Dylan Sherman scores 5 goals in Montgomery’s rivalry win vs. Muncy
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MONTGOMERY -- With hopes of a .500 season and automatic playoff berth hanging in the balance, Montgomery’s boys soccer team faced rival Muncy in a must-win matchup for both squads under the lights at Montgomery on senior night.
The Indians beat Montgomery by five goals in a lopsided September match, but on Wednesday, the night belonged to the Red Raiders. Montgomery dominated with a 5-0 Mid-Penn victory as senior Dylan Sherman had a banner evening, scoring all five goals.
“Senior nights can be tricky as families pack the sidelines and participate in pre-game activities to send off the seniors, who have dedicated several years playing or the program. There are always added emotions and nerves to step up and go out with the best possible performance in the last matchup vs. their rivals,” Montgomery coach Michael Sherman said. “I too have a son to send off this year. You always have mixed feelings walking your kids across the field as you are happy to see them begin the process of moving on, but sad knowing you are down to the last few games you may ever see them play competitively.”
From the opening whistle, Montgomery played with a spark. Dylan Sherman found the net just 3 minutes, 27 seconds into the match when the last forward received a throw in on the Montgomery side of the field and took matters into his own hands. After a few quick touches in limited space, Sherman streaked down the sidelines, beating the defensive backs and found himself one-on-one with standout goalie Bodie Moyer.
Sherman pushed the shot to Moyer’s right, deflecting off his glove and the ball had enough pace to wind up in the opposite side, netting an early 1-0 lead.
With just under seven minutes to play, Montgomery keeper Conor Irwin sent a ball down the middle and Sherman was able to beat Moyer to the ball and chipped it over him for a 2-0 lead at the break.
Muncy made some halftime adjustments and had several scoring opportunities turned away by Montgomery. With around 25 minutes to go, Weston Sherman chased down a ball into Muncy’s box, making a move towards goal. He was taken down by a defender, setting up a penalty kick. Dylan Sherman went straight to the penalty spot to capitalize on the opportunity. Moyer set up to the left of the goal, almost daring Dylan Sherman to go that way to beat him over shooting to the wide-open right-hand side.
Dylan Sherman elected for a powerful blast over Moyer’s left shoulder for a 3-0 lead and the hat trick.
Dylan Sherman struck again two minutes later after receiving a pass from brother Weston Sherman to go up 4-0 and with under 10 minutes to play, Dylan Sherman took a throw-in from a teammate just inside Muncy’s box and did not happen to get much on it.
The shot was deflected back to Sherman, who was better prepared on the return and fired a monster volley into the side netting to cap off a five-goal effort.
“Dylan was absolutely unbelievable tonight on the pitch. More impressive though was how his team has bonded together with their backs up against the wall,” coach Sherman said. “I told the boys before the game that I was going to give them two thins tonight on senior night: flowers for your parents and an opportunity. An opportunity to go out on this field and have a night to remember for years to come, and they did just that.”
Coach Sherman gave credit to numerous players in the win.
“Though Dylan recorded the goals, the players not in the box score were just as important for our success tonight. Parker Bennett, Gionni Garman, Cody Sechrist, Weston Sherman, Michael Montefusco among others played their best game of the season,” coach Sherman said. “Muncy is a very tough team to beat as it is very difficult to hold Kyran Lisembee scoreless. I have enjoyed coaching against Kyran over the years and always respected his hustle and determination to lead his team.”
The win moves Montgomery to 7-8 with three games remaining. Montgomery heads to Williams Valley on Saturday. Muncy meanwhile falls to 5-8-2 with two games remaining and hosts Loyalsock on Saturday.
Muncy recorded 25 shots to Montgomery’s 12 and Irwin had 13 saves in goal for the shutout victory.
Montgomery 5, Muncy 0
Mo--Dylan Sherman, 3:27. Mo--Dylan Sherman (Conor Irwin), 32:13. Mo--Dylan Sherman (penalty kick), 64:33. Mo--Dylan Sherman (Weston Sherman), 66:24. Mo--Dylan Sherman, 70:33.
Shots: Mu 25, Mo 12. Corners: Mu 8, Mo 1. Saves: Mu 6 (Bodie Moyer), Mo 13 (Conor Irwin).