NTL BOYS SOCCER: ATHENS BLANKS TOWANDA, 2-0, IN KEY EARLY-SEASON TILT (9 PHOTOS) (September 10, 2026)

Valley Sports Report
TOWANDA — Athens scored less than a minute into the game, and made it stand up in a key early-season, 2-0, win over Towanda here Thursday afternoon in NTL boys soccer action.

"It was a very tough match up against a Towanda team that has some talent, especially with Ben Shrawder on the field — he was a lot to handle but we managed it well especially in second half," said Athens coach Travis Reynard. 

"We capitalized early, which was what all the coaches wanted from the boys, so it was great to see them execute that," he noted. 

"There are definitely things to clean up and continue to build on as we head in to our next game," he added.

Junior Patrick Umber, off a feed from Caden Brennan, scored 30 seconds into the game to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.

Caden Brennan added an unassisted goal to pad the lead with 17:58 remaining in the first half.

"Offensively, we had limited opportunities compared to what we are used to, so we have to finish those and give us more of a cushion on the scoreboard," said Reynard. "We need to find ways to be more creative to get the job done on the offensive side of the ball."

Athens had a 9-3 advantage in shots-on-goal, while Towanda had a 6-1 edge in corner kicks.

Zach Fisher had three saves to record the clean sheet for the Wildcats.

"Defensively, our back line had a tremendous game," said Reynard. "Brycen Wood and Holden McKeever held down the center and played one of the best games I’ve seen from them and I hope that continues. 

"Our outside backs were strong and got into the attack, which was great to see. 

"We have to work on our physical side of the game all over the field when we are defending," added Reynard. "We are too weak or too rough and foul and we can’t have either of those."

Athens, now 4-0, returns to action Saturday against Galeton at home at 11 a.m.

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IN TOP PHOTO: Athens junior Patrick Umber. IN BOTTOM PHOTO: Athens senior Zach Fisher. ... PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING.

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