Scoring frenzy goes to Wildcats

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Juniata travels to Hollidaysburg for a 4 p.m. game Wednesday

Greenwood travels to Bermudian Springs for a 5:30 p.m. game today

MILLERSTOWN - The Juniata and Greenwood soccer teams treated the homecoming crowd at Greenwood to some terrific soccer on Monday night.

All five goals were scored in the first half, and for most of the half Juniata was able to match goals with the Wildcats. But in the end, Greenwood was able to knock home one extra goal, giving the home team a 3-2 victory.

The game opened up with event play on both sides. During the first 10 minutes, neither team was able to get off a solid shot on goal, while play shifted continuously from one end of the field to the other.

It took until the 27th minute of the half to get the first score into the back of the net, but once it was in, it was hard to stop both teams from burying balls.

The excitement began when Jordann Ferguson made a run down the right side and crossed the ball into the box. Waiting for him there was Jeremey Troutman, who touched the ball past Juniata goalie Corey Ritter for the opening score.

It took the Indians only 33 seconds to tie things up as Colt Brackbill took a pass from Dillon Fulkroad at the 18 and ripped a shot that beat diving Wildcat keeper Andrew O'Shura.

With the score knotted at one, a Juniata defender was called for a trip inside the box, giving Greenwood a penalty kick. Ferguson took that kick, and with 20:29 left in the half, put it in the goal, putting the Wildcats back on top 2-1.

Once again, the lead did not last long. Fifty-nine seconds later, Bryan Doyle took the Indians' only penalty kick of the game and bent it around O'Shura and into the back of the net, tying things up once again.

For the next fifteen minutes there weren't any goals, but play was fast and furious, with both teams making runs at the opposing defense. Each time, shots either sailed wide or the defense would clear the ball out of danger.

The game winner came with 5:01 to go in the first half. Ferguson brought the ball up the left side and centered it to Kyle Fronk. Fronk dribbled past one defender and beat Ritter with a line drive from about 15 yards out.

The goal by Fronk would be the last of the game, but the play in the second half was just as fast-paced and exciting as the first.

Both teams laced shots that sailed wide right, wide left or just over the goal. When they were on goal, Ritter and O'Shura were right there to make the save.

Doyle had Juniata's best chance in the second half when he beat the Greenwood defense and went one-on-one with O'Shura in the 27th minute. Doyle sent a hard shot to O'Shura's right, but O'Shura made a diving kick save to end the threat.

"I told our guys to be on our toes on defense in the second half, but Doyle almost beat us twice. We kind of fell asleep," Greenwood coach Tom Magill said. "We moved the ball much better in the first half, but give Juniata credit - they played a terrific game tonight."

Juniata coach Clint Brackbill also was pleased with his team.

"We thought we had something to prove tonight after getting beat pretty handily by Greenwood at home," he said. "We moved the ball well, played to feet, and gave them a game. We finally showed them how we can play."

Greenwood 3, Juniata 2

G-Jeremy Troutman (Jordann Ferguson), (27:32)

J Brackbill from Fulkroad (26:59)

GW Ferguson PK (20:29)

J Doyle unassisted (19:36)

GW Fronk from Ferguson (5:01)

Shots on Goal: Juniata 11, Greenwood 15

Corners: Juniata 1, Greenwood 6

Saves: Ritter (Juniata) 9, O'Shura (Greenwood) 7