The Aquinas Academy boys soccer team returns to action Thursday evening for an important Class 1A section matchup against Neshannock, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. The Crusaders enter the match sitting in fourth place in the section standings, with Neshannock right behind them in fifth. With the season moving along and both teams battling for position, Thursday's game gives Aquinas an opportunity to strengthen its place in the section race. Aquinas has already shown it can compete with some of the best teams in the section. Earlier this week, the Crusaders went toe-to-toe with undefeated section leader Beaver County Christian in one of their best defensive performances of the season. Beaver County Christian entered the game with a perfect 7-0 record, but Aquinas made them work for every opportunity in a hard-fought 1-0 loss. The Crusaders also picked up a big section victory over Freedom Area on September 10. Aquinas earned a 3-1 win behind goals from Enzo Anselmino, John Dolan and Zach Hartle. Anselmino opened the scoring for the Crusaders before Dolan delivered what proved to be the game-winning goal. Hartle added the insurance goal to secure the victory. The win was especially important with Freedom currently sitting just ahead of Aquinas in the section standings. While goals have been difficult to come by at times this season, the Crusaders have remained competitive because of their work on the defensive end. Junior goalkeeper Oggie Pribach has emerged as one of the team's standouts. Pribach and the Aquinas defense were particularly impressive against Beaver County Christian, holding the section's top team to just one goal and keeping the Crusaders within striking distance throughout the match. Aquinas has been shut out in its other two losses, including against OLSH, making Thursday's matchup another opportunity for the Crusaders to get the offense going while continuing the strong defensive play they have shown early in the season. With Aquinas currently fourth and Neshannock fifth, there is plenty at stake when the two teams take the field Thursday. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Follow Aquinas Athletics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquinascrusaders/ Follow Aquinas Athletics on X: https://x.com/AquinasAD For the latest Aquinas Academy Athletics news, schedules, results and more, visit: https://aquinascrusaders.org/ #GoAquinas #AquinasAthletics