NTL GIRLS SOCCER: ATHENS ERASES TWO-GOAL DEFICIT LATE; TOPS WYALUSING, 3-2, IN OVERTIME (24 PHOTOS) (2024-09-24)
Valley Sports ReportATHENS — Sophomore Delanie Patton scored the game-winner in overtime after Athens erased a two-goal deficit in the final 16 minutes of regulation in a 3-2 win over Wyalusing here Tuesday afternoon in NTL girls soccer action at Alumni Stadium.
With the win, Athens improves to 8-1 on the season. Four of the eight wins have been in overtime, with two of them coming against Wyalusing.
“Every game tells you more about your team than the last,” said Athens coach Rich Pitts. “Today taught me how a group of young ladies can believe in each other, never doubting they could win.
“Wyalusing came in ready, with a game plan to beat us and almost did,” he noted. “Gary and Mario do a great job with that group and almost pulled it off.
“This win for us was desire with a dash of good luck.
“I could name 15 players who helped us win this game, but they honestly did it as one collective group,” added Pitts. “I am so super-proud of the Cardiac ‘Cats.”
Chloe Bennett scored from long distance with 26:20 remaining in the first half to give Rams a 1-0 lead they would carry into the half.
Emily Foster gave Wyalusing a 2-0 lead with a goal in the opening minute of the second half.
With 16:10 remaining in the contest, junior Olivia Thompson scored off a corner kick from sophomore Brinley Nichols to close the gap to 2-1.
With 4:33 remaining, Patton scored off a re-direct to tie the game at 2-2.
About four minutes into overtime, Patton took a cross from senior Addy Wheeler and knocked it past the keeper for the game-winner.
Athens had a 14-3 advantage in shots-on-goal and a 9-2 edge in corner kicks.
The Wildcats return to action Saturday at Williamsport.
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IN PHOTO 1: Athens sophomore Delanie Patton. IN TOP PHOTO: Athens celebrates. … PHOTOS BY MATT PATTON.
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