SILVER CREEK — The Silver Creek/Forestville Black Knights and Pine Valley/Gowanda Panthers boys soccer teams concluded their league play on Wednesday night in Silver Creek. There were multiple chances and goals by both sides in slower conditions with a lot of rain, as the Black Knights prevailed 4-3.

It did not take long for Silver Creek to get going as they got the opening kick and went down the field quickly into Pine Valley’s end. Darren Jimenez sent the ball through the Pine Valley defense where Alex Procknal was standing in front of the net to put the ball away and give the hosts a quick lead 30 seconds into the game.

In the 12th minute, Pine Valley responded to tie the game. Darwin Westlund positioned the ball into open space and sent a through ball to Wayne Libby for the goal. However, less than a minute later, Silver Creek took the lead again on a goal from Spencer Harford.

Silver Creek kept up the pressure and had multiple chances to add another goal. Jimenez had a tough angle shot that barely went wide, hitting the side of the net. Shortly afterwards, Jimenez kicked a deep ball that was misplayed by Pine Valley’s goalie to give the hosts an insurance goal.

“We did a better job of managing the ball in the final third of the field,” Silver Creek coach Mark Bratcher stated. “We had a lot of chances and it was great to see the quality passes, but we struggled to finish on many of the opportunities. However, we were able to score when it mattered the most.”

Towards the end of the half, Wayne Libby hit a cross that went into the box. However, his teammate missed the pass and the goalie was out of position as the ball trickled into the net. After scoring the goal, Pine Valley had chances to tie the game before half, but unable to connect. The ball stayed within the box for a long period of time with the goalie away from the net after making a save, but the Silver Creek defense hustled back into position to prevent the ball going into the open net.

“We were able communicate and stay spaced on the field,” Pine Valley coach Jeff Housler stated. “We did a great job with the short passes and that opened up a lot more chances for us.”

The Black Knights started the second half the same way as the first half, with a quick goal. Giovanni Pacifici had a quick pass to Jimenez as he had the perfect touch to put the ball into the back of the net.

“Darren is a workhorse who always hustles to get to the ball,” said Bratcher. “He is always one that looks to score and other teams recognize it and try to mark him up.”

The Panthers got themselves back to within a goal in the 70th minute as Wayne Libby scored a hat trick. Evan Frontuto sent the ball up to Libby, who was in the box. After a misplay by the goalie, Libby was in perfect position to place the ball into the open net.

“Wayne is a hard worker who always hustles around on the field,” Housler stated. “It was great to see that he was rewarded with goals. We have struggled to finish, so I am pleased with how we executed our offense this evening.”

Pine Valley was able to keep up the level of intensity late in the game with a few chances to tie the game. Their best chance came with three minutes remaining as Frontuto struck the ball that was deflected wide by a diving goalie. The rebound went to Pine Valley with the ball flying high above the crossbar.

“We had a few mental errors that hurt us in the game,” Housler added. “I am proud of the effort and how we have improved. It was a game with many chances, where we came up just a little short.”

Jeremy Wilcox and Owen Ward each recorded ten saves for their respective teams.

“As always, I am proud of the effort the team puts forth each night,” Bratcher said. “It is a great way to finish league play heading into sectionals as we played well as a team. However, we need to stay focused and play for a full 80 minutes. Unfortunately, we gave up a few opportunities.”

Both teams finish with one non league tune up game prior to playoffs as Silver Creek travels to Chautauqua Lake on Friday, while Pine Valley will host Dunkirk on Saturday.