The season was on the line on Tuesday for the Central Bucks South Titans, and they came through with a couple of nice goals and some big saves.
Nate MacLeod and Tyler Jaskelewicz scored, and Pat VanLuvanee made six saves, leading the Titans to a 2-0 victory over Boyertown in a District One Class 4A boys soccer playback game played in a light rain and with a chill in the air.
By winning, 14th-seeded South (16-4-2) clinched a spot in the PIAA playoffs. The Titans also enjoyed some Halloween candy and cupcakes after the game.
“We’re ecstatic,” MacLeod said. “It was a team effort.”
Boyertown (13-9), the 15th seed, was eliminated.
South was disappointed after losing to Abington in Saturday’s quarterfinals, but had a chance to rebound since six teams qualify for states.
“We were bummed when we lost to Abington, but we were able to get over the hump,” Jaskelewicz said.
The Titans got on the board first when MacLeod, a senior and four-year varsity player, scored on a rebound 15:50 into the game.
“It was a free kick. I crashed the net and tapped it in,” said MacLeod, who also scored in a second-round upset of West Chester Henderson.
The score remained 1-0 until Jaskelewicz, a freshman, scored an insurance goal with 1:58 to play in the game.
“The ball fell right to me in the box and I was 1 v 1,” said Jaskelewicz, who is better known for creating scoring chances for teammates.
Meanwhile, VanLuvanee made some terrific saves.
“It’s fun to watch and great to have him back there,” MacLeod said.
Two of South’s early-season losses came when VanLuvanee – a club soccer star – was not with the team yet.
“With his size, leadership and experience, he’s been huge,” said coach Kyle Pettican.
The Titans will be back in action on Friday at 12th-seeded Council Rock North, which beat Lower Merion. The game will feature a nice matchup of goalkeepers – VanLuvanee and Calvin Hopkins of North, which has won two games in districts in penalty kicks.
“No matter what, we’re in states,” Jaskelewicz said.
South, the Suburban One League Colonial Division runner-up, tied North 1-1 in the regular season.
Pettican, who gave his team off on Wednesday, said he’s not sure how he’ll approach the rematch, since his team has already qualified for states. The coach could use a rotation to help avoid injuries, so long as the Titans head into the first round of states on Tuesday with the right mindset and intensity.
Either way, South will be facing a district champion in its first PIAA game.
On Tuesday, the Titans outshot the Bears 17-9, had five corner kicks and hit the post once and the crossbar four times.
“It would make our life easier if we put our chances in,” Pettican said.
A win on Friday would set up a state matchup with the District 11 champion. A loss, and the Titans will face the District Three champ.
“We’re pretty excited to go to the state playoffs and think we can compete with any team,” Jaskelewicz said.
South is looking for its first victory in the PIAA playoffs.
“We want to make history,” MacLeod said. “We think we can compete with any team in states.”
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
