For the first time in nearly three decades, the Foxes boys soccer team hoisted the WPIAL Class 4A trophy after defeating top-ranked Plum High School, 1-0, in a tough, aggressive, and physical match. The long-awaited title, along with winning the Section 3 crown, came after a deep freeze that eluded them, despite the Foxes playing in, arguably, the hardest section and league in Class 4A. Fielding consistently skilled and talented squads for years, the Foxes, ranked No. 3 this playoff season, still couldn’t wrap up the big prize – until now.
Senior captain, WPIAL Class 4A Section 3 Player of the Year and All-WPIAL player Milo Chiu, knew going into the game that he had to find a way to bring energy to the team that matched that of Plum.
“We started off the game slow, and I could feel we were not matching the pace that Plum brought,” Milo said. “Over time, as the nerves got out and we got more comfortable, we went back to our usual style of play and took control of the game. After the switch, Plum could not stay in the game with us, and we were able to hold a lead to end the game.”
At the half, the score was tied 0-0, so coach Ingram told his players, “We need to get back to our game,” meaning he wanted to see better passing, attacking in numbers, and creating more scoring opportunities.
Second-Half Surge
It was in the 70th minute that senior All-WPIAL player Carson Krushansky put the ball in the back of the net to give the Foxes the lead. Years of training had prepared him for this kind of high-pressure situation. Beginning when he was 12 years old, and at the urging of coach Ingram, Carson joined a group of older players, some of whom were NCAA Division I soccer athletes, who showed him no mercy. Those experiences pushed and prepared him for the rigors of competing at an elevated level.
“If I wanted to get better, I had to get stronger and tougher on the ball, and then once I was able to keep up with them, I jumped into the professional level with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Training Academy, which was another step I had to take to grow my strength and physicality.”
Midfielder Rocco Didomenico could be called an unsung hero, a player whose efforts might not show up often in the stats book, but, nevertheless, are crucial to the Foxes’ success. He said getting the ball to his attackers, and then allowing them to do something special, comes naturally to him.
“Dribbling is a big part of my game,” said the junior, assuredly a central figure on next year’s team. “I like to go up against defenders and create opportunities. Although it’s awesome to see your name on the stat sheet, I want to do whatever I can to get wins.”
If called upon, he also is a quick, versatile player who can tackle other assignments, something that could come in handy in the state playoffs.
“I played center back for the first time ever against North Hills in our section-clinching match,” he said. “Winning the WPIAL was a big goal of mine, and I’m glad I could help my team achieve this success.”
Coach Ingram has high praise for his players, who never let up the entire 80 minutes and limited Plum to only one shot on goal.
“I thought every one of our guys on the field was amazing, especially when we got back to playing our own style in the second half,” said coach Ingram, now in his 19th year coaching the boys program. Our guys have been very good all year against teams that try to play physically against us and try to outrun us.
“It was really exciting winning the championship, especially against a very good and undefeated team. It’s just a great win for our guys. I’m so proud of them. Getting section and WPIAL championships in the same year is a big deal.”
Rematch with Dream Ending
Leading up to the playoffs, the Foxes had faced the Mustangs once before this season in a non-section game, but Plum came out on top, 3-1. With the Foxes down five starters during that game, coach Ingram and his players were confident the outcome this time around would be very different.
Reflecting on the entire playoff experience, Rocco said, “Throughout these three playoff games, we have been able to play with our own style. Against Upper St. Clair, and especially Peters Township, everybody played amazing. We all knew we had the talent to go all the way, and we did what had to be done to win. In the finals, once again, we were able to dominate the game and find a way to win, thanks to Carson’s clutch goal.”
The Foxes are now ready for the challenges of the first round of the PIAA tournament when they face Mechanicsburg at 5 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, at home.
“The guys have worked so hard all year, even going back to the time when they first played together when they were kids,” Coach Ingram said. “We hope students, the players’ friends, families, and soccer fans in the community will support them by coming out to the game. It will be an exciting matchup.”