Westtown defeats Episcopal Academy in thrilling PAISAA semifinal

Westtown Boys’ Soccer defeated Episcopal Academy in a dramatic, back and forth match that was decided via an extra time golden goal, finishing with Westtown on top 3-2. Westtown’s win sends them to the PAISAA State Final for the first time in their history.

Westtown hosted the semifinal of the PAISAA Boys’ Soccer State Championship on Thursday night, earning hosting priority after finishing as the top overall seed. Episcopal, a finalist last year, earned the right to face Westtown after defeating five-time defending champions Kiski School 2-0 on Tuesday night. Westtown defeated Mercersburg on Tuesday as well, making for a quick turnaround for Thursday night’s semifinal.

The match started out tense but slow, as both teams played passively, searching for a foothold in the game. The first half ended scoreless. In the second half, Episcopal’s #11 Reid McMullin broke the deadlock when he gathered a headed pass well outside the box and fired a beautiful shot into the top left corner.

Despite looking second best for a bit after the goal, Westtown were given a lifeline via a penalty kick soon after McMullin’s goal. The penalty was confidently dispatched by striker Clyde Felsen, levelling the score at 1 in the 68 th minute. Despite losing the lead, Episcopal battled back, and responded with a goal through star forward and Scranton commit Mikey McGonagle.

McGonagle received the ball on the right flank, sat down a defender, and passed the ball inside. He continued his run, receiving the ball in the box and finishing confidently, giving his team the lead with only minutes to spare.

Westtown looked like they may have been down and out. The wingbacks pushed up the field, heaving crosses into the box. With only four minutes left, a cross was only half-cleared by Episcopal, and the ball fell perfectly for midfielder Clay Hill at the edge of the box. Hill struck the ball on the half-volley, and it nestled straight into the top corner, providing the equalizer in the 86th minute and sending the match to extra time.

Both teams looked exhausted in extra time, and the match seemed destined for penalty kicks. With time expiring, Westtown heaved a hopeful ball into the box. Episcopal let it bounce, and it was latched onto by Braden Rice, who headed the ball over the Episcopal goalkeeper and into the net for Westtown’s golden goal, sending his team to the final. When the ball crossed the line, only five seconds remained on the clock.

After the match, head coach Shane Rineer spoke about the resilience of his team and how it has improved over the span of the season.

“It’s our second come-from-behind win all year. We did it in the first round, and we did it here, right? The thing we’ve talked about is who we are… 16-3 right now, but the grit and the grind wasn’t there until more recently, so I’m very proud of them.”

Golden goal scorer Braden Rice was ecstatic with the win.

“To be able to do it for them, it has me emotional. I’ll do anything for them. I mean, it’s the greatest feeling ever, just to know you did your job for the guys.”

When asked about the upcoming final, he remarked, “I’m so excited man, we’re going to make history.”

Westtown will face Haverford School at Arcadia University at 6:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 12 for the PAISAA title.