Golden goal with time running out lifts Harriton to 2-1 win over Rustin

With time set to expire and West Chester Rustin and Harriton locked in a tight battle, senior Thomas Wolfington turned on a ball bouncing around in the box and powered it in to lift the Rams to a dramatic 2-1 win in a battle of the top two ranked Class 3A teams in District 1.

The goal off a Noah Duffy free kick from the right flank delivered the unbeaten Rams their 11th win of the season. Duffy headed in a Jax Novodor free kick early in the second half to put the visitors in front but Jackson Hutsell headed in a free kick from Aidan Koch to level the score and later send the game to overtime.

Rustin had a golden opportunity to win the game in the second overtime when they were awarded a penalty but the shot went wide of the post. Harriton goalkeeper Noah Katz, who made a couple of key saves after subbing into the game in the second half and was dangerous in his distribution, guessed the right way and would’ve likely saved the kick if it was on the mark.

With time winding down, Noah Posner collected the ball on the right flank and was fouled near the sideline to set up a dangerous free kick attempt for Duffy, who created the walk-off game-winner with his service.

“I wish we can say that was all designed, but it was sometimes luck is on your side,” Harriton head coach Jeff Rhodes said. “The ball bounces here and there and Tommy is fortunate enough to spot it and finish it but it’s just a full team effort.”

Wolfington is one of 10 seniors on the team that starts or plays significant minutes. The leadership and experience of the upperclassmen has been a key feature in the team’s 12-game unbeaten run to start the year.

“I think a big theme this year has been going as hard as we can until the final whistle,” Wolfington said. “We showed that today and really gave that extra push to the end.”

Harriton returns to Central Athletic League play tonight when they pay a visit to Marple Newtown at 7 p.m.