TITUSVILLE, Pa. — The Clarion River Valley Strikers U14 soccer team survived a surprisingly stronger Titusville team on Sunday, April 30, in Titusville. The sun was beating down and the humidity was unusually high but the Strikers prevailed 6-4 on a come from behind win.
(Pictured above: Evelyn Lerch)
Titusville came out swinging catching the Clarion defense off guard by scoring 2 unanswered goals. The Clarion scoring began when midfielder Austin Coull found Nate Megnin cruising upfield, Megnin passed to forward Evelyn Lerch who scored the first Striker goal. Lerch then found Coull who split the defense for the tying goal. Jordan Thompson entered the scoring fray by handling the ball by himself scoring unassisted to make the score 3-2 Clarion. Goalie Tyler Bingham had 5 saves. The last Bingham save of the first half came when he was in a heap of trouble with no defensive support as 2 forwards split the Clarion defense stopping the booming kick. That save closed out the half.
Wyatt Stimmel
The Clarion defense was holding tight with Owen Kerle, Wyatt Stimmel and Joseph Smith. Logan Leadbetter worked up through the midfield crossing to Coull who shot a rocket above the goalie for a 4-2 lead. But then the tide turned with 2 more quick Titusville goals. Liv Weckerly worked the side with Ryker Bingham keeping the game on balance. Leadbetter chalked up his second assist with a switch to Lerch who found the back of the net again, her second of the day. Koby Buzard kept the ball away from the skilled Titusville forwards playing superior midfield action. The insurance goal was added when Coull found Nate Megnin who shot left with a riser hitting the top left 90 for a 6-4 win. Goalie Bingham made 2 saves on the second half.
Koby Buzard
Coach Kevin Griffin was pleased with his team as they have a 3-0 start to the season. The team was caught off guard by this advancing team in District 7 and will note their increasing capability of scoring.
Clarion travels to Grove City next Sunday to try to remain undefeated and at the top of PA West Soccer’s Lake Division.
(Article and photos submitted by Matt Lerch)
