Hornets Edge Athens 2-1 In Overtime

By: Ed Weaver | NTL Sports | September 13, 2023 | Photo courtesy Sarah Wagaman

A goal not even two minutes into overtime by junior Lucas Cuneo propelled Wellsboro to a 2-1 win over Athens on Tuesday, September 12.

Junior Micaiah Fitch drew a foul and awarded a direct kick in Wildcat territory, where he sent a line-drive toward the goal where Cuneo was there to head it in.

"It was a battle," head coach Todd Fitch. "Both teams fought hard and our guys took advantage of that last set piece and that was something we talked about at halftime, that we felt that set piece would give us a great opportunity and that's what we got there."

After a scoreless first half Athens scored the game's first goal with 24:37 left in regulation on a penalty kick by Mitch Hamilton after he was fouled in the keeper box. However the Wildcats wouldn't lead for long. With 18:12 remaining Wellsboro went on a run near midfield. Fitch advanced the ball up field to junior Noah Morey, Morey then sent a hard shot towards the goal, where keeper Liam Lezak made the save. However, the ball ricocheted back in the vicinity of senior Caden Smith, which he snuck past the Wildcat keeper, knotting the game at 1-all.

Wellsboro did a good job of limiting Athens' chances on the day, allowing just four shot attempts.

"That was the first time this season we didn't have a goal scored on us in open play," Fitch continued. "I was very pleased with that and Athens is a very good squad, so when you hold them to no goals in open play, defense is playing well. Any time you can beat Athens it's a real victory, not only on the scoreboard but you've also beaten a quality team and program. They're very well coached and they play hard, so it feels good to get the win."

Wellsboro took 13 shot attempts on goal and a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Senior Mitchell Butler recorded 3 saves on the night.

The Hornets have now won four straight games to improve to 4-1 (3-1 NTL). The team is back in action on Saturday for a non-league game with Loyalsock.