Runyan nets 50th career goal in 8-0 win over Liberty

By: Ed Weaver  /  September 27, 2017

Senior Tanner Runyan scored his 50th career goal as the Wellsboro Varsity Boys Soccer team shutout North Penn-Liberty 8-0 on Tuesday, September 26.

After recording a hat trick the night before against Troy, Runyan entered Tuesday's game three goals shy of 50. Just like the past three games, Runyan again netted a hat trick to reach the milestone.

"We created 50 shots tonight," said head coach John Shaffer. "Liberty did a good job of keeping players behind the ball and their goalie made some great saves. They made us work to unlock them."

The Hornets scored 11 minutes into the game as Runyan scored off an assist by senior Gabe Leach to make it 1-0 early. Later, with 10 minutes left in the first half, junior Cam Tennis converted a Leach corner kick to put Wellsboro up 2-0. The Hornets maintained their 2 goal lead into the second half until senior Noah Fitch scored unassisted 11 minutes in to make it 3-0. Junior Brett Rudy increased Wellsboro's with 28 minutes remaining on a solo goal before Runyan completed his hat trick.

Fitch assisted Runyan with 19 minutes remaining, then Runyan scored just three minutes later on a Rudy assist. Senior Johnny Rowland scored the game's final two goals on assists from Rudy and freshman Will Poirier.

"In the 2nd half we moved the ball better and scored some great goals," Shaffer continued. "It's a great team effort to score those goals."

Wellsboro held North Penn-Liberty to just 4 shot attempts during the course of the game. Wellsboro also had an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks. Junior Nate Redell stopped all 4 shots in goal while Liberty's Riley Walker made 19 saves.

Wellsboro also shutout Liberty in the JV game, winning 7-0.

The win improves the Hornets' record to 9-0-1 (7-0-1 NTL). The team will be back in action on Tuesday, October 2 at Towanda.