The Tyrone Golden Eagle boys soccer team opened its season with an impressive 2-1 win over Huntingdon at home on Tuesday, August 26.
Coming off an 8-9-1 season last year, the boys’ soccer team is determined to improve its record. With almost all of the starting lineup returning, the team hopes to make another run into districts, where they fell short against Bellefonte 3-1 in the district semi-finals last year.
The Eagles lost only two seniors but gained two outstanding freshmen: defender Miles Smearman and goalkeeper Jaron Wilson. Star midfielder Ned Smearman is on injury reserve.
Within a minute of the first half, the boys came out relentless and on the attack.
Tyrone sophomore Karter Bokulich scored his first varsity goal of his career off a well-placed top right shot, which slightly deflected off the goalkeeper. Forward Gavin Tuskovich assisted with a cross into the six.
Immediately following the ensuing kickoff, Tyrone came flying out of the gates.
Applying pressure against Huntingdon and keeping the ball in the attacking half. The Eagles dominated possession, with 83% of the game taking place in their middle and attacking third.
The Eagles were exceptional with their possession-oriented tactics, leading to many long balls behind Huntington’s back line. The half ended 1-0 with the Eagles fully dominating the game.
Starting the second half, the Tyrone boys came back out with the same energy as they fought off Huntingdon’s hopes to score.
Junior Cam Nelson led the back line, providing a strong sense of security for the team.
Around 20 minutes into the second half, the boys gave up their first goal to tie the game at 1.
Huntingdon capitalized on a turnover in Tyrone’s defensive zone for the game-tying goal.
However, the Eagles kept their composure and kept fighting back.
Last season, the team had struggled to close out games. A clear flaw in the team led to a 2-3 loss to BEA and a 3-3 tie to Clearfield.
This year, the team has already grown out of this trait.
With ten minutes left, midfielder Tytus Novak sent a through ball in behind the left side of Huntington’s back line, providing a chance for Tuskovich to ultimately score in between the legs of the goalkeeper. Giving the boys the lead of 2-1, sparking the hope to close out the rest of the game.
“It felt amazing to score, but overall it was a team win and a great start to the season,” said Tuskovich.
Tyrone held off Huntingdon until the time ticked down. The Tyrone boys’ soccer team took home their first win of the season. Exceptional performances from Potter Myers, Miles Smearman, and Tytus Novak highlighted the game.
Their record now stands at 1-0-0. On Thursday, August 28th, the Eagles play Philipsburg Osceola ( 0-1-0) tonight at 6 pm.
