NTL BOYS' SOCCER: NEB BOYS' SOCCER BATTLES THROUGH TOUGH 2024 CAMPAIGN (2024-11-09)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
It wasn’t the season NEB boys’ soccer wanted, or expected, but they still had a few bright spots in 2024.

“While our record did not indicate the season we wanted or perhaps even what should have been, I am still impressed with all the talent we have,” said NEB coach Scott Merritt. “We were almost always competitive in the early part of the season, we would only show what we were capable of for small periods a game and frankly we gave the ball away all too often with an inaccurate pass or lack movement to receive the ball. But we straightened most of that out.”

The Panthers went 4-13-1 on the season, but eight of their losses were by two goals or less.

“We can play with anyone, and often did,” Merritt said. “Our biggest hurdle in the future is to work on finishes. Too many great attacks ended with a shot way wide or way above the goal or the deadly right at the goalie. Those finishes would completely change the make up of the match.”

They opened with four straight losses, three of which came against playoff caliber teams, including a 3-1 defeat at the hands of district finalists Athens.

They appeared to turn things around with a 3-0 win over Troy, then tied Elk Lake 2-2.

That was followed by three more losses, two by one goal, before the highlight win of their season, a 1-0 victory over Millville.

That was followed by a nail-biter against Troy (3-2), but then a rough stretch of five straight losses.

They ended the season with a 3-2 win over Galeton, then a 2-1 loss to Blue Ridge.

“We only lose two seniors and while seniors are always missed the talent behind them is extremely promising,” Merritt said.

“Our back field is very, very good, led by what i believe are two of the best center backs in the league (Eli Stanton and Dan Barrett),” said Merritt. “And our outside backs gained a great amount of experience this season. Gavin Puza stepped in at goal during a rash of injuries (he himself was injured for half the season) and is an fantastic goalie who loves the pressure that the position creates.

“Our middle of the field has a massive upside as Brody and Ed gain experience and tweak the little things,” continued Merritt. “Anthony has grown the most in terms of play style and abilities, and Tyler is already a menace to all other teams, as he continues to grow and learn touch and reign in his shot selection and aim he will be a massive problem for other teams. 

“Our up top personnel of Carson and Ben combine size thats unmatched by most of the league with a speed that often sets people aback,” Merritt said.

He’s confident they’ll have a better season next year.

“Mostly if we just come together with team/family style play and keep after the little things we will challenge all teams in the league, each and every match,” he said.  

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