Published: November 04, 2009 12:19 am      

Richland slips by McCort as top-seeded boys back in title game

JOHNSTOWN — The nightcap at Herlinger field saw another reason for Ram faithful to celebrate as the Rams boys soccer team defeated Bishop McCort 3-1 in dominating fashion.

The win gives Richland the chance to play for the District 6 championship on Thursday.

Richland (17-2) got goals from three different players but controlled play from the beginning, despite a valiant effort from Bishop McCort.

“I’m very pleased with our effort (Tuesday night),” Richland coach Dan Sichak said. “We maintained our composure and played a full game,.’

Richland used a number of different tools in the contest, despite having beaten Bishop McCort 9-0 and 2-1 in their previous two regular-season contests.

“We tried a lot of different types of ball control,” Sichak said. “Our passing worked well (Tuesday night). We tried over -the-top balls, through balls, and the goal was to challenge their defenders to gain possession over the pursuit of our strikers.”

Dylan Horne booted the first goal of the game midway through the opening half after the Rams mounted several other chances. Following the goal, Richland continued to swarm the Crushers’ net and scored again a little more than three minutes later.

This time, Nick Popovnak scored the goal.

Darin Gipe scored past Crushers keeper Jon Ostheim 15 minutes into the second half.

Bishop McCort scored with 6:31 left in the contest. The speedy P.J. Luksik got behind the Richland stoppers and scored.

“We knew how good McCort is, and how good they can be,” Sichak said. (Tuesday night) their touches on the ball were excellent, and I was impressed with their overall team speed.”

For Richland, the next step is merely another successful 80 minutes of play.

“We’ve got a goal. (Tuesday’s) game was just a step. Having the chance and winning the district championship is the next step, but our goals are set much higher,’’ Sichak said.

And following a night of successes for both the girls and boys soccer team, Sichak is excited for the soccer program and the chances of success.

“It’s exciting. Coming this Thursday maybe we’ll experience a double district championship.”