East Juniata survives Juniata 3-2 in girls soccer action

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: October 1, 2019

Throw out the records when East Juniata and Juniata high schools battle in any sport.

Monday the undefeated East Juniata soccer team went head-to-head with the Indians.

It was a total defensive affair as the game would be a very competitive one as the Lady Tigers outlasted a spunky effort by Juniata, 3-2.

“We played well tonight. Our back 4 kept our shape defensively and we improved a lot from Friday’sgame against EJ with tracking our marks there and in the midfield,” said Juniata coach Laresa Paden. “ We possessed the ball better and were more dynamic on our offensive end. I am extremely proud of the way the girls played. They played their hearts out. We just need to work on creating more opportunities on our offensive end and finishing.”

The Tigers opened the contest, posting the first two goals of the contest.

Thea Neimond posted an unassisted goal at 18:57.

Twenty minutes later, Marin Varner made it 2-0 when she was assisted by Neimond at 38:34.

Juniata scores its first goal at 21:40 to go in the 2nd half. Ashlyn Pennabaker assisted by Nylah Pennabaker. Ashlyn and Nylah connected a few passes at the top of the 18 and Ashlyn fired a shot off.

Juniata tied it at 1:14to go in the 2nd half. Maci Krieder scored off a direct kick about 35 yards out. She fired a rocket at the top of the net.

However, East Juniata’s Neimond finishes off the game and the scoring on an unassisted goal at 79:15.

East Juniata had 28 shots on goal while Juniata had nine.

Corner Kicks on the night were led by East Juniata 4-0.

EJ Keeper Brianna Henry had seven while Hailey Kepner had 27 saves in the goal and faced 38 shots on goal.

“Hailey played a phenomenal game. She saved us back there a lot tonight,” said Paden. “She played smart coming out of her box and reads the ball so well.”