Previously…

The Penns Valley Boys Varsity Soccer team faced the Huntingdon Bearcats this past Tuesday, October 22nd. This playoff game was one of the quarterfinal games played this week. Bald Eagle served as the Rams’ home pitch for the evening. The bleachers were filled with many excited fans. The Rams entered with a record of 14-3-1, while the Bearcats finished their regular season off with a record of 8-9-1. Penns Valley was ranked 1st in the District 6 Class AA division, and Huntingdon was ranked 8th. Penns Valley had previously beaten Huntingdon 3-1 on PV’s senior night. The Bearcats were looking for revenge, and the Rams were aiming to come out victorious once again.

First Half

The match started off quickly, with both teams playing a fast game on the smooth turf. Penns Valley had the majority of the possession in the first half, with numerous chances on the defending goalie. Eventually, Cameron Martz found a magnificent through ball that penetrated the back line and allowed Nick Limbaugh to round his turn and find a finish on the far post. The score was now 1-0, and it remained that way for the remainder of the first half. Nick’s goal, however, was able to give Penns Valley the momentum they needed.

Second Half

Huntingdon did not give up either, though. Penns Valley showed a new formation entering the second half. They transitioned from a 4-1-4-1 into a 4-4-2 and brought two strikers, instead of one, on the attack. The second half was much more even. Both teams were getting the ball, and there were more long balls than there had been in the first half. Roughly midway through the half, Max King sent a beautiful through ball up to Tyler Mast, and Tyler was able to beat the left fullback and run the ball in to get a hard shot on frame. After a few seconds of dribbling, Tyler launched the ball at the keeper, and with enough power, the keeper was not able to control the ball and it sped towards the top of the goal. It crossed the line. 2-0.

The End Result

The Rams held onto their lead until the end of the match, with the final result being 2-0. Yet another shutout for PV’s keeper Owen Robb. The Rams will proceed to the semifinals, and the Bearcats go home, their season concluding after the final whistle.