The Bethel Park Boys Soccer team is set to play in their final game at Black Hawk stadium this season as they host the Fox Chapel Foxes in a first round WPIAL playoff match tonight at 8.
The Hawks are looking to advance to the WPIAL quarterfinals for the second time in as many seasons. However, a very tough Fox Chapel team stands in front of them.
The Foxes are 12-3-1 on the season, while finishing 9-2-1 against section opponents. They also have shut out opponents ten times this season.
“They’re big and strong. They excel on offense and are very good on defense,” said senior midfielder Sean Gallagher.
While the Foxes apper to be a very formidable opponent, there appear to be a few weaknesses in their game.
“We must possess the ball and capitalize on chances in front of the net. If we score early we’ll have a better chance to win,” said junior defenseman Dan Vater.
Students all around school are excited to see the game tonight. Senior Mike Vogel said, “I’m excited to see my boys go out and do their thing. The teams are pretty evenly matched, but I expect Bethel Park to pull it out at home.”
Home field advantage seems to be a big factor for the BP Soccer boys this season. The Hawks are 6-0 this season at home, while outscoring their opponents 36-1 at Black Hawk stadium.
When asked about the game tonight, senior midfielder Jimmy Vehec said, “We have no choice, we have to win.”
If the Hawks manage to muscle out a victory, there is a likely chance that they will meet defending state champions and bitter rival Upper Saint Clair in a pivotal quarterfinal matchup.