The Tyrone Golden Eagles took on the Hollidaysburg Tigers for the District 6 AAA championship. Previously, Tyrone had fallen short two times by a single goal in 3-2 and 2-1 matches.
This time, with the district championship on the line, the Golden Eagles took a scoreless game into double overtime, only to be denied once again when the Tigers scored on a free kick following a controversial penalty call in the Golden Eagles’ defensive zone to end the game 1-0.
“We played yet another solid game, but we fell short. It was a great season overall. Next season, we are going to win it all,” junior Tytus Novak said.
To start the game, the Eagles started fast with an aggressive press on Hollidaysburg’s defense.
Tyrone controlled the Hollidaysburg attack throughout the first half. Both teams looked strong heading into halftime.
The second half kicked off, and the Eagles played aggressively and took chances when they had them.
Two starters, Tytus Novak and Karter Bokulich, both played through injuries sustained in the first half to keep the game alive.
The Eagles kept fighting throughout the rest of the second half. With neither team scoring, the game headed into double overtime.
Neither team was able to cash in until the free kick just went past the outstretched arms of Golden Eagles keeper Devin Nardelli.
With this loss, the Golden Eagles’ record finished at 13-7, tying the school record for most wins in a season. Coach Bartlett’s senior year season had previously held this record.
Although Tyrone took home the loss, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future, as the boys’ soccer program is continually improving and will look to be back in the district finals again next year.
The boys lose only two seniors for the second consecutive year. Rowan Moore and Devon Nardelli were crucial starters, but Tyrone has upcoming freshmen who show talent.
Tyrone gains back two starters, Caleb Posnett and Ned Smearman, for the 2026 season. These two were previously injured partially or fully for the 2025 season.
