After an amazing season last year where Juniata won the district championship against Cambria Heights, there is a lot of hope to have an equally successful season. With half of the season completed Juniata has 5 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie. Juniata’s last 2 games were heartbreaking losses, one to Millerburg and the other to our cross-county rivals, East Juniata. The Indians' latest game against the EJ Tigers resulted in a 4-0 loss.
So far in the season Juniata has scored 38 goals, which averages out to 3.8 goals per game. On the defensive side, Juniata has allowed 18 goals, that’s 1.8 per game. Overall the Indians have a well rounded team both offensively and defensively. In the Indians offensive front is Avery Portzline, who is second in the TVL as a scoring leader with 11 goals, and 6 assists. Alongside Avery Portzline in the TVL rankings is a sophomore, Anthony Maradiaga. Anthony is placed 7th as a scoring leader, and 6th as a goal leader. In the league's rankings for assist leaders are Avery Portzline (ranked 3rd), Ricky Guante (ranked 7th), and Anderson Portzline (ranked 8th) are all key players in Juniata’s offense. Defensively speaking, Wyatt Dessin, the goalkeeper is 3rd in the TVL with 73 saves, giving him a save percentage of 82.95.
Currently, Juniata is 3rd in the West Tri-Valley League; Greenwood is 1st and EJ is 2nd. Before the defeating loss against EJ, Juniata was placed 2nd. Juniata’s only tie was against Greenwood, whom they play once again on October 10th.
On senior night, Juniata really proved how well they play as a team. The boys played Halifax, who is ranked 3rd in the East TVL. Although Halifax was able to score a quick first goal, the Indians were quick to respond with one of their own. For the first Juniata goal of the night Arthur Hazard was able to score off a pass from Avery Portzline. 20 seconds after the second half started Anthony Maradiaga scored the 2nd Juniata goal of the night. This quick start is a strong characteristic of the team, they are able to quickly gain and maintain momentum. Later on in the 2nd half Avery Portzline got fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. He earned Juanita a third goal of the kick. The Indians were desperate for a fourth goal to have a strong lead over Halifax, from 20:30-18:40 Juniata had 3 attempts at a goal. Juniata then fouled Halifax giving them a shot at goal, which Halifax missed keeping the score 3-1. As the time to score dwindled, Avery Portzline was able to break through Halifax’s defense and score once again in a one on one with the goalie. Halifax attempted to score a 3rd goal, however J’diel Xoumphonphackdy was able to deter them.