The Tyrone Girls Soccer team is the perfect example of why a team can’t always be judged by their win-loss record.
The Lady Eagles are playing much better than its 2-4 record indicates, and this last week was a primary example with two well-fought games in which the Lady Eagles ended up on the losing side due to two unlucky handball penalties, resulting in game-deciding penalty kicks for the opposition.
The Lady Eagles began the week at Penns Valley on Monday.
The start of the game was controlled by Penns Valley in the midfield, as they continuously tried to break down the Tyrone defense. Tyrone responded, and soon the game settled in with both teams battling for midfield possession.
As the half progressed, the Lady Eagles were connecting passes, keeping possession, and advancing down the field. But despite several good shots on goal, they were unable to get past Penns Valley’s outstanding keeper.
Penns Valley also had its chances in the first half, advancing the ball to the Tyrone 18 on several occasions. The Tyrone defense held their own and did not give Penns Valley a chance to put a point on the board.
After a back-and-forth battle, the first half ended without a score.
As the teams stepped back on the field, both teams came out strong and the score remained 0-0 until an unfortunate handball penalty was called on Tyrone in the box, resulting in a PK.
Penns Valley used this to their advantage and took the lead. Tyrone worked hard to make a comeback, but ran out of time, losing 0-1.
The second game was against Huntington on Wednesday.
Tyrone’s efforts were similar to the Penns Valley game, with high intensity and focus by both teams.
Huntington scored first after they stole the ball in Tyrone’s box and took a powerful shot that hit the back of the net.
Tyrone quickly recovered, and with a pass from Bellwood Junior Captain Briley Campbell, Bellwood Senior Captain Lainey Quick was able to soar the ball right past Huntington’s keeper, tying the game.
The game did not stay tied for long. Huntington stole the ball from the Tyrone defense and scored another goal. The half ended with a 2-1 Lady Bearcats advantage.
As the second half began, Tyrone was determined to tie the game. After multiple attempts, Quick had the chance to take a shot from the middle of the box from a ball from Campbell yet again. She struck the ball and it soared right past Huntington’s keeper.
However, Huntington counterattacked rather quickly. They managed to get the ball down the field and force the Tyrone defense to give up a corner.
Huntington used the set piece opportunity to their advantage, and as the ball soared across the net from the corner, one of Huntington’s players met it and it rocketed past Tyrone’s keeper.
The rest of the half was filled with several shots from Tyrone that were stopped by Huntington’s keeper.
At the 10 minutes mark Campbell had an opportunity and took a shot. The ball was deflected by the keeper and went right to the feet of freshman Emily Houghton. She kicked the ball and it soared, curving right down into the back of the net, which tied the game and gave Houghton her first ever varsity goal.
With the game being tied and there not being much time left on the clock, the intensity was high.
Both teams scrambled to try to secure the lead but failed and the game was sent into overtime.
As overtime began, Tyrone was ready to be the first to score. However, Huntington had other plans. As they all crowded in front of Tyrone’s keeper, another unlucky handball penalty was called, giving Huntington just what they needed to secure the win.
Although Tyrone was dealt unlucky cards, they are still hopeful for the future.
They have three home games this week, including Philipsburg Osceola, Hollidaysburg, and Connemough Township. The Lady Eagle’s Record now stands at 2-4.
