A Little Bit of Everything

This morning the Aces took on Downingtown West, with a spot in the District 1 Final Four, and PIAA State Playoffs on the line. The Whippets had some early field advantage, but could not generate much offense, other than off restarts. For the 2nd straight game, LM's first touch was a little off, but they made up for it with great hustle. They did have a few scoring chances, but couldn't capitalize, and the 1st half ended 0-0. Ten minutes into the 2nd half the Aces were awarded a penalty kick, but shot wide right. The momentum switched right over to Downingtown, and with less than 18 minutes remaining, the Whippets took a 1-0 lead, coming from a mis-played ball in the Aces box. For the next 17 minutes the LM players took it up a notch, getting numerous opportunities to tie the game, but couldn't solve the Whippet's keeper. Then, with 7 seconds left in the game, the Aces were awarded a free kick from about 45 yards out. Senior Jonny Dolezal, pushing up from his regular sweeper spot, pounced on a rebound and with only 1.3 seconds showing on the game clock LM had tied it up. Amazing.

Two 15 mnitues sudden-death overtime periods would be played, with the Aces riding high on momentum. Depite LM controlling most of the 1st overtime period, and getting a couple of real good scoring chances, the game remained tied. Midway through the 2nd overtime period, Aces senior Israel Nunoz made a fine move on the baseline and centered the ball to an unmarked Max Tassano in front of the net. Tassano couldn't find the handle in time and the ball was shot just wide. The game, and LM's season, would be decided by penalty kicks.

Last year the Aces lost in the District 1 semi-finals, and in the PIAA State quarter-finals, both on penalty kicks. Lets hope it would be different today. Downingtown went first, and converted on their first 3 kicks, with Aces keeper Jack Van Adelsberg just getting a piece of the 3rd one. LM followed suit, as seniors Jordan Wolf, Max Tassano, and Jonny Dolezal also converted, and it was 3-3 with 2 kickers left. The Whippets scored again on their 4th kick, and then their keeper made a beautiful save on Aces junior David Rosenfeld, so it was 4-3 Downingtown with 1 kicker remaining. Downingtown converted their last kick, and LM would go down again on penalty kicks, and end their season. A very tough way to lose.

More blog tomorrow.