An early EPC Skyline divisional soccer meeting on Sept. 5 saw local rivals Northampton travel to Whitehall.

Only separated by a couple of miles it makes this match extra special for both teams. The two teams were going into this game with different intentions. Northampton, coming off a loss to Emmaus (3-2), wanted to get their first win of the season. While Whitehall, coming off its win against Nazareth (5-1), wanted to keep its winning ways going.

Under the lights at Whitehall’s turf complex made for a perfect atmosphere for this closely-contested match. The Kids jumped out to an early lead on a sloppy clearance by the Zephyrs. Jacob Auger was there to pounce on the mistake and give the Kids the lead.

The match was close throughout the rest of the first half, with both teams creating chances but neither being able to capitalize and score.

The Zephyrs came out of the second half with inspiration, energy and momentum - until Northampton’s Joey Tiwold scored a cheeky, chip shot over the Zephyr’s goalie to put the score 2-0. The Zephyr’s didn’t go down without a fight but Kid goalie Brady Rimple was a brick wall. He had eight saves on the night and kept a clean sheet to solidify the win for Northampton.

After the match NHS head coach Adam Bastidas was pleased with the result.

“I’m happy to get our first win and to play so well. It was well deserved, and keeping a clean sheet is nice too,” said Bastidas.

Northampton had a game plan coming into this game and they stuck to it and it paid off.

“We showed that we can play different ways and that we can come into a game with a plan and execute it,” he said.