Smithsburg boys keep Williamsport under control

October 06, 2006|by JACK HILL III / Staff Correspondent

SMITHSBURG - The Smithsburg boys soccer team had a chance to pick up an MVAL Antietam victory from Williamsport on Thursday, and the Leopards took control.

Smithsburg built a 3-0 lead and then held off the Wildcats for a 3-2 win.

"Our game is a possession game and we were able to control the ball," Smithsburg coach Paul Newman said.

Smithsburg (6-5, 4-1) broke a scoreless tie with eight minutes remaining in the first half when David Kurz scored on a goal through the middle on an assist by Josh Edwards.

James Reilly scored on an unassisted goal on the left side with two minutes to go in the first half to give the Leopards a 2-0 halftime lead.

Smithsburg took its biggest lead at 3-0 in the 59th minute when Edwards scored on an unassisted goal through the middle.

"I do have respect for Smithsburg this year," Williamsport coach Carlos Reyes said. "The speed impressed me the most about Smithsburg. They have got the speed and the size. That helped them get some clutch goals."

But Williamsport (3-4, 2-2) refused to give up.

Brandon Barlow scored on a penalty kick in the 69th minute to put the Wildcats on the scoreboard, and Edwin Reyes scored an unassisted goal two minutes later to cut the lead down to 3-2.

"Williamsport showed a lot of heart being down by three with 12 minutes to go and never quit," Newman said. "I was proud of our guys for maintaining their composure and getting the game back in control at the end."

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