Boys Soccer - Franklin Regional vs Norwin

October 13, 2018

Franklin Regional Gets 2-0 Win in Non-Conference Battle of Westmoreland County Boys Soccer Elite

There is little argument that Norwin and Franklin Regional have been two of the top boys soccer programs in the WPIAL in recent seasons. Even though they won't meet for a WPIAL championship anytime soon - Norwin is Class 4A while Franklin Regional is Class 3A - the teams know each other well. In fact, just prior to their non-conference match on Saturday, Oct. 13, players from both teams met at midfield to be recognized by the crowd for having come up through the local youth soccer programs. And the fact that their game wasn't for conference standing or playoff seeding didn't matter. If the game was anything like the others in recent history, it would be a good test of top-level local soccer talent and the kind of tune-up that playoff caliber teams look forward too.

The game was evenly matched and spirited, but the scoreboard was all Franklin Regional. Senior Zack Snider put the first marker on the board when his shot found the goal 16 minutes into the game, giving the Panthers all the points they would need. Only 4- 1/2 minutes later, Auston Kranick took a cross from Anthony DiFalco and hit the net for the 2-0 Panthers lead, and it looked like the Panthers were primed for more. But defenses stepped up, goal keepers played big, and neither team hit the twine again for the remainder of the game. Jeremy Lucas got the clean sheet win in goal for the Panthers, their 11th of the season, with Kyle Krotec in goal for the Knights.

Franklin Regional improves to 14-0-1 overall, with Norwin dropping to 14-2-1. Opposing players embraced and wished each other well in the upcoming playoffs at the conclusion of the game.

Click this link for a full gallery of action photos from this game, available for purchase or sharing.

Keywords: boys, franklin regional, high school, norwin, soccer, westmoreland county