CHAGRIN FALLS–Oscar DiFranco netted four goals as Chagrin Falls downed visiting Orange in a sectional championship game on Wednesday, 4-2.
DiFranco delivered a pair of goals in each half in the victory.
“(My teammates) did a great job getting me the ball and opportunities to go 1-on-1 and 2-on-1 with (Orange’s) back line,” DiFranco said. “I got past it a couple of times. (This win) means a lot. I’m thankful to my teammates for giving me the support I needed.”
Orange struck first in the 23rd minute with an Anthony Spidalieri strike off Luke Schmotzer’s assist.
DiFranco delivered the equalizer in the 29th minute off a great feed from Owen Edwards before also netting the go-ahead strike just before the first half ended.
DiFranco capitalized on a free kick in the 43rd minute to secure the hat-trick before capping off his night with a penalty kick try in the 66th minute for a 4-1 lead.
Orange also connected on a penalty try with Adam Saab in the 78th minute, rounding out the scoring.
Chagrin Falls avenged its early season 4-3 loss to rival Orange on September 10.
“Losing that game gave us a lot more fire,” said Chagrin Falls head coach Brian McKenna. “(Orange) selected the bracket to play us, and that certainly got the kids focused this week.”
The Tigers must keep that focus as they prepare for a date in the district semifinals.
“We know that our next game could be against Firelands or West Geauga, another rival,” McKenna said. “A rival that’s done quite well this season. We won that game 3-1, but it was finished with 20 minutes to go (due to storms). So, if West G wins, they’ll be coming here and will be up for the challenge. If it’s Firelands, we’d have to travel to them and play on grass, which we’re not accustomed to. We’ll have to be focused in.”
While they await the final score for Saturday’s match, Chagrin Falls can relish its 31st sectional title in the boys’ program’s 55-year history.
“We’re fortunate to have some success,” McKenna said of the program’s decorated history. “My predecessor, Mario Gerhardt, was here cheering us on. Our big thing this year is with it being the 55th year, the 55th chapter of Chagrin’s history in soccer, we want to write a special, memorable chapter.”
Ethan Nielsen recorded 15 saves in the goal for the Tigers.
Orange’s season ended at 5-9-4.
The Lions struck early but eventually fell behind.
“(Taking an early lead) was our goal,” said Orange head coach Steven Bjelicic. “Unfortunately, we were unable to hold on to it. Oscar just destroyed our defense, and he stepped up for them. He was the best player on the field.”
Orange will graduate nine seniors, five of which are starters.
“There’s going to be a lot of holes to fill next year,” Bjelicic said. “It’s going to be big for the underclassmen to step up and fill their roles. It’ll be an exciting year, but also a rebuilding year.”
Chagrin Falls will take to the pitch on October 22 against the West Geauga/Firelands winner.
