By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — One year after scoring a game winner in the 78th minute, Brandon Owens was at it again.
And the Greece Arcadia Titan outdid himself this time.
Owens scored twice in the second half including the go-ahead goal and added an assist as Arcadia (3-1) rallied to beat crosstown rival Greece Athena, 3-1.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM JENNIFER LAEMLEIN.
The production from Owens came after Arcadia head coach Scott Mikulski switched the junior from midfield to forward.
“Putting him up top changes the whole complexion of the game,” Mikulski said. “I like him in the midfield because he controls everything, but he changes so much when he’s at forward.”
Twice Owens took advantage of rebounds to find the back of the net. He alertly followed teammate Nick Pullano’s shot and won a battle in the air at the goal line to give Arcadia its first lead with 25:37 remaining in the contest.
“He has such a good soccer IQ,” Mikulski said. “He’s definitely one of those players who will be there for rebounds.”
Less than two minutes later, Owens doubled the lead when he finished another shot inside the 18-yard box. This time he capitalized on an opportunity off the original attempt from teammate Vadym Leskiv.
“It’s just striker instinct,” said Owens. “The opportunity was there. It’s a matter of going after it.”
55’ Brandon Owens takes advantage of a rebound off a Nick Pullano attempt to give @GCSDATathletics a 2-1 lead over Athena. pic.twitter.com/OSULuszd6Y
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 10, 2025
Pullano leveled the match for Arcadia in the 49th minute with an assist from Owens.
After allowing a goal in the 18th minute, Arcadia’s defense limited Athena’s opportunities for the remainder of the match.
“The back four played fantastic,” Mikulski said of his defenders Najay Green, Braedyn Nix, Nathan Nix and Parker Coleman. “They played so well I didn’t make a change.”
Nathan Aldrich made eight saves for the win.
Last year, Owens scored the game winner in a 2-1 Arcadia victory over Athena. An ACL injury cut short his 2024 season after seven games. He finished with four (4) goals and three (3) assists.
Through four games this season, he leads the Titans with four (4) goals and five (5) assists.
“He makes a difference on the field whether he’s at midfield or up top,” Mikulski said. “It really did change the whole complexion of the second half.”
Landon Ambeau gave Athena an early lead. The senior forward stepped in front of a clearing attempt along the right wing and slotted left-footed shot in the opposite side netting for his fourth goal of the season.
“He’s the kind of kid who will make you pay,” Mikulski said of Ambeau. “He’s such a good player, and I thought we contained him for the most part. That was his only opportunity, and he buried it.”
The same two teams will meet at Greece Arcadia on Tuesday, September 30th.
Athena travels to Brockport for a 5:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday.
Arcadia hosts Pittsford Mendon for a 5:00 p.m. start on Friday.
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