Big early second half scoring burst keys Albion to first round sectional soccer win

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Damon Taylor tries to send the ball to the goal off a corner kick opportunity during the Purple Eagles sectional win over visiting Pine Valley/Gowanda this afternoon. Backing up the play is Adam Burgio (23).

A lightning quick three goal scoring burst in the first three minutes of the second half keyed No. 16 Albion to a 5-1 victory over visiting No. 17 Pine Valley/Gowanda this afternoon in the opening round of the Section VI Class B playoffs.

Breaking away from a 1-1 half-time deadlock, Albion took control with that decisive scoring burst as Garret Jones scored all three goals two coming off assists by Brendan Smith and one by Alakai Colmenero.

Jaili McPhatter netted the Purple Eagles final goal.

Jones also scored Albion’s lone first half goal off an assist from Smith.

Albion, which is 3-13-1 overall, will now visit top seeded Lafayette (11-1, 12-4) tomorrow at 5 p.m. in the pre-quarterfinals.

Andres Morillas scored in the first half for Pine Valley/Gowanda which gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead.

Pine Valley/Gowanda finishes the season at 0-15.

Albion’s Brendan Smith puts a shot toward the goal.