Boys’ Soccer: Wildcats fall to Trojans 2-1

October 18, 2007

By Jeffrey Kauffman
Last updated: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 1:44 AM EDT
Sentinel Reporter
Sportsdoor@cumberlink.com

The Mechanicsburg boys’ soccer team played possibly its best game of the season Tuesday, dominating Hershey or much of the game. However, the Wildcats still ended up on the losing end of a 2-1 decision at the Northside Soccer Pitch. Mechanicsburg (9-3-2 Keystone, 13-5-2 overall) got off to a quick start in the game, as Gaetano Pannuccio nailed a penalty kick in the first three minutes. John Arnold broke through the defense and was taken down, creating the penalty shot situation for Pannuccio. The Wildcats out-shot the Trojans 12-3 over the course of the first half, but could not dent the back of the net. A wild flurry in front of the Hershey cage at the 20-minute mark, but the ball didn’t bounce the right way for the Wildcats — Jonathan DeNicola hit the post, and
Arnold’s follow-through in the box somehow didn’t make it across the goal line, and was finally covered by Trojan keeper Mike Walmer. Hershey did have a couple of chances, utilizing the speed of Kyle Patrick, arguably one of the Mid Penn’s top players, but his chances were stopped by Wildcat goalie Sam Burkholder. DeNicola and Arnold combined for another scoring opportunity late in the half, but DeNicola’s shot hit the crossbar. “Hershey is dangerous, and Patrick is dangerous up top,” said Mechanicsburg head coach Tony Lougee. “In the second half, we broke down, and we were out of our shape. But overall, I thought we played very well.”

Hershey came out quickly in the second half, with Patrick forcing a 1-1 tie. Kurt Heffner fed a long ball to Patrick. He split two defenders and was able to slot a ball low past Burkholder. It was Patrick’s 28th goal of the season, and his 18th Keystone Division-game score.

Patrick had another chance just minutes later, but Burkholder was in position and knocked it down, with teammate Will Laubach there to clear the ball out defensively. Hershey (10-4 Keystone, 14-5 overall) finally got the go-ahead goal in the second half on a perfect cross from Patrick to Max Howie, who simply had to nod the ball home. The goal came at the 65 minute mark. Mechanicsburg had several good scoring chances over the final 25 minutes, but the Hershey defense blocked shots or the ball was hit right to Walmer. One ball passed Walmer, but Heffner was there to clear the ball off the goal line and out of danger. “We had a ton of chances and opportunities, but we had some bad luck” said Lougee. “We had some real good looks, but we missed a couple and that will happen. It will be tough but if we play in Districts the way we played tonight we’ll be okay. “All of our seniors did a good job this year. They all worked hard, their roles have changed where they are at, but the guys have been great. Guys like Ryan Bailey and Jon Quigley are young individuals with great character. Greg Bretz, Chris White, and Guy (Pannuccio) worked hard and freshman Ryan Steele played very well tonight. I thought all the kids played very well tonight. Everybody who went out there did a great job.” Mechanicsburg will advance to the District 3 Tournament. More information on the Wildcats’ first-round opponent will be provided when known.

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