Talbot’s two goals lead Wildcats to win

MONTOURSVILLE, PA – The Central Mountain soccer team traveled to Montoursville for a tough non-conference game on Thursday night. Montoursville came into the game 3-0 on the season but left 3-1 after a 2-0 Wildcat win.

The boys hadn’t touched a soccer ball since Monday due to the heat, but you never would have guessed it watching them. A solid first half saw attacks down both sides of the field, and a strong back line. Chances were created, but nothing great enough to get the Wildcats on the board.

The second half was their time. A dangerous attack put multiple Wildcats in front of goal. Jack Grieco had himself in a position to maybe get a shot on goal, but instead chose the unselfish choice and dropped it back to keep it in play. A few bounces around the box, and patience, until Pierce Long laid it off to Asher Talbot who tucked it away on a great first-time finish. The goal was the captain’s first of the year, and he wanted another.

The midfield and back line battled for the next few minutes as Montoursville tried to equalize. Bronson Brungard and Cole Cooper commanded the defense all night, earning another shutout. With under 10 minutes to go, the Wildcats got the second goal they needed to add some comfort to their lead. A great free kick played into the box by Brungard found Talbot’s head, who flicked it behind him and past the keeper for his second goal of the night. Some talk says that maybe Grieco had a flick as well for the assist, but a check of the tape will have to be done before we can confirm.

Luke Simcox and Jaggar Pardoe shared the shutout in goal again. Simcox saw little action in the first half, a keeper’s preferred night, while Pardoe got lots of excitement in the second. Multiple stops from Pardoe kept the Wildcats in the lead, and the back line did a great job cleaning up any scary situations.

Zane Cooper battled for 80 minutes in the center midfield, clogging passing lanes, connecting passes, and switching the fields. The captain’s work can go unrecognized at times by those who only look at box scores, but it does not go unrecognized by his teammates or coaches.

Due to the thunderstorms, the JV game was unfortunately cancelled.

The Wildcats stand 2-0 on the young season. They take the road again next Tuesday in a tough PHAC matchup at Selinsgrove.