Nov 2, 2013 3 min read

PITTSBURGH – West Allegheny senior defender Zachary Graziani did not have to score a goal to make an impact in Friday’s WPIAL title game.

Behind the steady play of the All-PIAA and All-WPIAL center back, the Indians won their first Class AA WPIAL boys soccer championship, as West Allegheny defeated South Fayette 1-0 at Highmark Stadium Saturday night.

West Allegheny head coach Kevin Amos was relieved when the clock struck 0:00 and his Indians took home the title behind strong play on both ends of the pitch.

“I haven’t slept in a few days,” Amos said. “It’s one of those things, you’re just so tired from this whole thing. I was more tired than when we played back in the day. It’s a great journey, I feel great for the kids and the coaches.”

Sustained offensive pressure for West Allegheny paid off early. After three early corner kicks and dominating possession, a perfect cross pass set up the game-winner. The Indians capitalized in the 12th minute, when senior defender Joshua Kolarac’s left-footed cross was headed past South Fayette senior goalkeeper Alex Gedrys from 15 yards for the early 1-0 lead. Gedrys, an All-WPIAL and All-PIAA selection last year, performed admirably in the championship game.

Gedrys responded with several critical saves in the first half, including a diving save with eight minutes remaining and a solid stop on West Allegheny junior forward Mike Cummings. The keeper was the bright spot for South Fayette in the school’s attempt at taking home its first WPIAL soccer title.

“You can’t describe it,” Graziani said. “You really can’t. Four years of high school, two years of middle school and all of the youth soccer stuff – it comes down to this. I’m so happy for my team.”

Graziani and West Allegheny did not allow a shot on goal and stifled South Fayette’s offensive approach – getting the ball to junior forward Brian Coyne, the Lions’ leading scorer. Graziani is pivotal for the Indians’ offense. The center back allows the team to play a progressive 3-4-3 style with a reliance on his play on defense.

“(Graziani) is their wild card,” South Fayette head coach Rob Eldridge said. “Zack gets a lot of credit for what he does, he’s an exceptional player, but he allows them to be the team that they are. I think (West Allegheny) is able to come out with that style of play because of (Graziani’s) solid defending and how he anchors the defense.”

South Fayette’s strategy did not work. Coyne was limited to the perimeter of the field; forcing the 29-goal scorer to attempt shots from 30-35 yards. With the wind blowing and rain falling on Highmark Stadium, Coyne’s strong shot sailed wide on three separate attempts. Coyne found himself on a fast break toward the net in the 75th minute when a loose ball crept toward the West Allegheny goal, but Indians senior goalkeeper Spencer Wolfe smothered the attempt.

One year after losing in the quarterfinals to Belle Vernon, West Allegheny drained the remainder of the clock; walking away with the program’s first Class AA WPIAL boys soccer championship.

“There is not one ounce of disappointment in me about my kids and the effort they made,” Eldridge said. “I’m obviously disappointed in the result, but the effort my kids put in this year in putting our program on the map. I couldn’t be more pleased with what they’ve done.”