Other vs Half Hollow Hills West

HIGHLIGHTS

Half Hollow Hills West goalkeeper Ben Nacht wanted to be the player that led his team to victory on Saturday. He got a little help from the crossbar, but there was little doubt that Nacht was the man of the match for the Colts in their state Class AA boys soccer semifinal against Clifton Park Shenendehowa. The junior keeper made 12 saves as both teams played to a 1-1 tie after 110 minutes. Nacht also made a huge stop on the first Shen penalty kick, as the Colts advance in PKs, 3-2, at Middletown High School. Hills West (17-3-2) meets Rochester McQuaid Jesuit in Sunday’s AA final at 12:30 p.m. at Middletown High School. Leo Musacchia, Casey Brugna and Issah Khanat all scored in penalty kicks, as the Colts led 3-2 after four rounds. Kokkinides Nickolas (CQ both) stepped to the mark for Shenendehowa (15-3-2). If Nickolas missed, or Nacht was able to make the save, the Colts would advance. “I wanted to be the hero,” Nacht said. Nacht dove, expecting a low shot. Nickolas went high but the ball smashed off the crossbar and bounced straight down. “I saw the ball in front of me,” said a smiling Nacht. “I said, ‘No way he hit the crossbar.” But that’s exactly what happened. It was a perfect cap to a thrilling, wild, sometimes frustrating, game for the Colts, who found themselves trailing in the second half.