Friends Turned Rivals: Loff’s Late Goal Lifts Valley View Over Mid Valley

By: SportzWire | Sportzwire | August 28, 2025 | Photo courtesy BLSportsPhotography.com / Brad Loff

Thursday night’s matchup between Valley View and Mid Valley was more than just a non-conference soccer game. For many of the players on the field, it was a reunion of sorts — teammates who have played alongside one another for years, now facing off as rivals before joining forces again this fall with Anthracite FC.

The first half was a tense, defensive battle that ended scoreless. Both sides traded chances, but neither could find a breakthrough. That changed late in the second half when Gavin Walsh slipped a perfect ball into space and Braden Loff finished it off, scoring the game’s lone goal.

Valley View’s defense locked down from there, keeping Mid Valley off the board and securing a 1-0 win in front of their home crowd. The clean sheet gave the Cougars their first victory of the season, evening their record at 1-1, while the Spartans dropped to 2-2.

Beyond the scoreboard, the night carried a special meaning. These players know each other well, having shared countless minutes on the pitch together in past seasons. Soon, several will be back on the same side once again, wearing the Anthracite FC badge as they begin another campaign together.

Next up, Valley View heads into a Saturday morning test against Wyoming Area, while Mid Valley will host Carbondale Area in their own Saturday showdown.

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