Redbirds’ great season ends in a shootout

Katzman, Quintana, Neuberger score, but boys edged in soccer playoffs

By: Kyle Moylan
   For the second time in a week, the Allentown High and Hopewell boys’ soccer teams played to a 2-2 tie through regulation and two overtime periods.
   When that happened in a game last week, the two teams were declared tied. When it happened in the opener of the Central Jersey Group III playoffs this past Tuesday, the game was sent to a shootout.
   As it turned out, even the first round of a shootout wasn’t enough. Through five shooters, each team had scored three times. Only when it moved to sudden death and a sixth shooter did Hopewell finally prevail.
   "That’s the way it is in soccer," Allentown first-year coach Tigana Dalce said. "Once you go into the playoffs, someone has to lose."
   Dalce’s one regret from the day was not spending more time working on penalty shots during recent practices. According to Dalce, he never expected the game to go that far.
   "We were ready for this game," Dalce said. "We were mentally and physically ready for this game. I was confident going into this game. No way did I expect to be ending the season here."
   During regulation time, Allentown had two leads. Tom Kuzma, assisted by Ryan Provost, scored first for Allentown. Piero Mancini, assisted by Kuzma, scored the second goal. Hopewell Valley’s Aubrey Holmes answered back with goals both times.
   Hopewell held a slight edge in shots, at 13-11. Conner Darrell made seven saves for Allentown during regulation and two overtimes.
   After two overtimes periods in which neither team had a great scoring chance, Hopewell’s Tim Kianka started the shootout, beating Darrell to his right. This was matched by Chris Katzman, who went to the same spot.
   Sakhil Nepal beat Darrell to his right. This seemed like a huge goal when Hopewell’s Aaron Utman saved a shot by Mancini. Allentown, however, quickly evened out the score as Darrell denied Eric Doran. Dan Quintana then scored for Allentown, beating Utman to his right.
   In the fourth round, Hopewell’s Chris Tantum and Allentown’s Austin Neuberger both scored. Darrell then put Allentown in position for the win by going down low to his left to save a shot by Mark Squicciarino. Unfortunately, Allentown was denied on its next two shots and Hopewell scored in sudden death.
   The season ends for Allentown at 11-9-2. In addition to the 2-2 tie with Hopewell last week, Allentown also managed a 5-1 win over Hamilton. Allentown was trailing the Hamilton game before putting up five straight goal. Mancini scored twice and Chris Katzman, Provost and Jason Ciely added a goal each. Katzman, Provost and Brennan Neuberger had assists.
   "It was a great year for these kids," Dalce said. "I wish we would have won this game, but you just have to move on. I wish I could have these same players for a couple of more years. If I did, it would be very tough for even a very good team to beat us.
   "What I was trying to do this year was to keep them progressing, build their confidence. I wanted to make them want to play soccer. I think I did that."
   In fact, Allentown would love to be in the position to play at least a couple more games this season.