Matchup: District 11 champ Emmaus (14-1) vs District 1 champ Neshaminy (12-1-2)
When/Where: Tuesday 6 p.m./Neshaminy HS
What’s on the line: A berth in the state finals on Saturday (6 pm) vs either Cumberland Valley(District 3) or Seneca Valley (District 7)
Coaches: Emmaus – John Cari (16th season), Neshaminy – Tom Foley (9th season)
Coverage – Twitter (@Emmaussports.com); Facebook (Emmaus boys soccer)
How they got here – Emmaus beat LaSalle 3-2 in state quarterfinals; Neshaminy beat Pennridge in PKs 4-2 in District One final
History in states: Emmaus is making its 21st appearance in states; The Hornets last appeared a year ago falling to Lower Merion 1-0. In 2018 they fell to Abington 4-0 and they also appeared in 2016 (losing to CR North 2-1 in OT) and in 2015 (losing to Conestoga 2-1 (6-5 in PKs)…..Emmaus last made it to the state semis in 2000 and reached the state finals that same year falling to North Allegheny 1-0 in OT ….
Probable starters: Emmaus – Emmaus – Sr. F Josh Whalen, Sr. F Josh Miller, Jr. F Holden Brown, Sr. MF Alex Toto (7g/3a), Sr. MF Hudson Peck (11g/5a), Sr. MF Pat Walsh (8g/1a), Sr. Def. Jacob Hain, Jr. Def. John Hanvey, Jr. Def. Jaeden Amato, Jr. Def. Ryan Santos, Jr. GK Ty Bleiler … Reserves: Sr MF Nate Romig, Jr. D Jack Lawrence, Jr MF Owen Kocis
Neshaminy key players – Sr. MF Gavin Rowan, Sr. GK Trevor Rush, Sr. D Mike Albarran, Sr. D Lou Salmi, Sr. D Ryan Schoenemann, Sr. D Ian Siwinski
About the Redskins – Were the No.7 seed in the District One Tournament, defeated Great Valley in PKs 3-1, Pennsbury 3-0, defending state champ North Penn 2-0 and Pennridge 4-2 in PKs in a controversial ending in the finals….Neshaminy was 12-1-2 this season after finishing 14-8 a year ago ….Defensively they are very good posting 12 shutouts on the season …Only loss of the season was against LaSalle (3-0) which Emmaus defeated in the state quarterfinal round.