Mustangs rally late to win opener

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina/Lyndonville’s Krisitian Snyder attempts a sliding shot during today’s game against Tonawanda at Lyndonville as Warriors goalie Adam Moore comes out to make the stop.

A late two goal rally earned Medina/Lyndonville a 2-1 win over Tonawanda this afternoon in a non league season opening soccer game at Lyndonville.

The Mustangs, after having one shot rattle off the post and three others just miss on wide open net opportunities earlier in the second half, finally pulled even when Vassilios Bitsas scored off an assist from Ethan Leonard with 6:42 remaining.

Keeping the momentum, the Mustangs then scored the game winner with 2:30 remaining when Krisitan Snyder tallied on a breakaway off an assist from Bitsas.

“I’m just really proud of the guys for not giving up,” said Coach Steve Luksch. “We hit the post to open the second half and Tonawanda came right back down and scored but we didn’t quit. They just kept playing and showed a lot of heart.”

Tonawanda had grabbed the 1-0 lead just 1:02 into the second half on a breakaway goal by Aaron Holler.

Medina/Lyndonville’s Trenton Jones, right, advances the ball up field against Tonawnda’s Nick Bitter

“Tonawanda made it to the sectional semis last year and they return most of that group,” said Luksch. “They are a good team so this was a good opening win for us.”

Medina/Lyndonville next visits Park on Tuesday in another non league contest.

Holley Tournament
A thunderstorm forced the postponement of this evening’s Holley boys soccer tournament semifinal game between Roy-Hart and the host Hawks.

The game has been rescheduled for Thursday evening following the 6:30 p.m. Holley vs. Albion girls tournament semifinal.

Alden did defeat Batavia 6-1 this evening in the first semifinal which was halted by the thunderstorm with 13 minutes to go.