Wyndmoor, PA - In the first of four PCL quarterfinals Friday, La Salle left it late to defeat Archbishop Wood in a nerve-racking 1-0 game.

The match at La Salle’s Lower Bartley Field started off with a few early chances for the Explorers’ senior (#13) Jack Deal. He was sent through 1-on-1 with the Wood keeper but was denied by a great save.

From then on, La Salle dominated possession. With 8 minutes left in the first half, the players and the packed La Salle student section thought they scored, but it was called back for offside.

Heading into the second half La Salle Head Coach Tom McCaffery’s main focus was making sure his team wouldn’t get frustrated. He had confidence that his team would break down the solid Archbishop Wood defense.

Not much changed for Archbishop Wood in the second half as they continued to bunker in while La Salle put on non-stop pressure.

“I thought we worked harder and dominated the game but couldn’t finish our chances. It was like many other of our games this season,” said La Salle junior defender (#23) James Hughes.

Eventually, that hard work paid off. With two minutes remaining in the game, senior (#7) Sean Clinton whipped in a corner that found its way to junior (#9) Spencer Patton who put in the game-winner. Patton was ecstatic and rushed over with the rest of the team to celebrate with their fellow La Salle students. Shortly after, the final whistle blew.

Archbishop Wood can hold their heads high given that they shut-out La Salle for 78 minutes while missing four starters. They certainly made La Salle fans and players nervous as extra-time and penalties loomed near.

La Salle takes on Roman Catholic on Wednesday at 5pm at Archbishop Ryan for the  PCL Semifinals.