The Bethel Park boys soccer team soared to victory, blasting past the Mars Fightin’ Planets with a thrilling 2-0 win on Oct. 22 that punched their ticket to the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) semifinals!
Bethel Park ignited the game with an early jaw-dropping 40-yard rocket from senior Youssef Benrabia that left the goalkeeper stunned and put the Hawks ahead.
After halftime, the Hawks capitalized on a golden opportunity; a foul in the box earned them a penalty kick, and senior captain Xavier Jackson stepped up! He shot the ball in the net, earning the Hawks a 2-0 lead. Bethel Park kept the pressure high, with a rock-solid defensive play, clearing threats repeatedly.
When asked what the mindset was heading into the game, junior center defensive midfielder Pravas Dahal said, “We had lost to Mars last year, but we fought back this year and came out big time.”
“Our coaches and starting 11 really fought to win this game. Even though we got the win, the job isn’t finished,” Dahal Added. “Bethel Park soccer will never be the same without the seniors we have now. Good luck to them.”
Standout senior captain Gavin DeClair and junior Aaden McClelland kept the defense tight, shutting down Mars’ attempts to gain ground. When Mars did break through, senior goalkeeper Luke Rubican was a wall, clutching saves that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Now sit back and watch as history is made. Bethel Park gears up to face the No. 3 seed Franklin Regional Panthers, battling to gain the spot to be a PIAA qualifier!
