Williamsport edges CM girls’ soccer in overtime
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – The Central Mountain Lady Wildcat soccer team hosted Williamsport Thursday night in what would be a proper soccer match. The contest went to a second overtime before the Lady Millionaires recorded a 2-1 win.
In the first half both teams traded opportunities and chances to score but nothing threatening enough to break the back lines of each team. Most of the game was played in the middle thirds where both teams linked passes and created chances to break forward but could not find an edge over the other team. Both defensive ends of the game shut down anything that was a real threat.
The second half was played at a higher tempo. The referees let the game play out which made it fast and exciting. Although the fans wanted more calls, both sides were given fair amount of them to keep the flow of the game alive and make it an exciting end to end match. The first goal came from the Lady Wildcats as Jaz Anderson chased down a few balls and eventually broke free facing the goal. She was able to play a diagonal ball to Lily Hendricks who had a great first touch to put her towards goal. She unleased a shot to the opposite corner of the goal, over the reach of the Williamsport goalkeeper.
The game continued to go back and forth with both teams having chances. Williamsport got on the board to tie the game later in the second half after they broke down the defensive shell of the Blue and White. The home side continued to pressure the back line of the Lady Millionaires. The Lady ‘Cats did break through the back line and found themselves with a one on one opportunity. The Williamsport goalkeeper came out to close down the space and it was enough for the ball to be sent wide of the goal.
The game finished even and the Blue and White found themselves in their first overtime match of the season. The first overtime continued to be fierce as both teams traded fouls and created opportunities only to be turned away by a stingy defense. The first ten minutes ended without a goal and a second golden goal half was needed to be played. Again, the game did not lose its pace and both teams wanted to win. With the final minutes looming, Williamsport found themselves in a goal scoring position and found the back of the net. Unfortunately, from the Central Mountain perspective, it was a game that should have stayed tied as in the true spirit of the game, it was certainly an even match. Coach Ryan Veltri said, “The Lady Wildcats showed great heart, grit and a response that has not been seen in some time, it was a great testament to how good they could be.”
The JV game ironically ended in a zero-to-zero tie with the home side playing the entire second half down one player. The JV team showed great character and effort by not allowing an extra player against them make a difference. They worked very hard and deserved the result.
On a side note, the game was coached by three former Lock Haven University soccer players in Ryan Veltri (CM), Richard Poole (W) and Beckham Sibiski (W). It was truly a great moment to share with some great friends.
