Emmaus geared up for its much-anticipated showdown with rival Parkland by doing what they’ve done all season long – winning and keeping the opponent off the scoreboard.
Head coach John Cari’s team found itself in a battle in the first half with a much-improved Allen team on Monday at home on Senior Night, but the Hornets pulled away after intermission for a 3-0 victory.
The win keeps Emmaus unbeaten in the EPC as they improve to 15-0-1 and 15-1-1 overall. It was also the 16th straight clean sheet for a defensive unit that hasn’t given up a goal since a season-opening 3-1 loss to District 3 power Cumberland Valley on August 26.
Three seniors who were honored before the game led the offense in the victory. Marcus Puentes got the scoring started with 13th goal of the season in the fifth minute of play to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead at the half.
Senior Ryan Kiernan, who earlier in the game was denied on a penalty kick, converted on his second chance in the 53th minute for his team-leading 17th goal of the year, and classmate Elijah Miller closed out the scoring with his fifth goal in the 65th minute.
Emmaus outshot Allen 12-1 and held an 8-0 advantage in corners. In goal, senior Colin Wilson was credited with one save, while his counterpart, Martin Severo, was busy making nine stops.
Prior to the match, the team honored its 12 seniors — Eli Pennell, Preston Eshelman, Ethan Ervin, Elijah Daly, Marcus Puentes, Aidan Santos, Garran Roth, Elijah Miller, Pecey Santos, Dahlin Allport, Ryan Kiernan and Colin Wilson.
Emmaus will close out the regular-season on Wednesday night at home at 6:30 as rival Parkland comes to Memorial Field. The game will be aired LIVE on The Eastern Pa. Sports Network beginning at 6:10 p.m.
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Emmaus 3, Allen 0
All – 0-0 – 0
Em – 1-2 – 3
Scoring:
Em – Marcus Puentes 1g, Ryan Kiernan 1g (PK), Elijah Miller 1g
JV – Emmaus 5, Allen 1