Payson Roundup

Andy Towle/Roundup - atowle@payson.com

In the Payson Invitational tournament held Sept. 26 and 27 at Rumsey Park, the Horns took on Verde Valley.

Phil Leibundgut’s hat trick in the first 17 minutes of the second half lifted the Longhorn soccer team to 7-1 win over St. Michaels.

The foreign exchange student’s three goals were scored after Payson started sluggishly in the Sept. 24 game at Rumsey Park.

In the first half, the Horns scored just one goal that coming in the sixth minute when Shane Crisp tallied from the top of the box. Trae Dunman was credited with an assist on the score.

“The second half was quite a different game,” coach Chad Gower said.

In addition to Leibundgut’s trio of scores, Jerry Renteria, Dakoda Wholly and Omar Guerra also tallied in the second half onslaught.

Assists were awarded to Wholly, Crisp, Dunman and Renteria.

Also in the East region fray, St. Michaels received a penalty kick for a push in the box but the shooter misfired wide and to the left.

Payson had 29 shots on goal and St. Michaels took 12.

Payson goalie Keith Williams chalked up seven saves.

The win improves the Longhorn’s record to 7-3-1 overall and 2-1 in the region.

The Horns now host Round Valley at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Rumsey Park. The Horns also host Show Low Oct. 8 and Blue Ridge on Oct. 15.