Boys soccer: Indians nudge Wildcats, 2-1
Trending
MIFFLINTOWN — Offensively, the Juniata boys soccer team has been putting up the numbers in their first two games scoring a total of 13 goals while holding their opponents scoreless.
In the battle of the unbeatens Tuesday, Juniata (2-0) met up with Halifax in boys soccer Tri-Valley League action.
The Indians would remain undefeated as they got a goal late from Jackson Shellenberger to break up a 1-1 stalemate, winning 2-1.
"First off, Coach Hogan for Halifax, we’ve been friends for years. He does a phenomenal job with his group. This game could have gone either way tonight," said Juniata coach Jared Byler.
"Both teams played their heart and soul out on this field. Just really proud of our guys. I was proud of their effort, but for our guys to grind and grit out a win like this against a very, very good opponent, I mean, I don’t know if there’s a word better than proud, I would use that, I’m just so proud of our guys."
The Indians look to keep things rolling along as they lined up against the Wildcats.
Defense was the name of the game in their first two first half. Both teams were stingy in the back-third.
Juniata had the first corner in the opening minute but the shot was saved by Wildcats goalie Finn Murphy. Murphy was very active in the first half as he collected four saves in the first 40 minutes.
Both teams had its outside running lanes working until late in the run as the defenses collapsed keeping any potential goals off the board.
Speed did not play a factor at all in the first.
At 17:48 left in the opening period, the Indians got on the scoreboard . From the Middle of field Chase Hartland pushed the ball up the field and sent a blast at the Halifax goal that would hit the back of the net, making it a 1-0 contest.
Both teams continued its outside pressure but time after time the teams were shut down sending the game into the second half with Juniata holding a slim 1-0 advantage. For the Indians, it was their fifth consecutive scoreless period.
Early in the second half, the Wildcats knotted things at one. Micah McCarron blasted a shot that hit the top left hand corner of the goal, tying things at One at the 35:00 mark.
Juniata responded strongly as the started to put a barage of shots at the Wildcats goal.
As the time ticked off the clock the intensity on the field increased as both team's took their best shots at their opponent.
Juniata had two shots that bounced off the goal poles while the Wildcats had one.
Halifax goalie Murphy captured two clutch saves under the six minute mark to keep the game in a tie.
However, Shellenberger found an opening and sent it through for the 2-1 advantage.
That would be the only goal they needed as they continued on to the win.
Juniata is back in action next Monday as it hosts St. Joseph's.
Juniata 2, Halifax 1
H 0 1 -1
J 1 1 – 2
Scoring
First half
J – Chase Hartland unassisted, 17:48.
Second half
H – Michael McCarron unassisted, 35:00.
J – Jackson Shellenberger unassisted, 3:16.
Shots on goal: H – 11. J – 19.
Corners: H – 3. J – 3.
Saves: Finn Murphy (H) 11, Nolan Imes (J) 4.