The Tamaqua boys’ soccer team made all the right moves Wednesday against Lehighton to record a 2-1 Schuylkill League victory.

The Blue Raiders took an early lead when Zack Campomizzi blistered a shot into the net thanks to a Tyler Steigerwalt assist at the 31:57 mark of the first half. They then added what turned out to be a much needed insurance goal with 27:52 to play in the contest when Michael Shlanta scored unassisted.

Those scores were enough to keep Tamaqua undefeated at 2-0 in Division 1 of the Schuylkill League. Lehihgton falls to 0-3 in the league and division.

Although the Indians were trailing throughout the contest, they nearly came roaring back in the last six-plus minutes as they cut into the deficit and had multiple tries at a tying goal.

Fortunately, Luke Verta had his A-game in the net. The senior was tested time and again late in the contest when the visitors kept rushing in and trying to make something happen.

“We changed our defense tonigh,” said Tamaqua first-year head coach Jim Fisher. “We moved some people around, placed them in different positions and it worked out just fine.”

That defense featured Alex Barron, Justin Lewis, Nate Zeigler, Ryne Fisher and Brady Sherry.

“I thought we had it,” Fisher said when asked about the late surge on offense from Lehighton. “This group has been around a long time, but we’re learning and every game we’re trying to improve.”

The same can be said of Lehighton.

The Indians didn’t ignite the engine until late in the contest.

“It takes us a while to get going,” said veteran Lehighton head coach Dave Yob. “Monday, we scored with three minutes left, today six minutes left.”

Even though the Indians have yet to put one in the win column, they did make a push that showed positive signs. When Carter Strauss scored the team’s lone goal, thanks to a Logan Lucas cross, there was enough time on the clock (6:22) for the Indians to add another score.

“We had some opportunities throughout the game, it’s going to come,” Yob said. “The kids are working hard. The results will come. I’m really pleased with the last two games.”

SENIORS STEP UP ...

Senior Night was special for the Blue Raiders’ Campomizzi, Steigerwalt, Shlanta and Verta who all stepped up big. Tamaqua held its normal late-season festivities during the opening week in this uncertain COVID-19 season.

KICKING IT AWAY

… Tamaqua was pressured late in the game after the Indians scored and the Raiders maintained their focus and turned away several runs the Indians kept making.

BY THE NUMBERS

… In goal for Tamaqua, Verta turned away six shots. The Raiders had 13 shots, and seven corner kicks. The Indians had seven shots and six corner kicks. Goalkeeper Caleb May was credited with six saves.