NTL GIRLS SOCCER: ATHENS BATTLES BACK TO EDGE WELLSBORO, 2-1, IN OVERTIME (24 PHOTOS) (2024-08-27)
Valley Sports ReportWELLSBORO — Athens battled back from a halftime deficit to win a 2-1 overtime decision over Wellsboro here in the NTL girls soccer season opener for both teams.
“Being down a goal and battling back, then finishing it off in OT early was great for our mentality,” said Athens coach Rich Pitts.
“I’m happy to get the win against a very good Wellsboro team,” added Pitts.
Ella Boyce put Wellsboro on the board in the 17th minute, and the Hornets held on to the 1-0 lead entering the halftime intermission.
About 8 minutes into the second half, senior Addy Wheeler found sophomore Delanie Patton about 18 yards away from the net, and she delivered a shot into the upper-90 on the left side to tie the game at 1-1.
“It was a great goal by Patton to tie it,” said Pitts.
The two teams battled the remainder of the second half, but neither could dent the other’s defenses.
Just 33 seconds into the sudden-death overtime period, newcomer junior Abby Burgess delivered a pass to junior Lizzie Gorsline, who split the defense and drove a shot into the back of the net for the game-winner.
“Burgess had a good assist on Lizzie’s goal with hard work and good technique,” said Pitts. “And, Lizzie had a great finish.”
Athens had a 19-4 advantage in shots-on-goal, and a 7-1 edge in corner kicks.
Senior Carmelita Pomaquiza had two saves in net for Athens.
Athens returns to action Thursday at Towanda at 6 p.m.
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IN PHOTO 1: Athens junior Lizzie Gorsline. IN TOP PHOTO: Athens sophomore Delanie Patton. … PHOTOS BY MATT PATTON.
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