Strong-finishing ‘Stoga notches another shutout; moves on to PIAA Semis

CALN >> Is it a strength, or just a perceived strength that comes to be because you believe?

Conestoga boys’ soccer coach Dave Zimmerman thinks about complex concepts like this all the time. And moments after his squad topped Warwick 2-0 in a PIAA Class 4A Quarterfinal match on Saturday afternoon, he spoke at length about the Pioneers’ strengths, and how all three contributed to a win that propels ’Stoga into the state semifinal on Tuesday.

“We talked at halftime that we are defense, set pieces and strong in the second half – that’s who we are,” he recalled. “That’s our identity.”

Well, the defense was there, as expected, with the Pioneers notching the 14^th shutout of the season, and their fifth in six postseason outings. As for set pieces, Conestoga (20-3 overall) notched both of its goals off corner kicks. And finally, both goals came after a scoreless first half.

“I have to give this team a lot of credit because part of the reason we are a good second half team is that they can take the coaching,” Zimmerman explained. “We tell them the things we need to change or emphasize, and they execute it.

“Being coachable is critical. We can make adjustments, especially at the half. Soccer is an interesting game because there is no timeouts. So you have to wait before you can make major changes.

“And it’s all a credit to them for being very coachable.”

For the District 1 runner-up, it sets the stage for an interesting rematch in the semis against District 7 runner-up Seneca Valley. These two met in the state final a year ago, with ’Stoga winning 1-0 to register the program’s third state crown since 2016.

“It will be an interesting rematch,” Zimmerman said.

The Pioneers had an advantage statistically against the Warriors (12-8-2), but it was even more pronounced in the final 40 minutes in both shots on goal (5-0) and corners (6-1). But it was still 0-0 after the first 40.

“We know we have the power to score goals, we just need to be patient and keep knocking,” said junior defender Brady Costin.

“(Warwick) is a good team,” Zimmerman added. “My analogy is that they are kind of like the (Philadelphia) Phillies – kind of up and down, but they are hitting their stride at the right time. Those teams are always dangerous.”

With just six goals in its previous six matches, Conestoga got its breakout less than six minutes into the second half when sophomore Cole ‘Freddy’ Frederick knocked in the third of a three-shot sequence that came off a corner kick.

“We had many (scoring) opportunities in the first half, so we knew it was coming,” Frederick said.

“This whole season, we’ve been a second half team. And it proved that way today.”

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