Gremlins grab glory
KARNS CITY — Eric McCue is a record breaker — again.
It was thought that the Karns City senior forward had set the boys soccer school record for goals scored in a season last week.
But upon further review, McCue was credited with two more goals than he actually had, leaving him one shy of the mark heading into the District 9 Class A playoff match against DuBois Central Catholic Thursday night.
No matter. McCue scored three times, leading the Gremlins to a 6-0 rout of the Cardinals and setting the record all over again.
"I always thought the record was a long shot," McCue said. "It never would have even occurred to me in August (that I could break the record)."
McCue had no idea he broke the record for real against DuBois. In fact, he thought his three-goal performance — including two in the first half that set the tone for the Gremlins — gave him 50 for the season.
Not so fast.
"Eric got it tonight, so that was cool," said Karns City coach Roy Parker. "It was one of those things where I didn't want to tell him."
It seemed to be only a formality as Karns City (16-1-1) dominated DuBois Central Catholic.
The Gremlins outshot the Cardinals 14-2 and put the match far out of reach with three goals in an eight-minute span early in the second half.
McCue scored his third goal less than five minutes into the second half. Justin Ryan found the net less than six minutes later followed by another score off the foot of Ethan McGarvey with 27:08 remaining.
Anthony Easley added the final goal at the 11:30 mark of the second half.
Nick Lopresti may soon join McCue in the record book.
Lopresti had two assists to bring his season total to 24 — three off the school record.
McCue and Lopresti have played together since both could barely kick a soccer ball.
"We've been playing together since we were 6," McCue said. "We have so much chemistry. It's like a quarterback and a receiver."
McCue said he's been able to score so many goals this season because of the talent around him.
"It's 11 starts and there are two more coming off the bench," McCue said.
Parker agreed.
"This is clearly the most experienced, skilled team I have ever had," Parker said.
Karns City will host Coudersport Tuesday at a time to be determined.
While the Gremlins boys rolled to a win, the girls had a tougher time dispatching Forest Area.Emily Olszak scored the decisive goal with 2:54 remaining in the game to give the Gremlins a 2-1 win over the Fires in the District 9 Class AA playoffs.Karns City beat Forest 6-2 and 10-1 during the regular season."Everyone comes to play in the playoffs," said Karns City coach Lisa Castiglione. "Everybody gets butterflies. We got a little bit excited and Forest came out and played an absolute great game against us."It looked as if the Gremlins (11-6-1) would produce another rout early when senior Millie McKain scored less than three minutes into the contest.But Karns City couldn't capitalize on opportunities, allowing Forest to gain confidence.The Fires tied the score on a goal from Amanda Carll with 26:09 left in the second half."Millie had a couple of shots on a couple of breakaways and she missed," Castiglione said. "There are some days when you hit everything but the goal."Karns City outshot Forest 20-4, but Fires goalkeeper Tricia Johnston stopped 12 shots.Olszak had a particularly tough time scoring until she ultimately put the game-winner past Johnston."That was a big confidence booster for her," Castiglione said. "She's always in the right place and always has opportunities, and I'm very proud of the fact she got that goal."Karns City play at Brookville Tuesday at a time to be determined.
