NTL BOYS SOCCER: WELLSBORO EDGES ATHENS, 1-0, ON LATE GOAL (October 13, 2026)

Valley Sports Report
WELLSBORO — Coen Tennis headed in a corner kick from Mason Brill with four minutes remaining to lift Wellsboro to a 1-0 win over Athens here Tuesday night in NTL boys soccer action.

"It was definitely a very competitive match filled with strong defensive play and some frustrating moments on both sides," said Athens coach Travis Reynard. "It’s a tough loss for us as we knew we needed to win to keep our NTL hopes alive, but all credit to Coach Shaffer who I have a lot of respect for and his team for making it difficult for us. 

"We learned what self-inflicted errors can cost us and that’s been a theme all season for us all over the field and we have to be better in that aspect and in our decision-making," noted Reynard. "This is a strong group of guys we have who bring so much to the game and I need to make sure I am doing everything to prepare them for each match especially as we enter district play in the coming weeks."

Wellsboro had a 5-2 advantage in shots-on-goal, while Athens had a 5-1 edge in corner kicks. 

"We had some great moments offensively," said Reynard. "Our decisions have to be better and we need to connect our passes in the final third to create chances. 

"Our attack has shown they can score and do so in large quantities and we just have to get back to that and keep working and be prepared," he added.

Senior Zach Fisher recorded four saves in net for the Wildcats.

"Defensively, we defended well all around and made it difficult for Wellsboro to find easy channels to create chances. 

"We got caught on a set piece and just couldn’t clear the ball and be the first to it to avoid the goal, which is heartbreaking," added Reynard. "All around, the players know it could have been better and that’s the mentality we need to keep improving."

Athens, now 10-4-2, returns to action Thursday at Galeton.

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IN PHOTO: Athens senior Zach Fisher. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.

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