As regulation came to an end, the score read 1-1, and for the second time in a matter of hours, Mastbaum's fate rested on penalty kicks.
The Panthers' season ended, though, as Science Leadership won the penalties round, 4-2, to earn the final playoff spot in the Public League boys' soccer C division.
Both goalkeepers stood out, with Matt Rinaldi making 13 saves for the Rockets and William Heard stopping 11 shots for Mastbaum.
In a rare occurrence, four teams found themselves tied for second place at season's end, requiring the league to hold a playoff to determine the second seed.
Science Leadership moved past Edison in the first match, 2-1, and Mastbaum defeated Kensington in penalty kicks to set up the final.
Jeff Schwartz of Science Leadership led his team, scoring each of the three regulation goals for the Rockets. Science Leadership will face Central in the playoffs.
Bicentennial. Dan Fletcher's 10 saves earned Devon Prep the Presidents Division title with a 2-0 win over visiting Plumstead Christian.
Mike Guerra's hat trick paced Phil-Mont Christian in a 7-0 home win over Morrisville.
Suburban One. Alex Evans led host North Penn with three goals in a 5-1 win over Pennridge.
Ches-Mont. Brett Cooper netted his second goal of the second half in the 76th minute to lift host Downingtown West to a 3-2 victory over Sun Valley.
Nonleague. John Rader scored twice as Hill School blanked visiting Princeton Day, 6-0.
Contact Thomas Mahon at mahonth@phillynews.com.
