Shamokin stifles CM girls soccer, 3-0

COAL TOWNSHIP, PA – The Central Mountain Lady Cats soccer team made the long Tuesday trek to Shamokin in what would be the third senior night celebration already this season and lost to the home side by three goals, a 3-0 final.

Coach Ryan Velri said the field, a muddy grass field with goals that had an inward slant made it tricky to play on and it took a little bit of time for the visiting team to adjust to. It didn’t help with the first drive, a bit of miscommunication and an unlucky bit of play, the Lady Wildcats scored an own goal and found themselves chasing the game from the early stages. The home side got a second later on in the half, but the Lady Wildcats did put some pressure on the Shamokin Indians throughout the half. Big saves from the young goalkeeper kept the Lady Wildcats off the board.

The second half started off strong for the home side but after a bit of composure the Lady Wildcats took advantage of some of the pre-game management discussion and moved the ball around and created chances on goal. Lily Hendricks, Taylor Campbell, Haleigh Peters, Kendall Veltri and Halle Lodek all had moments where a little bit of luck; their chances may have hit the back of the net. Maybe a little coaches bias but the visiting team was a real threat in the second half and caused concern for the home side. Enough that, the ‘Cat coach said, the home side helped the referees make some very questionable calls. The Lady Wildcats put a lot of pressure on the Shamokin back line. With the dying minutes of the game and the visiting team pushing to score, the home team put in a cross that turned into a shot and that was the final tally of the night.

Coach Veltri said afterwards, “A much improved performance from the team, looking to continue to improve while also learning specific aspects and nuances of the game.” He said the Lady Wildcats are on the road again Thursday when they travel to Williamsport. Maybe it will be a senior night celebration once again?