For the second straight season, the Emmaus High School boys soccer team entered the District 11 Class 4A tournament as the number one overall seed after winning the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference title.

The Hornets defeated Freedom 1-0 in the championship game and had a pair of overtime victories over Nazareth and Northampton in the quarterfinal and semifinal, respectively. So, they are used to close games in the postseason.

Emmaus had another one in its district quarterfinal game last Wednesday night as the Hornets won a penalty kick shootout 5-4 over the eighth seed, Easton, at Memorial Field, to advance to the semifinal round.

After a scoreless regulation, Emmaus went to overtime for the seventh time this year, but the first time in a penalty shootout. Each of the first four kick takers for each team found the back of the net.

On the fifth set, however, senior goalie Will Peck came up with a huge save before classmate Robbie Tumblin scored what would be the game-winner to send his team into celebration mode and stormed the field.

The successful penalty kick takers for the Hornets were Brennan Stack, Rio Johnson, Conner Powell, Maseyn Muthard and Tumblin. Peck finished with one save in net.

Emmaus outshot Easton 8-1 in the match and held a 6-2 advantage in corners.

Emmaus, which improved to 18-1-3 overall, took on the fifth seed, Liberty, this past Tuesday night in the semifinals at J Birney Crum. The Hurricanes upset the fourth seed, Northampton, in the quarterfinals. The two teams tied 0-0 in their only meeting during the regular season back on October 4th.

The other semifinal features the second seed, Parkland, against the third seed, Freedom. The championship game is set for Thursday night at a site to be determined. Emmaus is looking to win its first district title since 2023 and 20th overall.