Magical journey comes to an end for Conestoga boys’ soccer team

It’s often been said that it’s not always about the destination but the journey. This season, the Conestoga boys’ soccer team gave its community a magical trip that won’t soon be forgotten.
On Tuesday evening at Souderton High School, Conestoga (21-2-1) saw its season end one game shy of its ultimate destination with the Pioneers falling 2-1 to the Central Bucks East Patriots in the PIAA Class AAA state semi-finals.
Similar to the first meeting between the two teams that took place on November 7, the Patriots jumped out to a 2-0 lead only to see the Pioneers start to push up and try to force the action.
With 14:07 remaining, Danny Leiser converted a penalty kick to slice the lead to 2-1. Unfortunately that would be the closest Conestoga would get as C.B. East held off several late charges to post the win and advance to Saturday’s state championship match against Seneca Valley, who defeated Springfield (D).
“This loss does sting,” said Conestoga coach Dave Zimmerman. “However, this team did historic things this year and had a great ride. They had great team chemistry and camaraderie which I believed played a big role in their success.”
Senior Mason Sellig added, “This year was amazing and it was such an honor to be part of the Conestoga soccer program. This team and community are so close and I became close with everyone including the team, coaches, parents and fans. It’s going to be hard leaving this program. It’s an experience I will never forget.”
Some of the memories this team leaves behind include becoming only the second team to finish the regular season unbeaten and just the third team to advance this far in the post-season state tournament.
Sellig said, “The focus this team had was incredible. Days before this game (against C. B. East) everyone was dialed in. It’s unbelievable to see how far we got and we should be proud of our season.”
“That’s what this team is about,” said Zimmerman, referring to how close the team has become. “Ultimately it’s about relationships and this team should be proud of what they accomplished. They are good students, model citizens and I am glad it translated into the success we had on the field.”