NTL GIRLS' SOCCER: WYALUSING FALLS TO ATHENS IN OT THRILLER (2024-09-16)

i>Northern Tier Sports Report
WYALUSING — Wyalusing’s keeper Sophia Alvarez earned her 500th career save but the Rams fell to Athens, 1-0 in overtime, during NTL girls’ soccer action Monday.

After playing to a scoreless tie for 80 minutes Athens’ Addy Wheeler found some space outside the 18 for a shot that was just under the crossbar, and just over Alvarez’s outstretched hands to give the Wildcats the Golden Goal.

“Athens has a really nice team and Mario and I are not disappointed in our girls,” said Wyalusing coach Gary Haley. “It was a hard fought game, it was a physical game. Both teams played hard, and our girls certainly, I thought, played really well. It was just one little mistake, there, we left Wheeler open there, and she had a nice shot.”

Alvarez played another strong game in defeat, having 20 saves, including punching out an Athens ball away from two crashing players. 

“Sophia had some outstanding saves in goal throughout the game,” Haley said. “We had a couple opportunities but was just not able to find the back of the net.”

In the second half they had two free kicks outside the 18 that were just off frame, while Chloe Bennett was able to sneak through a crack in the Athens defense, but the Wildcat keeper was able to deflect the ball away.

Then, in OT, Wheeler let one rip from just outside the 18 and punch it in the back of the net with 7:13 on the clock.

The Wildcats had a 21-4 edge in shots, and 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.

“We’re just trying to figure out that right combination, and keep trying,” Haley said about his team’s offense. “When we get opportunities we’ve got to find the corners, or find the back of the net. We’ve been working on that in practice.”

Wyalusing (5-2-1) will travel to Wellsboro on Thursday with a 5:30 p.m. start.

— — 

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING

Print Friendly Version