MC battles back for thrilling 4-3 win over Lehi on the pitch

<strong>HYRUM—</strong> Mountain Crest overcame three deficits to take its first lead of the game in the 75th minute and didn’t look back, taking down Lehi, 4-3, Wednesday. Josh Worley scored twice for the Mustangs while Josh Barfuss and Andy Cordova each added a goal to help Mountain Crest (3-0-1) remain unbeaten.

MC head coach Mike Gurney was impressed with the effort of his team, especially considering it played its second game in three days with another coming Friday at Fremont. He said it was the most complete team effort he’s seen in the season so far.

“We were really impressive on the defensive end,” Gurney said. “Alex Alvarez, Payton Thomas, Kaleb Thomas and Sean Johnson all played really solid defense today. I was really pleased with how we played even though both teams kept possession for long stretches of time. Even though we got down, we fought the adversity to finish it off with a win.”

Lehi started the scoring on a first-half penalty kick to go up 1-0, and five minutes later Mountain Crest answered with a penalty kick of its own to tie it at the break. Down 3-2 in the second half, the Mustangs scored in 65th and 75th minute to tie and then take the decisive lead. Lehi had six saves to Mountain Crest’s two, but the Mustangs outshot Lehi, 9-5.

Gurney credits teamwork and a deep squad for pulling out the comeback win.

“They’re really cohesive and playing together well, and they realize it takes a team effort,” Gurney said. “The guys coming off the bench give a lift when they go in and they’re making the most of their opportunities. With the attitude we’ve got now, I believe we can go in and compete with everybody. The talent is there, so if we just keep our heads where they belong, I think this team can go a long ways.”

Gurney was somewhat concerned coming into this year about how his players would come together mentally, but his fears have been alleviated by their strong early-season play.

“We’ve been with our seniors since they were freshmen, and we have guys playing well from all classes,” Gurney said. “We really have something. It’s been kind of a surprise how well we’ve been gelling together.”

The Mustangs travel to take on Fremont (2-1-0), Friday at 3:30 p.m.

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