Last year, in a signature win for the program, Tyrone upset Hollidaysburg in the District 6 semifinals, 2-1. That upset was certainly in the back of both teams minds when the teams met again on Monday night, this time with a district championship on the line.

Tyrone came out of the gate fast and took an early lead by ultimately suffered a heart crushing loss to the Hollidaysburg Tigers, 3-2 at Saint Francis University.

“We came with a game plan, we executed, but we came just short,” said head coach Alex Bartlett. “Obviously it hurts. It’s a district championship game, we’re each playing our hearts out.”

Both teams had chances in the opening minutes but Tyrone was winning the possession game for much of the first half and was able to take advantage and get the game’s first goal.

In the 29th minute Tyrone senior Corey Johnston found senior Keegan Raabe in and behind the Tigers defense. Keegan Raabe drilled it near side to put Tyrone in the lead 1-0.

“The atmosphere was electric and it was a really special moment to score in that setting,” said Keegan Raabe.

Hollidaysburg answered six minutes later with a goal in the 35th minute. Hollidaysburg midfielder Jordan Roberts took a well-placed shot from about 25 yards out and put it in the top right corner to tie the game 1-1.

The first half ended with the score tied at 1-1. 

Tyrone felt that they were doing the right things and if they continued to play with the same intensity they would come out on top. 

However, Hollidaysburg struck first in the second half. In the 63rd minute Hollidaysburg’s Ethan Pinter put them in the lead, burying a ball from short range off on a corner kick to make it 2-1 Hollidaysburg. 

Just two minutes later, Holdiaysburg extended their lead when a Tiger forward played a ball into midfielder Braden Callahan who was on the six. He placed a perfect shot in the left corner of Tyrone’s goal, putting them up 3-1.

A couple minutes later Tyrone had a close call when a Hollidaysburg goal was called off. The Tigers placed the ball in the left side of the goal on a penalty kick, but luckily for Tyrone a Holidaysburg player ran into the penalty area before the ball was kicked, which nullifed the goal  and gave possession back to Tyrone.

Later Tyrone returned with a goal in the 74th minute from a corner from senior Keegan Raabe.

Raabe played a ball into the 6 yard box and with one bounce connected with his brother, junior Kelton Raabe who placed the ball in the back of the net.

The team was disappointed in the outcome but not with their level of play in the game.

“I love this group of guys,” Bartlett said. “They’re a very unique group, and I had a pleasure coaching them. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Tyrone ended their season 6-11-1 coming in at 2nd in the district and tied for 4th in the mountain league with a record of 6-7.