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All Weir needed was one goal for sectional glory

RACING AWAY — Weir’s William Rice races to the net past Wheeling Central’s Jack Stryker during a Class AA/A Region 1, Section 1 final on Saturday. (Photo by Joe Catullo)

WEIRTON — Survive and advance is what matters at this time of the season.

Ryan Bodrog found the back of the net with 16:47 left to play to lift the Weir boys’ soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Wheeling Central in the West Virginia Class AA/A Region 1, Section 1 final Saturday afternoon at Jimmy Carey Stadium.

“One is all you need to win,” Weir (14-6-1) head coach Jim Luevano said. “Wheeling Central’s keeper is fantastic. He made some key saves in the first half. We had some good shots. We had good quality shots on frame, and he stopped them.”

The loss is a tough one for the Maroon Knights, especially a 1-0 contest

“This was one of the best games we have played all year,” Wheeling Central (11-8-1) head coach Brian Komorowski said. “Everybody played exceptionally well. It was a very good game.”

With the win, Weir will play in the regional final against East Fairmont Thursday night at home.

“Winning the sectional title lets us play more soccer,” Luevano said. “Now, we have to prepare for one of the Fairmont teams. We are going to do our best against them.”

The boys game will start 20 minutes after the conclusion of the Oak Glen-Fairmont Senior game, which is scheduled to start at 5 p.m.

Luke Tenaglio assisted on Bodrog’s goal for the Red Riders, while Brett Hinchee made two saves in goal.

David Agcaoili made nine saves for the Maroon Knights, while Gulio Gentile made one when Acgaoili had to briefly leave the game in the second half with an injury.

“David played an unbelievable game,” Komorowski said. “This was the best game he has played all year.”

Weir outshot Wheeling Central, 17-3.

“I don’t think we were getting frustrated,” Luevano said. “We wanted to stick to our game plan. We wanted to move, possess the ball and get quality shots.”

The Maroon Knights are losing a good group of seniors.

“Our seniors always mean a lot to our team,” Komorowski said. “They have kept our program alive. They have put in a lot of hard work, and they provide good leadership. We have had a great year. This season has been a huge success for our team.”

The regional final will be Weir’s third game at home this postseason.

“Playing at home definitely helps us,” Luevano said. “Having the home field advantage is big for us. It showed during the regular season when we had to play on grass. We did not play well on grass.”

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