CM boy booters boot ‘Toona in OT

ALTOONA, PA – Central Mountain boys’ soccer traveled to Mansion Park on Wednesday evening. After losing to Altoona earlier in the season at home by the same 2-1 score, the Wildcats were able to pull this one out in overtime.

A 0-0 halftime score saw both teams with chances but great play by both goalies. A few adjustments at halftime saw a few more passes get completed in the attacking third for the Wildcats early in the second half. This led to a dangerous ball being played across the box into the foot of an unlucky Altoona defender, putting it into his own net for a Wildcat lead.

With about 12 minutes left, a dangerous attack down the right side of the field by an Altoona winger tied the score at 1-1. Wildcat goalie Clay Confer anticipated a cross, but a heads up play by the Altoona attacker saw him strike the ball near post for a beautiful goal.

1-1 in the first overtime saw Altoona have a few shots, saved by Confer. A late counter by the Wildcats turned into a corner kick opportunity. With 8 seconds left, Senior Cooper Confer put a great cross into the box, and after a header on target and save by the goalie, a mad scramble in front of the box. Junior Nate Brinker broke his goal drought by getting his foot on it just enough to cross the line. An attempted save by the goalie was ruled too late by the referee, saying the ball crossed the line. 2-1 Wildcats.

This was the first win at Mansion Park for the Wildcats since a 1-0 win in 2014. As noted by Coach Bill Hook, “Always a tough place to play a tough Altoona soccer team.”

The Wildcats improve to 5-10 and greatly increase their chance at a district playoff berth, now third in the standings, with a big win over a AAAA district opponent. Quad A Altoona fell to 6-5 with the loss.

Senior night at home on Friday is next on the Wildcat schedule, St. Marys the opponent.