CLARKS SUMMIT — Abington Heights scored two goals, but that doesn’t tell the story of the game.
The Comets had numerous quality scoring chances either fly over the goal or bounce off the crossbar.
The two tallies, however, were enough as Abington Heights defeated Honesdale, 2-0, in a Lackawanna League Division 1 boys soccer match on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
Abington Heights (6-0-2) registered 12 first-half shots, including five in the first nine minutes of action.
After near misses from Jonathan Rickwood and Evan Florey, Luke Abdalla dribbled through the middle of the box and slipped the ball through the legs of Honesdale goalkeeper Clay Martin in the 17th minute for the first Comets goal.
“We had an abundance of opportunities right out of the gate,” Abington Heights head coach Frank Dyska said. “We didn’t put some of them away, but we capitalized on some of our chances and I think it really set the tone for the game. Overall, I was very happy with the ball movement.
“Luke has really been stepping up throughout the season. He understands his position and role, and I think he helps circulate our ball movement in the middle of the field.”
The Comets struck again when Jimmy Lefchak tucked a pass, from Antonio Maletta, past Martin in the 20th minute.
“I thought we were moving the ball really well early on,” Abdalla said.”We were switching the field and creating opportunities to score goals.”
Martin made two of his nine saves in the final 23 minutes of the first half to prevent Abington Heights from building on its lead.
Abington Heights had 12 more shot attempts in the second half, but the Comets were unable to find the back of the net.
Honesdale’s Nick Bochnovich registered the Hornets only shot attempt of the game, which was stopped by Comets goalkeeper Jackson Danzig, in the 65th minute.
Dyska credited the quick reactions of the Abington Heights defenders for limiting the scoring chances for Honesdale (1-7).
“They were cutting off counter attacks before they happened,” he said. “I think they do a good job reading the play and stopping any offensive momentum for the other team.”
Lefchak nearly added to the Comets lead on multiple occasions in the second half.
First, Martin stopped his attempt on goal off a direct kick in the 63rd minute. His shot from just outside the box in the 69th minute rang off the crossbar and a shot in the 76th minute flew over the bar.
“He’s pretty dangerous from 30 feet and in which adds a nice element to our offense,” Dyska said of Lefchak. “He was a bit unlucky hitting the crossbar and then under the crossbar.”
Abington Heights is scheduled to play at Wallenpaupack at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29.
