NTL BOYS SOCCER: ATHENS SCORES PAIR OF LATE GOALS; EDGES SAYRE, 2-0 (24 PHOTOS) (2020-09-17)
Valley Sports ReportATHENS "” After nearly 78 minutes of scoreless action, Athens scored twice in less than six minutes to pull out a 2-0 win over crosstown rival Sayre here Thursday afternoon in NTL boys soccer action.
For the Redskins, now 1-1, it was quite an improvement from last year's 10-0 loss to the Wildcats.
"My boys played exceptionally well tonight," said Sayre coach Greg Hughey. "I couldn't have been more proud of the heart and effort they put into tonight.
"Our boys were pumped all day for this game, and we just came up short tonight," he added. "Overall, I am thrilled with the effort and play of the boys. I'm just so proud."
"Sayre's players have improved from last season," said Athens coach Jake Lezak. "They worked hard tonight, and made it frustrating for us."
The Wildcats had a 20-10 advantage in shots-on-goal, and a 10-4 edge in corner kicks.
"It was a frustrating game on the offensive side," said Lezak. "We need to capitalize on those chances and get in our groove.
"I feel like we will settle in as many things are right for us," he noted. "They need to stay patient and believe in each other.
"We knew it was going to take time this season," added Lezak. "I'm pleased with many players and performances on the field, but every player has room to improve."
With 12:11 left in the contest, junior Nate Quinn, off a feed from sophomore Jared Ammerman, found the back of the net to give Athens a 1-0 lead.
With 6:22 remaining, junior Ryan Thompson scored an insurance goal for the Wildcats. Junior Daniel Horton was credited with an assist.
"My defense was amazing, and offensively we pushed the ball well and made some great runs," said Hughey. "We lost Brayden Post before the half, and he controls the middle so well; that hurt us."
Athens, now 2-0, travels to Wellsboro Tuesday, while Sayre travels to Sullivan County Saturday afternoon.
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IN PHOTO 1: Athens junior Daniel Horton. ... PHOTOS BY DAVID ALLIGER - TRAVELING PORTRAITS.
