Boys soccer – In not the prettiest of wins, Hornets survive rival Central Catholic 3-2 on Mattern’s game-winner

Senior Kai Mattern’s goal in the second half proved to be the difference on Saturday morning for Emmaus as the Hornets survived upset-minded Central Catholic, 3-2 in a game played at Muhlenberg College.

Mattern scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season with 14 minutes left breaking a 2-2 tie and giving Emmaus (4-0 EPC/5-0 overall) its third one-goal victory of the season.

Junior Canyon Reinhardt shined in the win for head coach John Cari’s team with a game-high two assists, including the game-winner, to go along with his third goal of the season off a header.

Freshman Brennan Stack scored his first career varsity goal with under five minutes left in the first half tying the game at 1-1.

Central Catholic (2-2 EPC/2-3 overall) managed only two shots on goal in the game, but made both count. Junior Michael Otieno had given the Vikes a 1-0 lead in the first half and classmate Andre DaSilva’s goal in the second half tied the game at 2-2.

For the match, Emmaus outshot Central 10-2 with the Hornets doubling up the Vikes in corners 8-4. In goal, junior Will Peck picked up the win for Emmaus.

The Hornets will return to action on on Monday at 6:30 p.m. as they host Pocono Mountain West.

For the most complete coverage of Emmaus boys soccer, follow on ‘X’ @EmmSoccer and @Emmaussports.com and on Facebook.

Emmaus 3, CCHS 2

Em – 1-2 – 3

CC – 1-1- 2

Scoring:

CC – Michael Otieno

Em – Brennan Stack (Canyon Reinhardt)

Em – Reinhardt (Connor Powell)

CC – Andre DaSilva

Em – Kai Mattern (Reinhardt)

Stats:

SOG – Em 10, CC 2

Corners – Em 8, CC 4

Saves – Em (Peck 0), CC (Baker 7)