Needs helps TCA prevail in a thriller

As The Christian Academy boys soccer team found out Friday, staying unbeaten isn’t easy.

The Crusaders needed a goal in the final minute of regulation and another score four minutes into the second overtime to rally for a 3-2 victory over Atlantic Christian in Tri-State Christian Conference soccer action.

Brit Haseltine won it with a header off a header from Evan Needs, who finished with a goal and two assists. However, TCA (6-0-1 overall, 4-0 league) would have suffered its first loss of the season had it not been for Mahom Kenna’s goal off a corner kick in the 80th minute. Needs had the assist there, too.

Strong play in the midfield from Tyler Skaer and Anthony O’Brien in the second half enabled TCA to overcome a 2-1 halftime deficit.

In nonleague action:

Sun Valley 2, Chichester 1: Josh Lehrberger won it on a penalty kick with nine minutes left in the game. Ben Golder also scored for the Vanguards. Austin Wilson tallied Chi’s goal.

Devon Prep 3, Academy Park 0: Emmanuel Ortiz made seven saves in goal for the Knights (2-4-1). Andrew Shannon, Gabe Pallante and Andrew Kramer scored one goal each for Devon.

In the Central League:

Strath Haven 2, Upper Darby 1: Goals from Ahmir Gordon and Josh Mason lifted the Panthers over the Royals in a late game from Thursday night.