Boys Soccer Recap 9/6

By PA Athletics

The PA boys were edged by Breck 2-1 in their soccer contest on September 16th. The Breck Mustangs began the game with solid position and put consistent pressure on the Lions in all areas of the field. While they maintained much control of the ball, Breck couldn’t generate quality goal scoring opportunities. About ten minutes into the half, PA fought for more control of the game and found some success pushing the ball down the wings to generate crosses. The Lions, however, couldn’t find the connection and continuity they usually have and Breck punished the Lions for being slow to track back defensively with a goal in the 28th minute. Breck then scored again in the last moments of the first half to push their lead to 2-0. (PA’s largest first half deficit of the year.)

Faced with a steep deficit against a formidable opponent, the Lions came out in the second half more connected and strung together penetrating passing sequences. PA’s defense limited Breck’s attack to no second half goals which bolstered PA to continue pressing for a goal. Their chance came at the 76th minute mark with a Breck handball in the box which resulted in a Penalty Kick which Landon Niesen (1) coolly placed past the keeper. The goal boosted the Lions’ attack to blitz the Breck defense and PA won two corners, one of which barely missed the far post. The PA boys showed excellent grit and fight to finish a game where they did not play their best and ultimately gave themselves a great chance to tie. They look to continue their strong season (5-4-1) at home against Blake on Thursday, September, 17th.