NTL BOYS SOCCER: ATHENS, HORSEHEADS PLAY TO 2-2 DRAW (16 PHOTOS) (September 28, 2026)

Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — Athens had a pair of one-goal leads in the game, but a late Horseheads goal tied left the Wildcats to settle for a 2-2 tie here Monday afternoon in non-league boys soccer action at Alumni Stadium.

"Tonight was a great test for us," said Athens coach Travis Reynard. "We got to see a very talented team who was full of physicality and strong team chemistry and that’s not something we get the opportunity to see often. 

"We had a great mentality throughout the game which I worried about, but we competed and played the full 80 minutes," denoted. 

"It was our own mistakes that hurt us as we had the momentum on our side for the longest time, so we definitely have some things to clean up as we inch closer to districts," Reynard added.

Junior Patrick Umber, off a feed from junior Ben Krissler scored midway through the first half to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead it would carry into the halftime locker room.

Horseheads tied the game with a goal by Jasen Lucht just 90 seconds into second half, but Athens regained the lead on a goal by sophomore Caden Brennan, off a feed from senior Kam Wheeler with 27:04 remaining in the contest.

Horseheads' Brayden Spier tied the game with 6:30 remaining.

"Offensively, we had many great moments of success," said Reynard. 

"Patrick Umber stepped up in a huge way for us like he’s done all season," he noted. "His ability to recover and win the ball back and then set up plays for us has been key. He connected well with Ben Krissler tonight that gave him the scoring opportunity and that’s what we need more of. 

"Kam Wheeler also had a great game and one of his best of the season in my opinion," said Reynard. "He was everywhere and contributed on a beautiful corner to Caden Brennan. 

"Our offense as a whole had many great chances and we want to keep adding to the creativity every day, added Reynard.

Horseheads had an 11-9 edge in shots-on-goal, and a 503 advantage in corner kicks.

Athens senior Zach Fisher recorded nine saves in net for the Wildcats.

"We had our moments defensively," said Reynard. "We panicked a few times and made some poor choices, but overall we handled the pressure and fast attack of Horseheads. 

"We have to be better out of the air and need to make sure we are making smart decisions and not losing patience when defending that’s what truly hurt us tonight. 

"Zach Fisher had some huge saves to keep the score level which was huge for us," added Reynard. 

Athens, now 6-2-1, returns to action Saturday at Williamson.

————————

PHOTOS BY LEIGHANNE INGRAM.

Print Friendly Version