By TIM TAYLORValley Sports Report
ATHENS — The first time the Athens and Towanda boys soccer teams met this season, the Wildcats scored quickly and went on to post a 2-0 NTL victory. This time around, it took Athens a bit longer en route to a 2-1 “Pink Out” game win here Wednesday evening.
“We got the win on a very special night to honor members of our community battling cancer. We always love hosting the annual ‘Pink Out’ game, and the community support that we get and are glad we could give the fans the win,” Athens coach Travis Reynard said..
“It wasn't pretty and definitely is not up to the level of soccer we want to play, but the boys were able to have some quality key moments that helped us get the win.”
Patrick Umber found an opening in the Towanda defense with a nice run down the right sideline and deflected a shot off goalkeeper Blaiz Nichols’ hands and into the upper portion of the net with 14:32 remaining in the first half.
“That's our goal with Patrick,” Reynard said. “He's very fast, very quick, good with the ball at his feet. We want him to take those opportunities. He'll drive past anybody and then he'll slot it when he needs to, and we just want him to be more conscious of when he can take those shots, when he can release it.”
“They got by our defense, that's all,” said Towanda coach Tom Lambert. “We had it covered as much as we can.”
Defense took over at both ends of the pitch until Umber’s shot from just inside the 18 went off teammate Ben Krissler’s back and high into the left side of the goal at 26:35 of the second half. Krissler was credited with the goal and Umber picked up the assist
Despite the Wildcats’ continuous solid defensive efforts, the Knights weren’t ready to pack it in. With 9:10 left on the clock, Ben Shrawder lunged in front of an Athens defender and headed a cross from Josh Maye into the back of the net to close the gap to 2-1.
The Black Knights challenged for the early lead in the 14th minute, but hit the left upright of the goal.
Athens looked to break the scoreless deadlock about eight minutes later, but Nichols deflected Umber’s shot.
“Offensively, missed chances is what hurt us,” said Reynard. “We have to capitalize on 1v1s and opportunities to put the game away or else it becomes a defensive battle, which is not what we want. Combination play has to be better, and that is something we will work on.
“Defensively, another strong showing, but we still have that one area — one error that changes the momentum of the game to not in our favor. Our coaches preach the importance of communication and staying focused for the full 80 minutes, and we have to make sure we execute the plan put in place so we don't end up in stressful situations.“
The Wildcats (8-2-1 overall) took 10 shots on goal to five for Towanda (7-5-1 overall) and held a 2-1 edge in corner kicks.
Nichols made eight saves for the Black Knights while Travis Fisher had four for Athens.
“I'm proud of how my boys played,” Lambert said. “They've been doing good all year, so on to the next.”
Towanda hosts Williamson at 6 p.m. on Friday while Athens travels to Troy on Saturday for an 11 a.m. match.
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IN PHOTO 1: Athens’ Brycen Wood (40). IN TOP PHOTO: Athens’ Patrick Umber. … PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR.
