

The boys varsity traveled to Southmoreland to challenge the preseason #7 ranked AA WPIAL squad. Southmoreland proved to be a very worthy opponent as Mars had to work hard for every opportunity. The Scotties committed 21 fouls to the Planets 7. Southmoreland challenged all 50-50 balls and tried desperately to take Mars out of the control possession game that we have become accustomed to seeing. The Planets had to display a great amount of discipline to not give up their style of play and resort to long balls.  Mars' goals were followed by Southmoreland goals, until Tanner Panza headed the ball past the goalie on a Mike Page corner, with 10 minutes remaining.  That made the score 4-2 and the Scotties saw the writing on the scoreboard.  Ryan McKenzie led all scorers with 2 goals and an assist while Sowers tallied a goal and Mike Page and Jack Leslie accumulated assists.  

Mars 4 - Southmoreland 2

GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER

YEAR     RECORD

2008     9-4-1 / 3rd Place in Section/Eliminated 2nd round of WPIAL playoffs

2007     10-6-4 / 3rd Place in Section / Eliminated 1st round of WPIAL playoffs

2006     9-9-1

2005     11-6-1

2004     10-7-1

2003     16-3 /2nd Place Section/Eliminated 1st round of WPIAL playoffs

2002     18-4

2001     20-2-2 1st Place in section/ 4th place in WPIAL/PIAA QUARTER FINALIST

2000     21-1-1 1st Place in section, WPIAL CHAMPIONS/ STATE QUARTER FINALIST

1999     17-5-1 1st place in section/ 4TH place WPIAL/ eliminated 1ST round of PIAA

1998     14-3-1 2nd place in section/ eliminated 1st round of WPIAL

1997     6-8-1

1996     6-8-1

1995     9-9-1

1994     14-6-1 eliminated 1st round of WPIAL

BOYS VARSITY SOCCER

YEAR     RECORD 

2008     18-3-2  2nd place in section/WPIAL CHAMPIONS/PIAA STATE QUARTER FINALIST

2007     21-4-1  1st place in section / 3rd place WPIAL /PIAA STATE FINALIST  

2006     17-2  First place in section/ eliminated 2nd round WPIAL playoffs

2005     13-5-1  Eliminated 1st round of WPIAL playoffs2004     14-4-1  First place in section/Eliminated 2nd round of WPIAL playoffs

2003     16-5-1  Tied for 2nd place in section/ 3rd place in WPIAL/Elimnated in 1st round of PIAA playoffs

2002     13-8

2001

2000     12-7-2  Tied for 2nd place in section / eliminated 1st round WPIAL

1999

1998     11-9

1997     11-5-2

1996     13-5

1995     11-7-2

1994     8-11-1

1993     1-17

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Team schedule for 2008-2009 Mars boys' varsity soccer

Team schedule for 2008-2009 Mars girls' varsity soccer

Conference record: 9-4-1   Overall: 13-5-2
WPIAL - Section 2 (AAA)
* Conference games

Date	Opponent	Venue	Score
8/30 6 pm	at Southmoreland	Southmoreland	T 2-2
9/3 7 pm	Butler *	Mars	L 2-1
9/6 10 am	at Freedom	Freedom	W 8-2
9/8 7 pm	Seneca Valley *	Mars	L 3-1
9/10 7:30 pm	at Shaler *	Shaler	W 3-0
9/13 7 pm	Hopewell	Mars	W 4-1
9/15 7 pm	North Allegheny *	Mars	L 3-2
9/17 7:45 pm	at North Hills *	North Hills	W 4-0
9/20 7 pm	Pine-Richland *	Mars	T 0-0
9/22 7:30 pm	at Knoch *	Knoch	W 3-1
9/24 7:30 pm	at Butler *	Butler	W 2-1
9/27 9 am	at Seneca Valley *	Seneca Valley	L 2-0
9/29 7 pm	Shaler *	Mars	W 1-0
10/1 7:45 pm	at North Allegheny *	North Allegheny	W 3-1
10/4 11 am	at Burrell	Burrell	W 4-1
10/6 7 pm	North Hills *	Mars	W 4-0
10/8 7:30 pm	at Pine-Richland *	Pine-Richland	W 3-2
10/13 7 pm	Knoch *	Mars	W 3-0
WPIAL Class AAA Playoffs: Preliminary Round
10/18 4 pm	Hopewell	Mars	W 2-0
WPIAL Class AAA Playoffs: First Round
10/21 6 pm	at Mt. Lebanon	Mt. Lebanon	L 4-1

 2007-8 

Boys  Conf.  12-1-1   Overall 21-4-1               Girls   Conf. 7-3-2   Overall 10-6-4  

9-1       Southmoreland         W 5-0                    9-1   Southmoreland      T 1-1

9-4       @Freeport *             W 3-0                 9-4  Shaler                  L 2-0

9-6       @Neshannock *          W 9-1                 9-5  @Knoch*              W 4-3

9-8        Highlands *               W 2-1                 9-8   Ambridge*           W 4-1

9-11      Kittanning*                W 7-0                9-10  @Ellwood City *    W 12-0

9-13      @Knoch*                   T 1-1                   9-12  Blackhawk*          T 0-0

9-18       Deer Lakes *            W 4-0                9-13  @Highlands*        W 2-0

9-20       @Hampton *            L 3-0                  9-15  @Seneca Valley    L 2-1  

9-21        Central Catholic     W 3-0                  9-17 @North Hills        W 1-0

9-22       Pine-Richland           L 2-1                  9-19   Hampton           L 3-0

9-25      Freeport *               W 3-1                 9-22   Riverside         W 8-0

9-27     Neshannock*             W 2-0                9-24   Knoch*              L 3-2

9-29      @ Pine Richland        W 1-0                 9-26   @Ambridge*      W 4-0       

10-2      @Highlands *             W 3-1                9-29    @Pine Richland  ppd

10-4     @Kittanning*              W 3-1                10-1     Ellwood City*     W 18-0

10-9    Knoch *                        W 4-0               10-3   @Blackhawk        T 0-0

10-11    @Deer Lakes*              W 2-1              10-8     Highlands*        W 2-0

10-15     Hampton *                   W 4-3             10-10   North Hills         W 1-0

------WPIAL Playoffs------                             10-13  @Hampton         L 1-0

10-22  Waynesburg                  W 6-0             10-15    @Butler          T 1-1

10-25   Thomas Jefferson         W 3-2              -----WPIAL Preliminary------

10-30   Center                           L 1-0              10-20  @Moon              L 1-0

11-1      South Park                     W 1-0

------PIAA Playoffs------   

11-7     @Northeast                  W 2-1

11-10    Center                          W 1-0

11-13   Susquehannock               W 2-1

-----PIAA Finals-----

11-17   Palmyra                         L 2-0

________________________________________________________________

2006-7

Boys Conf. 13-1 /Overall  17-2                         Girls Conf. 7-5 / Overall 9-8-1

9-2     @Southmoreland     W 3-1                  9-2     @Southmoreland       W 2-0

9-5     @Freeport*           W 3-2                  9-5     Knoch*                     L 2-1

9-7     Neshannock*           W 4-1                  9-9     @Ambridge*            L 3-2

9-9     Knoch*                    W 1-0                  9-11     Ellwood City*          W 9-0

9-15    Hempfield              W 2-0                  9-13     @Blackhawk*          W 6-1

9-16    @Pine Richland       W 1-0                   9-16    Seneca Valley          L 4-0

9-18    @Kittanning*          W 6-0                  9-18    @North Hills            W 3-2

9-19   @Deer Lakes*          W 4-0                  9-20   @Hampton*             W 1-0

9-21   Hampton*                 W 2-0                 9-22    Highlands*               W 5-0

9-23    @Highlands*            W 3-1                 9-25    @Knoch*                   L 2-1

9-26    Freeport                 W 3-0                 9-27    Ambridge *              L 1-0

9-30    Pine Richland            ppd                    9-30    Pine Richland            L 3-1

10-3    Highlands*               W 4-1                 10-2     @Ellwood City*        W 8-0

10-5    Kittanning*              W 8-1                 10-4     Blackhawk*             W 2-0

10-7     @Neshannock           W 2-0                10-7    @Butler                  T 0-0

10-9     Riverside                  ppd                   10-9     @Highlands*           W 1-0

10-10   @Knoch*                 W 2-1                  10-11    North Hills             L 2-0

10-12   Deer Lakes*           W 8-1                   10-16   Hampton*               L 5-1

10-17  @Hampton*              L 2-1

-----WPIAL Playoffs-----

10-23  Mount Pleasant        W 3-0

10-25  Beaver                    L 2-0 

__________________________________________________________________

2005-6

Boys Conf. 11-3 / Overall 13-5-1              Girls Conf. 8-5-1 /Overall 11-6-1

9-2    Southmoreland     T 2-2                  9-2    Blackhawk*              W 5-0

2007 Ellen Koenig, Glennis Robash / Andrew Pasky, Andrew Glavin

2008 Samantha Barley, Luke Salter 

-----------------
AWARD WINNERS                                                                                                                         
Boys Varsity                                                    Girls Varsity

2008                        

Defensive MVP------Jack Leslie                        Defensive MVP---Erica Sullivan                                     

Most Versitile-------Mike Page                        Surprise Peformer-------Mani Brueckner

Playoff MVP--------Tanner Panza                     Best Individual Performer-Alanna Haefner

Most Improved-----Alex Perri                          Work Ethic-Erin Resosky/Julie Koenig

MVP-----------------Ryan McKenzie                  Dominate Marking Back--Dana Wonderly

                                                                       Offensive MVP--------Kristen McKenzie

                                                                        Team MVP--Sarah Heckman/Samantha Barley

_______________________________________________________________

2007

MVP---Andrew Glavin /Ryan McKenzie                 MVP----------------Marci Dillner

Best Defensive------------Jack Leslie                   Offensive MVP-------Lexi Mastro

Most Valuable Player *Playoffs*---Joe Haefner    Defensive MVP-----Tori Gressang 

Best Indiv. Performance-Tim Frigot                       Best Indiv. Performance-Erin Rososky 

Most Complete Player-Nathan Ganter / Sean Matthews Hardest Worker-Ellen Koenig

                                                                                 Surprise Player-Dana Wonderly/Meghan Kelly

________________________________________________________________ 
   2006
    Most Valuable Player-------Nick Perri            Most Valuable Player-----Angela Higgins
    Best Offensive Player------Bob McKinney       Most Improved-------------Cristine Cline
    Best Defensive Player-----Mark Dressel         Team Spirit------------------Lexi Mastro
    Role Player----------------Tim Frigot              Hustle Award-------------Katie Heckman
    Role Player----------------Justin Piocodio        Come Back Award------Kaitlyn Angeletti
    Best Individual Performance-Drew Glavin        
    Surprise Player Award-------Jack Leslie
    "Look out" Award------------Ryan McKenzie
    "Come Back" Award-----------Sean Matthews
    Section Stand-out-----------Joe Haefner
    MVP in Section 2 AA---------Nick Perri
   
   2005
    Most Valuable Player--------Nick Perri
    Best Offensive Player-------Adam Dillner
    Best Defensive Player-------Bob McKinney
    Best Individual Performance--Drew Glavin (vs Freeport)
    Section Stand-Out------------Drew Siegel
    Surprise Performer-----------Mark Dressel
    "Look-out" Award-------------Andy Knauff
   2004
    Most Valuable Player-------Cameron Frank
    Best Single Performance----Greg Tabisz
    Best Offensive Player------Adam Dilner
    Best Defensive Player------Alex Bugel
    Hustle Award---------------Nick Schultz
    "Look-out" Award-----------Kevin Seigel
    Most Improved Player------Steve Matusik
                                     ------Bob McKinney
   2003
    Most Valuable Player-------Steve Perri
    Best Single Performance----C.T. Adams
    Most Complete Player-------Ben Knauff
    Best Defensive Player------Nathan Lyons
    Most Competitive-----------Evan Ring
    Team Leader----------------Matt Kuza
    "Look-out" Award-----------Nick Perri
    Surprise Player------------Drew Seigel
   
Girls Varsity  

2006
    Team Spirit---------------Lexi Mastro
    Hustle Award-------------Katie Heckman
    Most Improved-----------Cristine Cline
    Come Back Award--------Kaitlyn Angeletti
    Most Valuable Player-----Angella Higgins

2005

2004
    Most Valuable Player------Nicki Frisbee
    Best Defensive------------Angela Higgins
    Best Offensive------------Nicki Frisbee
    Most Improved-----------Christine Cline
    Best Attitude-------------Megan Eidenshink
    Hardest Worker----------Marci Dillner & Katie Heckman

   2003                                       
    Most Valuable Player------Brittany Vincent   
    Best Offensive Player-----Veronica Jeremko
    Best Defensive Player-----Amanda Dressel

Boys Junior High
2008
     Impact Player------------Edward Brand
     Most Improved----------Ryan McMahon
     Defense-----------------Ben Miszuk
     Mr. Consistency---------Logan Yeo
     Offense-----------------Nick Martinelli
     Hustle------------------Dave Jackson
     MVP--------------------Spencer Posey
     Versatile---------------Christopher Page
2005
     Best Defender---------Jack Leslie
     Best Offensive--------Mike Page
     Most Valuable Player--Ryan McKenzie
     Leading Scorer--------Christopher Karns
     Mr. Hustle------------Greg Kraus
     Most Improved---------Stephan Bleakney
2004
     Best Defender---------Pete Bridge
     Best Offensive--------Scott Sowers
     Most Valuable Player--Zack Miele
     Leading Scorer--------Andy Knauff
     Mr. Hustle------------Ryan McKenzie
     Most Improved---------Brad Zabish
2003                                 
     Best Defender---------Chris Collier                        
     Best Offensive--------Zack Miele
     Leading Scorer--------Sean Mathews
     Most Valuable Player--Kevin Siegel
     Most Improved---------Chris Graham

Girls Jr. High
 2004
    Most Valuable Player--Sarah Heckman
    Most Enthusiastic-----Samantha Barley
    Best Attitude---------Amanda and Nicole Hart
    Leading Scorer--------Audrey Cope
    Most Improved---------Sara Hodak
    Special Award---------Rebekah Parsons