Undefeated Bentworth trails early but downs GCC, 7-1
GREENSBURG — Bentworth had not faced much adversity in its first four matches in Class A Section 2 boys soccer play, but the Bearcats found themselves in rare territory – losing in a match – Thursday night at Greensburg Central Catholic.
Bentworth had not conceded a goal in its first four section contests in outscoring the opposition, 37-0, but the Centurions found the back of the net when Grant Brewer buried a rebound past DJ Hays for a 1-0 lead with 23:55 left in the first half.
Bentworth had earned three corner kicks and three shots on goal before Brewer’s tally, which was the Centurions’ first scoring threat.
The Bearcats responded to being in uncharted territory with three goals in 5 minutes and 41 seconds for a 3-1 advantage en route to a 7-1 victory.
“That was the first time we’ve trailed all year, so to give seven back and keep the foot on the pedal was huge,” Bentworth coach Nick Malarbi said. “They made a great play down the wing and scored, but our kids didn’t let that bother them. Our guys were playing well at the time, but just gave up a goal on a solid play. If you are going to go down in a game, you want to go down early.”
Ryan Moessner scored the first of three goals at 18:52 of the first half after Greensburg Central Catholic keeper Isaac House stopped the initial shot on goal.
Andrew Vipperman scored on a header off a free kick at 13:53 of the first for a 2-1 lead and Adam Moessner scored the first of two goals 42 seconds later after a corner kick led to a scrum in front of the net for a two-goal advantage.
Bentworth (5-0, 11-0) earned 14 corner kicks while the Centurions (3-2, 3-4-1) had one. The Bearcats put 23 shots on target to Greensburg Central Catholic’s four.
“They are a super aggressive, physical team that imposes their will on you,” Greensburg Central Catholic coach Ryan Kanner said. “We came in with a plan and it worked for a little bit, but I think, unfortunately, they just put a little too much pressure on us, and it got to us in the form of corners.”
Ryan Moessner’s penalty-kick tally came following a foul in the penalty area on the Centurions, and the junior put the shot to House’s right after he guessed left for a 4-1 with 36:45 left in the second half.
Adam Moessner’s second goal came with 29:45 remaining and Austin Hollier scored at 27:23 of the second. Ryan Moessner’s hat-trick came with 22:29 left.
Both Moessners, Hays, Vipperman, Dillan Colbert and Gaige Davenport each had an assist.
Despite giving up seven goals, House made 16 saves.
“Their keeper played an amazing game,” Malarbi said.
Hays made three stops, as Bentworth’s offensive pressure and backline prevented Greensburg Central Catholic from generating many offensive opportunities.
“We really want to put a lot of pressure on teams and keep scoring,” Malarbi said. “We are confident in our keeper, but we don’t want him to have to make a ton of saves.”
The Bearcats return to action Tuesday in section play when they host Chartiers-Houston.
“We can clinch at least a share of the section title if we win our next game, but we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves,” Malarbi said. “We never take any team lightly and we know anything can happen in the playoffs. We won the WPIAL title last year as the seventh seed, so anything can happen. Teams are going to make adjustments and do whatever they can to slow you down.”