TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bellefonte's Elijah Davis (29) leads a huddle ahead of a boys soccer game against Bald Eagle Area on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at Rogers Stadium. Davis had ten saves in Thursday's 6-0 loss to Juniata.

BELLEFONTE – In a battle of top Laurel Highlands and Tri-Valley League teams, the Juniata Indians traveled to Bellefonte in a tune up for both squad ahead of the upcoming postseason. On Thursday night at Rogers Stadium, the Indian offense was able to defeat the Red Raiders, 6-0.

“First, hats off to Bellefonte and Scott Martz as they have a great program. I don’t believe the scoreline reflects the quality of who Bellefonte is,” said Juniata coach Jared Byler.

“I think we just caught them on a night where they just weren’t playing to potential. I know them and they are a very, very good team. Our guys played well and we caught them coming off a back-to-back night. Things just kind of lined up for us.”

After the two teams settled in, a back-and-forth battle for possession would kick off the contest. However, it wouldn’t take long for one team to get out in front, as the Indians broke out to an early 2-0 lead just ten minutes into the outing.

Anthony Maradiaga got the scoring started as he capitalizing on a good pass from Landon Beward, sending it past the Red Raider goalie Elijah just under eight minutes in. And before Bellefonte’s defense had a chance to settle back in, Juniata’s offense struck again.

Daniel Lopez called his own number as he blasted an unassisted gal at 29:49, making it a 2-0 advantage. Defensively, the Indians were then able to keep the Red Raiders in check, allowing just four shots on goal overall while their offense churned out ten.

With the Juniata offense providing the defense as well, the Indians found itself back on the board just past the midway point of the first. Chase Hartland pressed the goal area before chipping in a goal as the Indians continued to build on their early advantage.

Bellefonte would hit its first shot on goal at 19:02. But, as the fist half continued to dwindle down, Juniata kept adding insurance, with Maradiaga’s second goal upping the Indians’ lead to 4-0 with 13:43 left in the half.

Bellefonte was able to push the ball down late and started to knock on the door. But strong backline play from Juniata was enough to keep Bellefonte at bay and take a 4-0 lead into the intermission.

“We came out to start, moving the ball well in the first five minutes. We just lost it,” said Bellefonte coach Scott Martz. “They did a really good job of taking us out of our offense. They had every one of our guys upfront man marked so we could not get the ball to our guys upfront. They did an excellent job defensively.”

Juniata led in shots on goal at the half 10-4 while their offense churned. Red Raiders held a 4-3 advantage in corner opportunities.

In the second half, the Indians continued to swarm to the ball and establish its attack, consistently finding themselves in Bellefonte’s box with continuous scoring opportunities.

Bellefonte continued to battle, especially on defense as they were able to keep the Indians from allowing more goals. Davis was automatic in the second thwarting numerous Juniata shots.

However, Juniata had its own defensive success, continuing to smother any potential Bellefonte long drives. The Red Raiders were only able to have short spurts of runs in the Juniata defensive end.

With the clock under nine minutes, Bellefonte’s Keegan Timblin had a breakaway attempt but his shot was stopped by Juniata goalie Nolan Imes. Two minutes later, Juniata got its next-to-last goal from Josue Osorio to make it 5-0. Cooper Adamire also added a goal minutes later, upping the Juniata lead to 6-0, which would hold until the final buzzer.

Juniata will be back in action on Saturday against Mifflinburg. Then Monday, the Indians will host Millersburg at Dietrick Field at 7 p.m. Bellefonte will be back home to play Monday, as they host Penns Valley at 6 p.m.

Juniata 6, Bellefonte 0

JUN 4 2 – 6

BEL 0 0 – 0

J – Anthony Maradiaga (Landon Beward), 7:58. J- Daniel Lopez (unassisted), 10:11.J – Chase Hartland (unassisted), 20:11. J – Maradiaga (unassisted), 26:17. J – Josue Osorio (unassisted), 33:14. J – Adamire (unassisted), 36:47.

Shots on goal: JUN – 20. BEL – 8. Corners: JUN – 6. BEL – 4. Saves: JUN – 4 (Nolan Imes). BEL – 10 (Elijah Davis).