AFTON - The Afton/Harpursville boys soccer team welcomed Charlotte Valley for the first game of the 2023 season. The defending MAC league champions defeated the Wildcats 9-1 in a non-league contest. Afton/Harpursville returned several key returners from the 2022 season and the team stayed active in the offseason to prepare to defend their title this year.

Bobby Mercilliott, who led the team in goal scoring in 2022, contributed with a team-high three goals in Thursday morning's victory. Ryan Dawson, Equan Patterson, and Toni Obeada each scored two goals each.

Obeada led the Crimson Knights with three assists on the day while Dawson and Patterson each had two. Afton was also fierce on defense and held Charlotte Valley to just one goal and two shots on goal.

Afton/Harpursville is competing in a tournament on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. On Tuesday, the Crimson Knights will host MAC opponent Bainbridge-Guilford while traveling to Downsville on Wednesday to face Margaretville.

Final Score:

A/H 9 - CV 1

Goals:

A/H: Bobby Mercilliott 3, Ryan Dawson, Equan Patterson, and Toni Obeada 2.

CV: Ezra Ontl

Assists:

A/H: Toni Obeada 3, Equan Patterson & Ryan Dawson 2.

Shots on Goal:

A/H 20-CV 2