The Schuylkill League Boys Soccer Semifinal between the North Schuylkill Spartans and the Pine Grove Area Cardinals delivered an intense match, as Pine Grove secured a 2-1 victory and advanced to the league championship.
North Schuylkill, coming off a quarterfinal victory over Schuylkill Haven, entered the semifinal with a season record of 11-7. The Spartans, seeded 8th in the upcoming District XI Class 2A playoffs, were looking to extend their first ever Schuylkill League run against Pine Grove, who finished their regular season at 13-3-2 and are the 4th seed in the District XI tournament.
The first half was a defensive battle, with both teams holding firm and leaving the score 0-0 at halftime. Pine Grove, pressed hard throughout the match, but North Schuylkill's defense remained resolute in keeping them at bay.
Early in the second half, Pine Grove broke the deadlock. Senior forward Nate Frankenfield found the back of the net with 23:03 left in regulation, giving the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. It seemed that Pine Grove would ride out the victory, as North Schuylkill struggled to create chances against their defense.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, with just 29 seconds remaining in regulation, North Schuylkill found an equalizer. A chaotic scramble in front of the goal led to the ball bouncing off Pine Grove goalkeeper Peyton Renninger, allowing the Spartans to tie the game at 1-1 and send it into overtime.
As the clock ticked down in the first overtime, the game appeared headed for a second extra period. But with just over a minute remaining, Pine Grove struck again. A goal clinched the 2-1 victory, sending the Cardinals to the Schuylkill League Championship.
Pine Grove will face the Blue Mountain Boys in the final on Thursday evening at 5:00 p.m., hoping to add a league title to their successful season.
Meanwhile, North Schuylkill will shift their focus to the District XI Class 2A playoffs, which begin next week.
