HS SOCCER: Devils lose heartbreaker in first-ever game, comeback falls short in consolation game

PINE GROVE – The debut of Shenandoah Valley’s boys soccer team in competitive play included an overtime loss and a comeback falling short in tournament play Saturday.

“They played their asses off,” Head Coach John Burke told the Sentinel of the teams after their appearance in the Coach Wyllie Classic in Pine Grove. “I didn’t expect anything less in that first game.”

Shenandoah would come out swinging in the second half, knotting it up within about 15 minutes.

That score would be taken into overtime, and then double overtime, where Pen Argyl scored with about two minutes to go to end it and move on to the final.

“We had problems finishing on the goal, which we’ll work on,” Burke said. “All-in-all, they played their butts off in the first game.”

A half-hour later, they were back on the pitch, facing Wilson in the tournament’s consolation game.

The first half was solidly Wilson’s, who scored twice back-to-back with about 13 minutes left in the half. As time wound down, Wilson scored several more, taking a 6-0 lead into the halftime break.

In the second half, Shenandoah mounted a comeback, scoring three goals but could not muster the comeback, falling 6-3.

He said the short break between games took its toll on the players, but they finished strong.

“Perseverance, I preach it all the time, perseverance,” Burke said. “Don’t ever give up.”

The Devils move on to face Hazleton at their Maple Manor field on Tuesday.

“I know they’re a big school, and it’s not a far ride, so we’ll see how it goes,” Burke added.

Full Photo Gallery – Game 1 – SV v. Pen Argyl

Full Photo Gallery – Game 2 – SV v. Wilson

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Kaylee Lindenmuth

Kaylee Lindenmuth is a Shenandoah native with a passion for journalism and the community she calls home.

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