The Pennsylvania College of Technology men's soccer team learned a tough lesson Wednesday night that coach Andy Richardson hopes will pay dividends one more time this season.
After building a 3-0 lead against Penn State Hazleton in their Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference/Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association semifinal match, the Wildcats lost their edge in the second half and had to dig deep to salvage a 3-2 victory.
Saturday at 1 p.m., Penn College (18-2) hosts Manor College (13-1) for the EPCC/PCAA championship. Manor advanced with a 2-1 semifinal win over Community College of Philadelphia on Wednesday.
"We played a good first half (against Hazleton), but, the second half we got a little desperate. They got a goal, then another, and it was a 3-2 game. But we were able to hold. The defense knuckled in," Richardson said.
"I wish we could have scored in the second half... it would have taken the panic off the situation. ... We can't afford to give up any intensity in games like this. One goal sparked an adrenaline rush for their team and gave them new life. Our guys, psychologically, had that thing working (on) them."
Mike Angell (Central York) scored two goals and Jordan Myers (York) had a goal and an assist in the Wildcat victory. Adam Waigand (Seneca Valley, N.Y.) and John Swope (East Pennsboro) also had assists in the win.
In a regular-season match against Manor College, the Wildcats handed the Blue Jays their only loss, 3-1.
This is Penn College's second trip to the finals in five years. It won the crown in 2000.
"That year (2000) we came in as the fourth seed and this year we're the top dog. The (regular season win) gives us some confidence, but also I'll warn the guys not to get too overconfident playoff rounds tend to be a whole different story," Richardson said. "We will have our hands full and have to play our best form," he added.