NTL BOYS' SOCCER: TOWANDA HAS ONE OF THEIR BEST SEASONS IN A GENERATION (2024-11-17)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Towanda boys’ soccer had their best season in a generation in 2024, missing a district spot by one win as they went 8-10 overall.

“The 2024 season marked a turning point for the Towanda Black Knights boys soccer program,” said coach Tom Lambert. “Historically, the team has faced challenging seasons, often fighting hard but falling short in the win column. However, this year the Black Knights showed a tenacity and determination that set a new tone for the program’s future. Finishing with eight wins, they fell just one victory short of qualifying for districts—a testament to their tremendous growth and drive.

“Under the guidance of their coaching staff and the leadership of key players, the team displayed improved skills, resilience, and a commitment to breaking the cycle of past seasons,” Lambert continued. “The players rallied around each other, supporting one another both on and off the field, and their hard work translated into more cohesive, confident play.”

After a tough season opening loss to Sullivan County (6-3) they rattled off three straight wins over Williamson (3-0), Troy (2-1), and Galeton (6-0).

Two more losses followed to Southern Columbia (3-0), and a tough one at home to NP-Liberty (4-3), but they rebounded with a win against NEB (1-0).

They followed that with close losses to Montgomery (2-0) and Athens (1-0), but then got the season sweep against NEB (3-2).

After falling to eventual NTL champions Wellsboro (8-0), they got a non-league win over Meadowbrook (2-0).

They had another tough loss to Athens (1-0), but gave themselves a shot at making districts with a win over Galeton (2-1).

They needed to win three of their last four games but had tough losses to NPL (3-0) and Troy (1-0). The Knights kept things alive with a 3-2 win over Montrose, but fell 6-2 at Shamokin to end the season.

“From the start of the season, the Black Knights set the goal to change the reputation of Towanda soccer,” Lambert remarked. “Game after game, they brought intensity and energy, securing wins that showcased their transformation and set new benchmarks for the program. While the district goal may have been narrowly missed, the 2024 team proved that the Black Knights are on a new path. This season was not just a success in the win column but also a defining moment for the program’s future.”

Towanda will say good-bye to a talented class of seniors, including all-stars Connor Barnes, Owen Lane, and Jack Wheaton.

However, key cogs such as Ben Shrawder and Mason Harbst return as they look to get just a little bit further in 2025.

“As the team looks ahead, they’ll carry the lessons and momentum of this season forward,” said Lambert. “Towanda soccer fans can expect even more exciting growth and achievement from the Black Knights in the seasons to come.”

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