Lucas records hat trick in Mustangs’ 6-2 win on Senior Night
Matt Lucas recorded a hat trick as Laurel Highlands celebrated Senior Night with a 6-2 victory over Greensburg Salem in Section 3-AAA play on Thursday evening at Mustang Field.
Lucas’ first goal came as a result of a direct kick from 35 yards out to give Laurel Highlands (6-4, 8-6) a 3-0 lead with 10:31 remaining in the first half. His second came at 6:05 of the first after receiving a pass from Joe Lemansky for a 4-0 advantage.
Lucas’ third tally came at 34:45 of the second half on another free kick, and Mustangs head coach Jerry Rogers allowed the seniors to exit the game one-by-one to receive an ovation from the crowd.
Nico Johns got the home team on the scoreboard with the first two goals of the match at 26:30 and 13:51 of the first half. Matt Phillips and Kolby Livingston assisted on the tallies.
Harry Radcliffe set up Livingston for the Mustangs’ fifth goal at 37:33 of the second half.
Laurel Highlands keeper Evan McLay started, earned the win and made 12 saves, while Zak Layton came on to finish the last 15 minutes and made four stops. LH had 10 shots on goal.
The Mustangs finish up section play next week with a match at Albert Gallatin (3-5, 6-5) on Tuesday before hosting Ringgold (6-4, 8-6) on Thursday. Both kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Laurel Highlands and the Rams are tied for third place in the section standings. Ringgold won the first game, 3-1, on Sept. 19.
The Golden Lions (3-7, 4-9) scored one goal apiece in the first and second halves.