Minersville Trio Shines with Comeback Victory Over Pottsville

Minersville secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Pottsville on Monday, showcasing the dynamic scoring capabilities of their star players: Jordan Bowers, Chase Zimerofsky, and Shane Fessler. Bowers and Zimerofsky currently rank among the top-10 scorers in the Schuylkill League, netting 13 and 10 goals, respectively, while Fessler is a key playmaker, contributing seven assists.

“Our energy is always high when Shane and Chase are around,” said Bowers. “We focus on creating runs on the wings to set up counter-attacks and support each other as we push up the field.”

Minersville faced a challenging start against Pottsville, falling behind 2-0. However, Bowers and Zimerofsky each found the net, turning the game around in the first half. This comeback reflects the team’s overall momentum, as they recently returned from two shutout wins against Shenandoah Valley and Schuylkill Haven.

Fessler highlighted the advantages of their speed, stating, “We have three of the fastest strikers in the league. Our through balls and over-the-top passes work effectively, and our speed gives us an edge.”

As one of only two seniors on the Minersville squad, Fessler plays a pivotal role in leading his teammates to success. He emphasizes the importance of energy on the field, asserting, “If I’m not playing with enough energy, the rest of the team won’t either. I aim to hype everyone up and distribute the ball effectively.”

Bowers expressed pride in his scoring achievements, particularly recalling his first goal of the season against Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg, where he skillfully bounced a shot over the goalkeeper’s head. “We have set plays for corner kicks and scoring opportunities, and my teammates support me tremendously,” he noted.

Zimerofsky had a standout performance during the Battlin’ Miners’ first home game against Shenandoah Valley, where he scored two goals in a decisive 4-0 win. He praised Fessler’s tactical awareness, saying, “Shane always brings great ideas to the field, and he understands the game well.”

Minersville’s offensive prowess is evident, having outscored opponents 45-13 this season, with Bowers, Zimerofsky, and Fessler collectively accounting for 27 of those goals. The team has demonstrated their scoring capability by netting six or more goals in three matches.

Zimerofsky emphasized the bond he shares with Bowers, stating, “We work together both on and off the field. Our track training has improved my speed, which is crucial for our success.” He added, “We share a mindset of determination to win, which fuels our performance.”

Looking ahead, the Battlin’ Miners are gearing up for a challenging final stretch of six matches, including fixtures against Williams Valley, North Schuylkill, and Shenandoah Valley. Their primary objective is to clinch the Schuylkill League Championship, with playoffs set to commence on October 11, 2023, at 13:00.

Zimerofsky reflected on his soccer journey, saying, “Having played since I was young and attending all the Schuylkill League championships ignited a passion within me. It reminds me that I can achieve that level of success too.” The team’s camaraderie and skill continue to drive their aspirations as they strive for league glory.