Preview: Class 4A Girls’ Soccer Semifinals
The East has the upper hand in the Class 4A girls’ soccer semifinals. The region is represented by two teams, while the North and the South represent the other half of the final four teams remaining. Below are the capsules for the two games with the winner’s going to Highmark Stadium to compete for the WPIAL Championship.
North Allegheny (12-6-1) vs. Norwin (16-1-1) At Fox Chapel (8 p.m.)
North Allegheny is riding high on a wave of emotion after knocking out the top-seed and section rival, Pine-Richland. After losing once and tying the other time in the regular season, the Tigers finally broke through against the Rams with a 2-0 win in the semifinals. In two playoff games this season, the Tigers have outscored their opponents 7-1. They will have their hands full with the Knights, who came into the season as the top team in the WPIAL and one of the top teams in the country. Currently, the two-time defending WPIAL champions Knights are ranked 40th in the country according to Top Drawer Soccer. Norwin advanced to the semifinals with a 3-1 win against section foe Kiski Area. In two playoff games, the Knights have outscored their opponents 9-2. This is the Tigers first semifinals appearance since 2011. Norwin defeated North Allegheny 3-0 on the road in the last game of the regular season.
Penn-Trafford (15-3-1) vs. Upper St. Clair (11-5-2) At Fox Chapel (6 p.m.)
Penn-Trafford is the only team this season to take down Norwin, and they also tied them. The Warriors will be considered the favorite in this matchup. They advanced to the semifinals with a 3-2 win against Fox Chapel in the quarterfinals after losing to the Foxes in the last game of the regular season. In two playoff games this season, the Warriors have outscored their opponents 9-3. They are making their first semifinal appearance since 2014. The Panthers have flown under the radar into the semifinals, and have done so with wins against Seneca Valley and section rival Peters Township in the quarterfinals. The Panthers defeated the Indians 1-0, and have yet to allow a goal in two playoff games this season. Upper St. Clair last competed in the semifinals in 2015 when they lost in the WPIAL championship but went on to win the PIAA championship. The Warriors and Panthers have not met this season.
For a complete view of the bracket, click on the link below.