Valley Sports ReportMANSFIELD — Junior Patrick Umber scored four goals, including the first three of the game, to lead Athens to a 6-1 win over North Penn-Mansfield here Saturday morning in NTL boys soccer action.
A great second game from the boys," said Athens coach Travis Reynard.
"We started off fast," he noted. "Our goal was to put them under pressure early and capitalize on our chances to put the game out of reach.
"We still have lots of work to do, though, and have to focus on the mental side of the game when things don’t go our way and stay focused for the full 80 minutes," added Reynard.
Umber's first three goals — off assists from senior Kam Wheeler, senior Brycen Wood, and sophomore Chase Gombocz — came in a 14-minute span to put the Wildcats up 3-0 with 20:43 remaining in the first half.
Junior Hunter Brennan, off a feed from sophomore Gage Hubbard, scored to make it 4-0 with 6:58 remaining in the first half.
Umber, off an assist from senior Zack Blackman, scored about 2 1/2 minutes after the halftime break to extend the lead to 5-0.
Sophomore Caden Brennan scored off Chase Gombocz's second assist of the game with 1:28 remaining to provide the final margin.
"Offensively, we dominated the attack and moved the ball well all around for most of the game, but offsides is what killed us," said Reynard. "We have to be better at watching our line and making sure we are in the right position to finish chances.
"Defensively, we have to defend as a team for the entire game not just for one half," noted Reynard. "Once we conceded off a set piece, we panicked defensively and did not look good.
"We can’t foul and give them opportunities it’s as simple as that," added Reynard. "Giving up 25 free kicks, whether it be from fouls or offsides, can not happen."
Athens had an 18-5 advantage in shots-on-goal and a 7-0 edge in corner kicks.
Senior Zach Fisher had four saves in net for the Wildcats.
Athens, now 2-0, returns to action Tuesday when it hosts Troy.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF LORRIE GOMBOCZ.
