Boys Soccer - Franklin Regional vs Obama Academy

September 29, 2021

Anthony DiFalco Surpasses Career Century Mark in 9-1 Franklin Regional Win over Obama Academy

Franklin Regional senior forward Anthony DiFalco surpassed the 100 career goals milestone while scoring a hat trick in the Panthers 9-1 win over Obama Academy on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at Panther Stadium in Murrysville.

Obama Academy started the game with Max Pekich in goal, but he left in the early minutes due to an injury with the game still scoreless. The Eagles were then forced to bring freshman Ben More in off the bench to guard the net. The Panthers were not kind to the young goalkeeper.

DiFalco began the game in charitable fashion, dishing out assists on goals by Dylan Tomb in the 8th minute and by Billy Christafano in the 10 minute.

A Panthers goal by Jake Zimmerman in the 12th minute, followed by Dylan Tomb's second of the game a minute later, put the Panthers up 4-0 within a quick 5 minute span. That triggered a change in goal for the Eagles, with sophomore Noah Levitt coming off play in the field to don the goal keepers jersey.

Then Anthony DiFalco kicked it up another notch. His 99th career goal came in the 24th minute as he got around Levitt and kicked one inside the left post.

Career goal number 100 for DiFalco came exactly 28 minutes into the contest as he booted it to the left of Levitt and into the twine from 10 yards out. Levitt handed him the game ball that he scored with as he accepted congratulations and celebrated with his teammates.

But DiFalco wasn't done yet. Goal number 101 of his stellar career came 4 minutes and 15 seconds later, completing the hat trick that bumped the Panthers lead to 7-0 where it remained until the halftime.

Franklin Regional sophomore starting goal keeper Aryan Selokar turned his first half shutout over to freshman Noah Walker in the second half. Panthers head coach Thomas Louisy used the 7-0 lead as an opportunity to play deep into his bench for the rest of the game.

Nicoli Aguilera put the Panthers up 8-0 with his goal in the 53rd minute.

Obama Academy got on the board with just over 7 minutes remaining in the game as Santosh Sooriamurthi booted one past Walker to make it 8-1.

A final Franklin Regional goal from Benjamin Poole, with an assist from Praneel Varshney, came just seconds before the final horn sounded, giving the Panthers a 9-1 victory in Class 3A Section 4 play.

Next up for the Panthers (9-2, 9-1) is a road trip to Gateway on 10/5. The Eagles (1-8, 0-8) are scheduled to host Plum on Saturday.