Wildcat boys’ soccer takes finale, finish 9-6, prep for districts

MIFFLINBURG, PA – The Central Mountain Wildcats boys’ soccer team traveled to Mifflinburg for their regular season finale on Tuesday afternoon. The 4:00 kickoff and gray skies made for a dreary start to the game. But the visitors persevered and pulled out a 2-1 win.

Mifflinburg would strike first less than a minute into the game. The Wildcats were not prepared for the start, and it showed early. The first half wouldn’t see any more goals, as Mifflinburg kind of controlled the tempo and the Wildcats tried to find their footing. A few half decent chances came CM’s way, but nothing that scared Mifflinburg.

The second half saw a complete reversal of control. The Wildcats tied it up just 90 seconds in. CM won the opening kickoff from Mifflinburg and then did not turn it over for 90 seconds, capped by Peyton Jones beating a defender and getting into the box, before sending a beautiful cross to the far post and the waiting Griffin Confer. The sophomore tucked it away for his third goal in as many games. The assist was Jones’ third of the season.

CM’s energy and momentum wouldn’t get them a second goal too soon. Possession was still in their favor, but chances were less dangerous. The defense tightened up in the second half, playing fantastically, and Luke Simcox made a few saves to keep the score knotted at 1.

Finally, with 12 minutes left, Isaiah Brinker sent a fantastic cross driven across the goal where Senior Pierce Long was waiting for the header. It was a beautiful goal, and well deserving of the game winner. It was Long’s third goal of the season, and Brinker’s third assist.

Ironically, Pierce Long scored the game winner in the season opener vs. Altoona back in August, and now scored the game winner in the regular season finale.

The Wildcats will now wait for their district seeding and game times which should be out this coming weekend. The Wildcats are currently third in District 6 AAAA, with a likely away game (and rematch) at Altoona. State College is currently in first in the district, waiting for their future opponent.

CM  0 – 2 = 2

M   1 – 0 = 1