Hornets rally in final minutes to beat Loyalsock

By: Ed Weaver  /  October 30, 2015

The Wellsboro Boys Soccer team rallied for a 3-2 win over Loyalsock in the first round of District IV Class A playoffs on Thursday, October 29.

Loyalsock scored with 10 minutes remaining in the first half to take a 1-0 lead at the half, but the Hornets would tie the game, with the first of their three goals, with 24:04 left in the second half. Senior Tucker Worthington lined up for a corner kick and got the ball to junior Josiah Hill for the conversion and the 1-1 tie.

Loyalsock took the lead back over 12 minutes later to make the score 2-1, but the Hornets wouldn't go down without a fight.

Hill, Wellsboro's all-time single-season goal scorer, added to his season total twice more for a hat trick, and made the game-winner. Hill tied the game up at 2-2 with 6:05 left on an assist from senior Dawson Prough, then three minutes later, Prough again assisted Hill for the game-winner.

The Hornets took 15 shots to Loyalsock's 5 and had an 11-1 advantage in corner kicks. Junior Casey Hoover recorded two saves in goal on the night.

"I'm very proud of how the boys battled tonight and responded to a lot of adversity," said head coach John Shaffer. "Coming back from down a goal twice is difficult. To raise your spirits, especially late in a game is not easy. It was not a pretty win and we have a lot to work on but at this point it's about winning and advancing."

With the win, the Hornets improve their record to 16-2-1 and will play South Williamsport on Saturday, October 31 at Hughesville at 2:00 p.m.