Hatboro-Horsham edges Perkiomen Valley in penalty kicks

GRATERFORD >> The Perkiomen Valley boys soccer team gave their fans a season to remember this fall, highlighted by topping Spring-Ford last Thursday night to win the program’s first Pioneer Athletic Conference title in 17 years.

But all great things must come to an end, and that’s what happened to the historic 2018 PV soccer season Tuesday night, as Hatboro-Horsham outlasted the Vikings 4-3 in penalty kicks after a 0-0 game during the opening round of the District One Class 4A playoffs.

Zack Kim batted away PV’s final kick to preserve the victory Hatboro-Horsham earned by finishing their first four kicks of the penalty shootout.

“Just a gut feeling,” Kim said of his decision to go low to his left to contest Matt McCabe’s final effort. “I pretty much made up my mind before the shot.”

PV’s previous kick had gone in off Kim’s outstretched hand. After not coming close on the Vikings’ first few efforts, the near-miss gave him the confidence he needed to make the deciding save.

Mart Harmon, Andrew Hurrell, J.D. Mallinder, and Jake Weiss netted HH’s first four kicks, with Brian Love, Steve Warren, and Max Chamorro responding for the host Vikings. Each team had one shot glance off a goalpost, setting the stage for Kim’s big stop.

Immediately after the game, PV coach Bob McCabe acknowledged the difficult nature of the loss, but said he was already able to appreciate the accomplishments of the season.

“We just talked in the huddle about this two-year run we’ve had,” said McCabe. “From 3-14 or something three years ago, to making states last year and now winning the PAC title… it’s just been a great run. I’ve been dreading the end of the season.

“I’m disappointed we lost, but only because it means I won’t get to spend time with these boys anymore.”

Both coaches agreed that the game, stylistically, was what they expected — low-scoring, defensive-oriented with limited opportunities and ultimately, decided by a few plays; or in this case, a few kicks.

“Perk Valley’s a great team, they had a fantastic season,” said Hatboro-Horsham’s Kyle McGrath. “We knew they’d had several ties, so our focus was keeping them off the board as long as possible.

“As we’ve learned in the past, anything can happen once you get into Districts.”

A familiar-looking play resulted in the game’s first scoring chance with about seven minutes gone, when PV captain AJ Hansen’s long throw-in was battled about in the area before being cleared by the Hatters’ defense. Hansen set up the PAC-winning tally last Thursday when Brian Love got his head on a long throw.

Hatboro-Horsham’s Hurrell displayed a similar ability to create scoring chances off throws, as PV keeper Josh Moyer caught two such tosses in front of the goal mouth in the early going.

By halftime, however, the two sides had combined for only three shots, with only PV’s Moyer forced to make a save in the opening 40 minutes.

Playing without Mark Pirrone and Alex Chamorro, PV was stretched a little thin in terms of depth Tuesday and was unable to register a shot on net until there were about 25 minutes to play in regulation. As time went on, it became quite clear that the game’s first goal would be even more critical than normal, as both sides figured to settle into a defensive posture if they could get a lead.

Perk Valley’s Love had a chance to break the ice with about 10 minutes remaining, but a controversial no-call on some contact in the penalty area kept the contest scoreless. As time went on as the two sides headed into overtime.

The first extra stanza went by with little fanfare, save for one loose ball corralled by Moyer with about four minutes to play.

The latter stage of overtime saw Perkiomen Valley receive a couple of free kick opportunities, but the Vikings were turned away by Hatboro-Horsham keeper Kim (three saves). With 110 minutes not sufficient to settle matters, the stage was set for Kim’s game-saving heroics.

While Hatboro-Horsham moves on to battle No. 3 North Penn on the road Thursday, Perkiomen Valley sees the campaign end at 11-2-6 overall. Many coaches use the postgame of a District loss to look forward, but for McCabe, it was a time for reflection.

“We played 110 minutes of scoreless soccer. Give those guys credit,” he insisted. “Obviously, there’s a lot going through my head right now. It’s really been an incredible ride.”