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MILL HALL--Central Mountain’s boys soccer team defended their home turf on Tuesday night when they pulled out a 1-0 win in double overtime against Mifflinburg in a non-conference match. Both teams battled for over 90 minutes, but Central Mountain used its swift passing up the field, 20 total shots and a late goal from junior Peyton Jones that helped Central Mountain solidify their fifth win of the season.
Central Mountain went to work right away early in the match, but just could not find the back of the net. Central Mountain totaled three shots in the first three minutes of the game as sophomore Lincoln Breon — among multiple players for Central Mountain — barely missed on a score.
"We didn't let down. We were working hard to get the ball back when we didn't have it," Central Mountain coach Billy Hook said. "And going forward I just told them they were playing possessive a lot tonight. And they chose really good opportunities to try and be dangerous and it was finally able to pay off."
From here, the two teams went back and forth, exchanging possession and battling on both sides of the field as Mifflinburg started to pick up the pace on offense. While Mifflinburg started to get their feet under them on a chilly, 42-degree night, Central Mountain kept on the attack. Pierce Long and Jones for Central Mountain kicked beautiful balls, including a ball on the first corner shot at the 21-minute mark, but could not capitalize. With 15 minutes left until the half, Central Mountain already totaled six shots on goal.
But shots on goal was all that would go up for the Wildcats in the first half. Defensively, when Mifflinburg forwards tried to attack, Central Mountain denied anything the away team tried to throw at them. Central Mountain defenders Braylon Gentzel, Bronson Brungard and Isaiah Brinker made crucial stops midway in the half, keeping balls away from the goal.
Central Mountain's defense gave way to their attack on offense to finish the half. Central Mountain totaled 10 shots in the first half with three corners, but time soon ran out and the teams went into the break tied, 0-0.
"The message (at halftime) was that we just had to keep going and not get frustrated," coach Hook said. "It was working and we just couldn't get that final touch on goal. So, I told them we had to just keep pushing and that eventually (they'd) be rewarded."
In the second half, Central Mountain controlled the match, especially with the pace of the game and how they wanted to play. The Wildcats got some good passing down the field when Breon just missed on another opportunity to score. Then, Mifflinburg controlled the ball for some time after Central Mountain's early shots on goal in the second half. Central Mountain's stifling defenders did a good job turning away Mifflinburg's midfielders and forwards.
Central Mountain got a lot of balls through from the corner to the middle of the field. But again, were unable to capitalize. Central Mountain totaled four shots by the midway point in the half, doubling that to 20 by the time both overtimes finished. Zane Cooper, Jack Grieco and Griffin Confer--among midfielders that subbed in and out--helped Central Mountain's push of the ball up the field.
"The fresh legs help a lot with that (staying on the attack)," coach Hook said. "There was a point in the season where we had five guys out at once. So, to have a list of subs that can go every 10-15 minutes is big. And there hasn't been a drop off from starter to sub. There's really no difference in the play."
Central Mountain continued to apply pressure to Mifflinburg's defense and kick shots at Mifflinburg's goalie but he did a good job keeping the ball out the net. The two teams would finish regulation tied 0-0.
In overtime, Central Mountain continued to own possession and momentum of the match, keeping the ball on the offensive side of the field. The Wildcats were persistent on offense, getting many opportunities to score but Mifflinburg's defense kept the Wildcats from scoring. Both teams kept pressure on each other but went without a goal as time ran out for another overtime period.
In the second overtime, just over two minutes into the period, Mifflinburg was called for a penalty as Asher Talbot looked to score as he entered into the box. On the penalty kick, Central Mountain's Peyton Jones netted a beautiful shot to give the Wildcats a 1-0 win.
Central Mountain played a hard-fought match, and it took every ounce of them to pull out the tough win. Central Mountain looks to continue its momentum and the energy they used in the double overtime thriller as they play hosts to Midd-West.
"(We're) continuing to work with them on the energy and how it feels to get results that you've earned, you worked hard for and you accomplished. Whether it's little battles in the game at a time or the overall result, as long as they're focused in on the little things, that's when we've been the most successful," coach Hook concluded.
Central Mountain 1, Mifflinburg 0 (2 OT)
CM- Peyton Jones (PK), 7:10 (2OT)
Shots: CM 20, M 3. Corners: CM 4, M 1. Saves: CM 6, M 8.