By Kenny Varner

MIFFLINTOWN – Taking their game to prime time!

The Juniata boys soccer team, with a record of 13-5 overall and 8-4 in the Tri-Valley League, hosted the TVAA Semi finals in an under the light contest Monday.

Their opponent was Susquenita, who was sporting a 10-7-1 overall record and a 7-4-1 mark, with the winner heading into the 2024 TVAA title game.

In the battle of second seed versus third the game was played at Dietrick Field at Klingensmith Stadium for the prime time match up.

Juniata, fresh off a weekend shut out over Bald Eagle, looked to advance in front of their home fans.

During the regular season the two teams met twice. In the first meeting Susquenita picked up the hard fought 3-2 victory and in the second game, the Indians picked up the 2-0 victory setting the stage for Monday night’s meeting.

This one was not for the faint of heart, as Juniata muscled out a 1-0 victory and earn a trip to TVAA championship game.

The game winner would be a Landon Beward from Arthur Hazard goal at 28:14 in the second half.

“We as a coaching staff are incredibly proud of this group of guys from the freshman all the way to the seniors. These guys have made a lot of history this year,” said Juniata coach Jared Byler. “The most wins in the program for a very long time, winning our division for the first time, hosting a playoff game for the first time. These guys have done a lot and we are so proud of them.”

As both teams came out of the first half in a scoreless tie, the intensity grew with each tick of the game clock.

Defense took center stage as each team refused to give any ground to their opponent.

Juniata came out with the momentum early as they were able to make their way downfield and into the Blackhawks back-third.

However, Blackhawks goalie Colin Graupensperger and company were not allowing any space for the Indians to set up for the easy goal.

Neither was Juniata goalkeeper Wyatt Dessin. Dessin finished the game with seven saves on the evening.

“As far as for tonight, offensively we have to start figuring things out. We have to change some things offensively,” said Byler. “Defensively, we couldn’t be any more prouder of our guys, from the goalie to defense, to the midfield. They all played a great game for us defensively.”

After playing another 10-plus minutes without a score, the Indians found the hole in the defense they were looking for when Hazard connected a picture perfect pass to Beward for the eventual game winner.

From there, the defense continued its solid performance, squashing opportunity and opportunity the Blackhawks threw at them.

In first half, it was a defensive display throughout as both teams were able to stalemate the other, adding to the second half drama.

Opening up the game, the Blackhawks moved the ball directly into the the Juniata back-third. The combination of J’Diel Xoumphonphackdy, Drew Bennett, Ricky Guante, Landon Beward and Caden Swailes all came up large during the opening stanza allowing only six shots at goalie Wyatt Dessin.  Dessin finished the first with five saves. Highlighting the first was Dessin going one-on-one with Blackhawk Eric Rice. Rice’s shot was stuffed by Dessin in a diving catch.

The Blackhawks defense was also as stingy, limiting the Indians to four first half shots.

With the win, Juniata is back in action Wednesday against Halifax for the TVAA championship.

Juniata 1, Susquenita 0

SUS.    0 0 – 0

JUN.    0 1 – 1

Scoring

Second half

JUN -Landon Beward fromArthur Hazard, 28:14.

Shots on goal: SUS –   9, JUN – 10.

Corners: SUS –   4, JUN –   4.

Saves: SUS – Colin Graupensberger 4, JUN -Wyatt Dessin   7.