By Jeff Richards

Boys Soccer: McConnellsburg 2, Berlin Brothersvalley 1:On October 18^th, McConnellsburg Spartans, as home team, faced the Berlin Brothersvalley Mountaineers for the 12-team soccer league Inter-County Conference Championship played on the fantastic neutral turf field and facilities at Claysburg Kimmel High School.

This season’s first match on October 4^th resulted in the Spartans winning 2-0, with suspenseful, lead-taking goals scored in the second half.  In a similarly close game, Spartan junior center mid-fielder Hoyt Glenn broke a 1-1 tie late to secure another victory.  

In the first half, four minutes in (35:38), Berlin secured the opening goal after the Spartan’s goalkeeper moved forward to cover the ball, which subsequently became loose, allowing for an unobstructed shot into the net.  The Spartans answered four minutes later (31:34) when Gavin DeShong scored on an Ethan Lang assist.  Throughout the rest of the half and into the second half, the Spartans proceeded to outperform offensively with the number of shots and shots on goal far exceeding the visitors.  The Mountaineer’s goalie had his work cut out and deflected and saved many shots on goal.  The game was more so half-field based with the Spartans repeatedly taking the ball at half field after a return kick and attacking the goal using a multitude of offensive team members against the Berlin box defense.  It was not until just under three minutes remaining in the game (2:39) when the Spartans got a free kick outside right of the 18.  With three Mountaineer defenders stacked in front of the goal, Hoyt Glenn showed his skills and abilities as he careened a shot around them, past the goalie, and into the goal, sending the Spartan fan base erupting in elation and cheer. 

Game Summary:

                1    2         F

BBV         1    0  —  1

MCNL      1    1  —  2

Up next: The Spartans, seeded #2 for the first round of District 5 Class A playoffs, are at home on October 23^rd at 6 pm vs #7 North Star.

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GIRLS SOCCER: McConnellsburg 4, West Branch 0.  On October 18^th, the McConnellsburg Lady Spartans, as home team, faced the West Branch Lady Warriors for the 14-soccer team league Inter-County Conference Championship played at Claysburg Kimmel High School.  The Spartans scored three goals in the first half, and one in the second to showcase their offensive dominance and defensive blockade with their sixth straight shutout.

The first goal came at 13:36 when Gemma Gordon received a pass from Serenity Rengifo.  The second goal was a minute later by Serenity Rengifo on a rebound.  The third goal came with four seconds remaining in the half when Zoe Mellott connected down low after Rengifo delivered one of her renowned corner kicks.  In the second half, after 25 minutes, Gordon connected again down low.

Overall, the Spartans dominated in shots and shots on goal.  West Branch, the undefeated ICC West division leader, was stifled by the Spartan striking offense and persistent rock-solid defense.  The defense group included fullbacks Brookelynn Gelvin, Molly McKelvy, Laynee Hendershot, and Brayden Barnes, also Kya Washabaugh as goal-keeper who saw only marginal offensive action from West Branch.

Notable stats: the Spartans extend their season shutouts to 12 and win streak to ten outscoring their opponents by an average of 5 goals.  The team has won 11 games by three goals or more this season.  They’ve won 12 of their last 13 contests and scored 61 goals over those.  

Game Summary:

               1    2         F

WB         0    0   —  0

McClbg   3    1   —  4

Up next: The Lady Spartans (17-2, 11-1 ICC-S), seeded #1 for the first round of District 5 Class A playoffs, are at home on October 22^rd at 6 pm vs #8 Berlin.