Big 2nd half for Martin, Springfield-Montco in PIAA-3A quarterfinal win over Selinsgrove

MANCHESTER >> In the first half, Springfield Montco kept knocking on the door.

In the second half, they kicked it in.

“We picked it up, picked the energy up and got two quick goals,” said the Spartans’ Riley Martin.

The Spartans put relentless pressure on Selinsgrove’s net throughout the opening 40 minutes Saturday night, and after the break, that pressure boiled over in the form of three goals, as Springfield pulled away to a 3-0 victory in the PIAA-3A Quarterfinals at Northeastern High School.

The win advanced the Spartans to the semifinals on Tuesday, to take on Phoenixville.

“We played them in the district final and we beat them 2-1,” Martin said. “But they’re a good team and it’s gonna be rough. So we gotta come ready and prepared.”

A fine season came to a close for the Seals, Champions out of District Four.

Martin scored the Spartans’ first two goals, the first one coming less than four minutes into the second half.

“Nick (Marino) sent over a little ball over the top and I just beat my guy and got in,” said Martin.

Just nine minutes later, Martin struck again to make it a 2-0 advantage.

“A little trickery,” he said. “I just went around and then used a left-foot finish in. It was good.”

The Spartans controlled the ball for most of the way, and iced the game with a goal by Shaun Bleeker with 17 minutes left.

The District One Champs have outscored their two states opponents by a combined 9-0 margin.

“It feels good,” Martin said of advancing. “I think we’re a good group of guys and we know how to play soccer…It’s a great feeling.”

PIAA-3A Quarterfinals
Springfield-Montco 3, Selinsgrove 0
Springfield 0 3 – 3
Selinsgrove 0 0 – 0
Second Half
S: Riley Martin; S: Martin; S: Shaun Bleeker.