Hempfield stuns C.B. East boys in Class AAA final

HERSHEY, Pa. - The first 77 minutes of the game were trademark Central Bucks East soccer.

The Patriots were controlling the pace for most of the match, limiting Hempfield's opportunities and making strong, fast pushes in transition. With 5 minutes, 15 seconds left in regulation, the team took a one-goal lead in the PIAA Class AAA state boys' final Saturday night at HersheyPark Stadium.

All the Patriots had to do was protect the lead and finish the win - something they say has been one of their greatest strengths this season.

But with 13 seconds left in the first overtime, C.B. East's improbable run at a state title ended with a 2-1 defeat.

"This team overachieved all year long," Patriots coach Mike Gorni said. "And I think that in major moments tonight, we were the better team. But it was two great teams. Probably, neither team deserved to lose; both teams deserved to win. It was a heartbreaker . . .

"The sad thing is that we usually hold that lead."

Hempfield (24-4), playing at a much faster pace after the Patriots' goal, tied the score with 2:58 left in regulation. The goal was scored by Drew Skundrick from roughly seven yards out.

The pace of play continued to pick up, and both teams played more aggressive soccer for the rest of regulation and through the overtime.

The two teams went back and forth for several minutes before finally, with 13 seconds left in the first overtime, Zach Hollinger netted the winner. He one-timed a pass from Troy Barr from about 15 yards out, in front of the center of the net.

The goal sent shock and emptiness through the entire C.B. East bench and through the substantial fan base at the stadium to support the team.

After C.B. East (18-5-3) had scored the game's first goal in the 74th minute, "It seemed like we had the game won," East senior defender Kenny Haug said. "We normally lock out our leads, and tonight it just didn't happen for us. Once we got a lead, I thought we'd be able to keep it."

Haug scored East's goal on a header off a Michael Gleason corner kick.

At that point, the Patriots had allowed only seven shots and goalkeeper Shane Donovan needed to save only four of them.

"It was like going from the highest high to the lowest low," Haug said.

Despite the loss, the Patriots were still proud of their achievements. The team overcame numerous injuries and a tough seeding in the District 1 tournament. They were outscoring opponents, 8-1, in the state tournament entering Saturday's championship game.

"We thought we were a team of destiny," Haug said. "We did all we could. We were riding the wave, and the whole year's just been a dream. We're still obviously happy with the season. But a state championship would have been nicer."

Gorni echoed Haug.

"They set the bar for every other East team to try and match," he said. "As coaching staff, we're unbelievably proud of them. Our senior leadership, our captains, everybody just worked unbelievably hard."

Central Bucks East   0 1 0 – 1

Hempfield   0 1 1 – 2

Goals: CBE-Kenny Haug; H-Drew Skundrick, Zach Hollinger.

Saves: CBE-Shane Donovan 7; H-Travis Worra 8.