Wildcat boys’ soccer continues late season surge
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – The Central Mountain boys’ soccer had an enjoyable Senior Night Friday night as they won their second straight game, beating District 9 opponent St Marys (9-6-1) 2-0, to improve to 6-10 and continue their push for a District 6 playoff berth.
The evening started by recognizing the 13 seniors on the Wildcats for the dedication and efforts put forth towards the soccer program. The senior night magic continued right into the first goal. A dangerous corner kick played in by senior Cooper Confer was cleared out of the box by St Marys, falling to Gabe Coakley’s right foot. The senior midfielder took a one touch half-volley from outside the box and kissed it off the inside of the right post to take a 1-0 lead. As Coach Bill Hook described it, “An absolute stunner of a goal that Gabe and the Wildcats will remember for a lifetime.” It was his second goal of the season.
A few minutes later, junior Nate Brinker added some cushion to the lead, placing a well struck left-footed shot to the far post for a 2-0 lead, his 7th goal of the season.
Senior Clay Confer held a shutout in goal, making one save for the night, as his backline of junior Braylon Gentzel and eniors Taylor Weaver and Josh Keibler kept the Flying Dutchmen attack at bay.
Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the goal scoring for the evening stopped there. A combination of struggling to finish and an extremely high line by the stingy St Marys defense gave the Wildcats fits all night. Coach Hook said, “A halftime discussion focused on beating that high line failed to yield the results they hoped for, as the Wildcats continued to force straight long passes instead of the build up and patterns they had available to them. The team will continue to be focused on these goal scoring opportunities moving forward as the Wildcats have two home games left to finish the season: Monday vs. undefeated Brockway (16-0 ) and Wednesday vs. PHAC opponent Mifflinburg (6-8-1).
Wildcat soccer seniors recognized Friday night: Clay Confer, Josh Keibler, Caden Malek, Jackson Walker, Cooper Confer, Noah Bakaj, Taylor Weaver, Bryce Glossner, Clayton Foster, Evan Cross, Logan Myers, Tommy Walker, Gabe Coakley
