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BOYS SOCCER: CB South shuts out Norwin, reaches state title game

Central Bucks South goalkeeper Pat VanLuvanee
Central Bucks South goalkeeper Pat VanLuvanee
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CHAMBERSBURG >> Central Bucks South didn’t look like it usually does and didn’t generate the offense it typically does, but it continued its run through the state playoffs.

The Titans, who wore green pinnies over their white kits, only managed to put four shots on net and scored on a Norwin own goal.

With a strong defensive effort and six saves from Pat VanLuvanee, that was all they needed.

(1-6) Central Bucks South defeated (7-1) Norwin, 1-0, in the PIAA-4A state semifinals Tuesday evening at Chambserburg Area Senior High School’s Trojan Stadium. The Titans advance to face Conestoga in the state championship game Friday.

“I was so proud of the defensive side tonight,” CB South coach Kyle Pettican said. “We didn’t create as many chances as I would have liked to take the pressure away from that, but we got the one that we needed to get and keeping that clean sheet was the main thing. Not even just the defenders themselves, but defense from the whole team from the front backwards was just fantastic tonight.”

South scored its goal in the 15th minute and protected the one-goal lead until the final buzzer.

Norwin’s final chance came with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game. The Knights earned a free kick from 45 yards away and brought everyone, including their goalkeeper, into the offensive end. The kick was a low line drive to the edge of the box, where South’s Brayden Roach got a piece of the ball. It deflected to a group of Titans and Connor Victor sent it out bounds around midfield. The final seconds ticked away and South celebrated its program’s first trip to the state final.

“We’re just trying to make sure we win the first and second ball,” VanLuvanee said of the final stop. “It’s a scramble and a little chaotic as it’s probably the last play of the game – the last big one. We’re just trying to win the first and second ball.”

VanLuvanee made six saves in the win – all with the team ahead by one goal. In the 25th minute, he left the net to make a sliding deflection near the edge of the box. A couple minutes later, he made a diving save to keep the Titans ahead.

After halftime, the junior goalkeeper made three saves. In the 45th minute he stopped a strong shot and Norwin had a good look at the rebound but missed the net. In the 59th and 78th minutes, he deflected well-placed shots at the top of the goal. The first was knocked away towards the corner and the second went over the crossbar. His defense had no problem handling Norwin’s only corner kick of the night.

Another part of CB South’s game that contributed to the shutout was their play around midfield. The Titans kept 50/50 balls in front of them and Sean Clevenstine was a big reason why. The junior midfielder was one of the tallest players on the field and was always in the right position for Norwin’s goal kicks and punts.

“That’s what I prioritize myself to do,” Clevenstine said, “just try to win every 50/50. (Pettican) is always telling us first or second ball and I thought we did that tonight.”

“Even though Clev’s balls weren’t making something happen down the field,” Pettican said, “even just getting touches on it was throwing the other team (from creating) anything.”

“We love Clev here,” VanLuvanee added. “We respect him so much. He’s gone through a lot this season and he’s always come back and he’s always performed in these matches. He’s a big player for us.”

The game-winning goal came on a free kick from just on CB South’s offensive side on midfield. The ball bounced off a Norwin defender’s head and continued towards the goal. Luke Fromal eventually possessed it in the corner to the right of the net and crossed it into the box. It deflected off of a defender and into the goal.

“I say to the boys when you are trapped in the corner like that,” Pettican said, “flying 100% down towards the end line, as long as you get something off – whether it’s a shot, a cross, back to a teammate – as long as the opponent doesn’t come out with it and counterattack you – just make sure it ends up somewhere dangerous. (Fromal) did that and it shows you that as long as you put it in the danger zone anything can happen, especially against a really good goalie like that. Sometimes you need that little bit of luck to pop your way.”

The Titans had opportunities to add to their lead, but Norwin goalkeeper Anthony Scalise made four saves and stopped other scoring opportunities by interception or punching away passes.

Central Bucks South 1, Norwin 0

Central Bucks South 1 0 – 1

Norwin 0 0 – 0

Goals: CBS: Own goal.

Assists: CBS: Luke Fromal.

Saves: CBS: Pat VanLuvanee 6. N: Anthony Scalise 4.

Corners: CBS: 4. N: 2.

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