The Emmaus High School boys soccer team had been playing its best soccer of late, when it mattered most, the postseason. The Green Hornets went 1-1 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference tournament, falling to rival Parkland in the semifinals. Emmaus got revenge in the District 11 Class 4A playoffs, winning three straight games and taking down the Trojans in the district championship game two weeks ago.

But the momentum came to a halt as Emmaus dropped its state playoff opener with a 2-1 double overtime defeat to District 1’s third-place team, Abington, last Tuesday night in a first round state playoff game at Emmaus.

“We were really playing well here at the end of the season and I thought that was going to continue,” said Emmaus head coach John Cari. “Sometimes, though, this game is tough. Abington is one of those really good teams in our state and a great program. They were fortunate to get the last goal that mattered.”

The Galloping Ghosts got onto the scoreboard first with a goal from Steven Fajardo in the first half to take the early 1-0 lead.

The score remained the same heading into halftime, but the Green Hornets (14-5-5 overall), after netting three first-half goals in the district final, finally found the back of the net in the second half thanks to the right foot of Jaeden Amato. Amato’s tally from a pass by Juan Ramirez tied the game at 1-1 and gave Emmaus life.

“Juan has been great for us all year,” Cari said. “His goal was huge. We had a couple of chances but couldn’t get one to fall. So, his goal was enormous for our confidence. It would’ve been great to get another one though.”

The two teams would trade scoring opportunities but were unable to cash in the remainder of the second half and through the first overtime period.

Looking like a penalty shootout may be coming, Abington found the golden goal via Thiago Lage, and the Green Hornets’ season came to a sudden end.

“That’s always a tough way to lose,” said Cari. “A golden goal that doesn’t give you a chance to answer. But we had our chances and were unlucky. I’m proud of how we fought tonight.”

The two teams were equal with eight shots each, the Ghosts had five shots on goal compared to Emmaus’ four. Ty Bleiler finished with three saves for the Green Hornets.

The Emmaus seniors include Bleiler, Amato, Ramirez, Holden Brown, Brydon Crawford, Logan Mains, Jack Lawrence, Ryan Santos, Bryan Flor, Carlos Morales, Abraham Hernandez and John Hanvey.