NTL BOYS' SOCCER: LATE GOAL HELPS NEB PUNCH THEIR TICKET TO DISTRICTS (2021-10-23)

Northern Tier Sports Report
ROME — Friday’s game against Williamson was a lot of things for the Northeast Bradford boys’ soccer team. It was their Pink Out, it was their senior night, and it was their regular season finale. And, after they had won 2-1, it was the match that punched their ticket to the District IV, Class A playoffs.

A penalty kick by Brandon Kuhn in the first half, followed by a very late goal from Cesar Alvarez in the second half propelled the Panthers to the win.

That erased an early goal from Williamson, which gave them a 1-0 lead as they found space in the midfield, and run-outs down the sidelines. 

However, NEB recomposed themselves, as Kuhn and Alvarez were able to create chances for their team. For much of the first half the Panthers squandered some good goal scoring opportunities - loose balls in the goalie box or open shots inside the 18-yard line - before Kuhn drew a penalty in the box.

“The goalie almost saved it, but there was enough spin on the ball after his ave that it hit the post and spun in,” said NEB coach Scott Merritt. 

That seemed to spark NEB for the rest of the game.

“They played so much more inspired in the second half,” said Merritt.

Williamson was in survival mode, and it looked like overtime was coming, but Alvarez saved the day.

“Cesar had a fantastic shot from the right side of the field into the upper left of the goal to give us the go ahead with only a few minutes to go,” said Merritt.

The win improves NEB to 8-8-1, guaranteeing them a spot in the district playoffs next week. Williamson, though, needed this win to qualify, so their season is done.

PHOTO CAPTION: NEB’s Brandon Kuhn and Cesar Alvarez (back) work their way up field…PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING.