(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – The United East Skye Division opener didn't go as Wilson had hoped as it fell to visiting Bryn Athyn on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. The Lions were able to score on a free kick early in the game and make it hold up despite numerous offensive chances for the Phoenix throughout the game.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 0, Bryn Athyn 1
Venue: Kris's Meadow
Record: Wilson 2-7-0, 0-1-1 Skye Division; Bryn Athyn 2-3-1, 1-0-0 Skye Division
How It Happened
- Both teams had chances early with the Lions taking a shot five minutes in that was saved by Phoenix keeper Logan Neves (Fy., Fredericksburg, Va. / Colonial Forge), while Wilson countered with a pair of shots by Connor Bowers (Sr., Hagerstown, Md. / North Hagerstown) and another by Eric Arbogast (Fy., Duncansville, Pa. / Hollidaysburg), two of which were protected by the Lions' netminder Troy Billingslea.
- Shortly after Arbogast's attempt, Bryn Athyn was able to counter and was awarded a free kick outside the box on the right side. AJ Falgiatore placed it into the box on the far post, but no one from either team could get a piece of it and it bounced into the back of the net for the score.
- While it ended up being the only goal of the game, there were plenty of opportunities for both sides to light up the scoreboard more. A good chunk of Wilson's came in the first half as they fired off seven shots with the time left in the frame. Four of those ended up being on goal.
- In the second half, the two teams went back and forth nearly exchanging all 15 shots in the period. The Lions nearly made it 2-0 in the 70th minute before Neves made a big save. Seconds later the visitors had another chance with an odd-man rush, but the shot went hight.
- The Phoenix were able to counter with their best look of the day as Bryson Curtis (Fy., Fairfax, Va. / Oakton) received a pass from the left side on a breakaway, but his shot went high and wide right.
Inside The Numbers
- Wilson controlled the tempo for most of the game and outshot Bryn Athyn 17-10 overall. Shots on goal were a bit more even with the Phoenix up 7-6 in that count.
- The Blue and White made multiple attempts to push the ball up into the Lions' defensive zone. They were a bit too eager at times, however, and were flagged for offsides eight times. Similar circumstances happened to the visitors as they were flagged four times.
- Neves did well between the pipes despite the result and made five saves of the 10 shots faced. He's made at least five saves in all but one game this season.
For The Record
- This was the eighth meeting all-time between the two teams. Despite the loss, Wilson still leads the series 6-2-0.
Up Next
Skye Division play continues and Wilson will start a three-game road stretch as it takes on Clarks Summit this Saturday. Kickoff with the Defenders is set for 3 p.m.
