Haven Match-Up

LM - Ranked #2 in Southeastern PA
SH - Ranked #11
LM - 6-0 League, 9-1 Overall
SH - 6-0 League, 7-1-2 Overall
LM - League goals scored - 21, Allowed - 1
SH - League goals scored - 22, Allowed - 2

The Central League began in 1967, and in the 41 years of league play, LM & SH have combined for 25 Titles (61%).

We hope to have a good LM Soccer Alumni turnout tomorrow afternoon at LM (3:45 PM) to watch these 2 soccer powers play for a leg up on still another Central League Title.

Hell Week

The Aces learned this morning that they were ranked 2nd in this week's Southeastern PA Coaches Pool, right behind #1 Council Rock North. Joining them in the top 12 were 3 other Central League teams; #7 Conestoga, #11 Strath Haven (this Thursday's opponent), and today's opponent #12 Upper Darby, indicating that the Central League, once again, is this strongest soccer league in the state. If that wasn't enough to get the butterflies going for this young LM squad, their starting goalkeeper went home from school today with the flu, while one of their most dangerous scorers would also not be available. Gut check time.

The Upper Darby game was a tale of 2 halves. LM broke out strong in the 1st half, controlling most of play, but failed to score and the half ended 0-0. The Royals, coached by LM Soccer Alum Tom Farr, controlled most of the action in the 2nd half, but strong play by junior goalkeeper Emmett McConnell kept them off the board. Ten minutes into the 2nd half the Aces got a break, and scored off a rebound coming from a long free kick. With senior Momadu Sluwar playing another outstanding game in the back, and senior Jason Wolf leading the way at midfield, LM held on for the 1-0 victory, a game that could have easily gone either way.

With Strath Haven beating Marple, both LM & Haven currently hold perfect 6-0 league records, and will face off this Thursday at LM (3:45 PM) with the Central League Title on the line. For those of you who live in the area, come on out and join us Thursday, as this promises to be another in a long line of classic games against the arch rival Panthers.

We're still looking for more LM Soccer Alumni, especially you younger guys, to come out and join us next Saturday, October 10th, for the annual "Alumni Game". If you can make it, as a player or just a spectator, please email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net so we can plan to have enough lunches prepared for everyone.

Finally, thanks to those LMSAA members who have begun to send in their $10 dues. This is really important for us to keep this organization operating & continuing to grow. If you haven't sent it in yet, please make the check out to: "LMSAA", and mail it to Jim VanDusen, 800 Maple Glen Lane, Wayne, PA 19087-4727. Thank you all for your continued support of LM Soccer.

Great Week

The Aces stayed unbeaten in Central League play as they defeated an always dangerous Haverford High team yesterday 2-0. Junior defender David Rosenfeld gave LM the lead in the 1st half, and senior midfielder Max Tassano scored on a pretty 19-yard direct kick to ice it in the 2nd. That's more than the Aces defense & goalkeeper Jack Van Adelsberg would need, as they recorded their 6 shutout of the season.

This brings LM's overall record to 8-1, with a perfect 5-0 in league play. Next week's schedule could very well decide the 2009 Central League Champion, as the Aces travel to Upper Darby (4-0-1 league) on Tuesday, and on Thursday host Strath Haven (5-0 league). Both games are at 3:45 PM.

The annual Alumni Game is only 2 weeks from tomorrow, so clear your schedule and come on out and join us. I need to know in advance who will be playing, as every player will receive a jersey. I also need to know our total LMSAA representation, so we can have lunches ready for everyone after the game. If you haven't already done so, email me at bubdavidson@comcast.net if you plan to join us.

Key League Contest

After losing their 1st game to Parkland last Friday, the Aces slipped to 3rd in the Southeastern PA boy's soccer poll, behind #2 North Catholic and #1 Council Rock North. This afternoon LM (6-1-0) took on #8 ranked Conestoga (6-0-1) in a key Central League match-up. It was a very evenly played game for most of the 1st half, until senior Ben Sataloff converted a cross to give the Aces the lead. With senior goalkeeper Jack Van Adelsberg playing very impressively, and senior Momadu Sluwar controlling the defense, that one goal would hold up, and LM remained perfect in league play. On Thursday the Aces will host Haverford High at 3:45 PM, still another important league contest.

The annual Alumni Game is only 2 weeks from this Saturday, and I hope those of you in the area can come out and join the festivities. Please email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net and let me know your intentions, as we need a player count for jerseys, and a total count for lunches.

Our LMSAA (Lower Merion Soccer Alumni Association) operates on a very small budget, which we use for things like; costs to maintain the website, providing jerseys, lunches, refs, etc. for the Alumni Game, LM Soccer Hall of Fame induction costs, etc. In order to cover these costs, we need to ask all of our members for annual dues of $10. For those wishing to give more it is not required, but certainly much appreciated. Please make your checks out to “LMSAA”, and send them to: Jim Van Dusen (class of '89) at the following address: 800 Marple Glen Lane, Wayne, PA 19087-4727

We thank all of you for the contribution you made, back in your playing days, to help make the LM Soccer program the great success that it is today. And we also greatly appreciate your continued support of Aces soccer.

First Blemish

The Aces traveled to Parkland yesterday to make up the postponed contest from last Saturday. As it turned out, they should have cancelled the game altogether. LM came out flat, and Parkland scored first, on a deflection coming from a corner kick, to take a 1-0 lead. This was only the 3rd goal given up by the Aces defense this season. Senior co-captain Jonny Dolezal tied it up just before halftime, and it looked like LM had a little momentum coming out for the 2nd half. However, 2 more goals by Parkland sealed the deal, and the Aces had their first loss of the season. The only silver lining was that it came against a non-league opponent, and may prove to be a wake-up call for the young LM team.

This coming Tuesday the Aces play their biggest game of the season so far, when they host the undefeated Conestoga Pioneers in a key Central League match-up at 3:45 PM.

Keep those emails coming about joining us at the October 10th Alumni game. I heard from quite a few of you last week and am looking for many more to join us. If you plan to play, or just be a spectator, we would love to see you there. Please email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net with your intentions. Players, make sure you include your shirt size.

Solid & Consistent

The Aces continued their solid, consistent play last night at Radnor, winning 2-0, recording their 5 shutout in their first 6 games. Not bad for a team who graduated 12 seniors, including 9 starters & 2 High School All-Americans. This keeps LM tied for 1st in the Central League with Strath Haven at 3-0, with Upper Darby & Conestoga, playing to a scoreless tie last night, both at 2-0-1. The 2009 Central League champion certainly will come from one of these 4 teams.

LM's game last Saturday at Parkland, postponed due to rain, has been reschedule for this Friday at 3 PM, followed next Tuesday with a huge Central League contest at home with Conestoga (3:45 PM).

It's good to see the emails coming in from those of you who plan on attending our annual "Alumni Game" on Saturday, October 10th, at 10 AM. Keep them coming, as we would love to get a record turnout. If you plan on playing, or just attending, the "Alumni Game" please email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net (players make sure you include your shirt size).

Thank you all for your continued support for LM Aces soccer.

Moving Up

With a perfect 5-0 record thus far (2-0 in league play), the LM Aces moved up to #2 in the Southeastern PA Soccer Coaches Association Poll, right behind #1 Pennsbury. Other Central League teams in the top 20 are Conestoga (3-0) at #11 and Upper Darby (4-0) at #13.

LM has a tough match-up with Central League rival Radnor tomorrow night at the Raiders home field (7 PM), followed by an open weekend.

I am starting to get a lot of response for the upcoming annual LM Soccer Alumni game, which will take place on Saturday, October 10th, at 10 AM sharp. If you're interested in attending, either as a player or spectator, please email me at; bubdavidson@comcast.net. It promises to be a great day to dust off the old spikes one more time, renew old acquaintances, and watch the 2009 Aces take on non-league opponent Interboro. Spread the word and let's have a record turnout.

Speaking of renewing old acquaintances, I would like to hear from anyone out there who has an LM Soccer memory to share, and/or an old picture of your LM Soccer days. I'll gladly post these on a regular basis for all of our fellow LMSAA members to see.

Still Perfect

The Aces played their first home game of the young 2009 season this afternoon against Central League opponent Ridley. The offsides trap the Green Raiders employed only seemed to work in their favor for the first 15 minutes of the game, until senior Jordan Wolf got LM on the board. From then on it was all Aces, as Wolf would go on to score a hat trick, senior Momadu Sluwar would add 2 goals of his own, and LM walked away with a 12-0 victory. This kept them a perfect 2-0 in Central League play, and 5-0 overall.

Next on the schedule will be a trip up route 30 to play a tough Radnor squad in a key Central League match up, this Wednesday night at 7 PM.

Alumni Game - October 10th

As I have mentioned before, both on this blog and in the emails, our annual "Alumni Game" will be played on Saturday, October 10th, on the turf at Arnold Field. Game time is 10 AM sharp! As we did last year, our LM Aces alumni team will be playing against a Radnor alumni club team. Last year our LM team was low on numbers, sustained a few sidelining injuries, and wound up on the wrong end of a 4-2 score. We want a little payback this year, so we need a good turnout from our proud LM Aces Alumni players, especially those who have graduated in the last 10 years, who have been conspiciously absent these past several alumni games. As they say, you can't coach youth.

If you plan on playing, please email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net. We will provide a jersey for all players (include your shirt size in your email) , as well as lunch after the game, so I need an accurate count. For those of you who have played your last game, but would still like to come out and root our LM Aces Alumni team to victory, we would love to have you join the fun. You can also email me as well, and let me know you're coming. Once I begin putting out all the names of who will be there, I'm sure other LM soccer alumni will follow suit.

League Opener

The Aces traveled to Springfield Delco this afternoon for their Central League opener. And it didn't take long for LM to get a wake up call. While they were content taking shots from 25 yards and out, the Cougars capitalized on an Aces defensive mistake and scored on their first, and only, shot of the game. Despite plenty of LM pressure, this 1-0 Springfield lead held up through halftime. The Aces finally got on the board, midway through the 2nd half, to knot the score at 1. Just 5 minutes later senior Julien Aoyama put LM ahead 2-1 with a pretty goal, placed beautifully in the lower right hand corner. With only 8 minutes remaining, senior Momadu Sluwar made it 3-1, to put the game away.

Next up for the Aces is a trip to powerful Parkland on Saturday, followed by their 1st home game of the season on Monday, a 3:45 PM Central League contest with Ridley.

Keep on truckin

In the 1st area polls of the season, the Aces, despite losing 9 starters to graduation, have been shown a lot of respect. The Philadelphia Inquirer has LM ranked 4th, behind #1 Pennsbury, #2 Germantown Academy, and #3 North Catholic. And the Southeastern PA Soccer Coaches Association poll has the Aces at #3, behind #1 Pennsbury and #2 Downingtown West.

After starting the season with two 4-0 blowouts on the road, one would have to wonder if the young 2009 Aces would be overconfident, and let these high poll rankings go to their heads. Yesterday they traveled to #9 ranked Pennsbury, to see if they were as good as everyone else seems to think they are. Well, they didn't disappoint. LM came away with a 3-1 win, to keep their record perfect. It was the first goal given up by the Aces defense, led by senior goalkeeper Jack Van Adelsberg. Tomorrow LM opens up their Central League schedule, as they travel to Springfield to take on the Cougars at 3:45 PM.

Just another reminder. Our annual "Alumni Game" will be played this year on Saturday morning, October 10th, on the turf at Arnold Field at 10 AM sharp. We hope to get a big turnout this year so clear that date now. Everyone is invited, whether you're playing or not, so come on out and join us. Lunch will be provided after the "Alumni Game", as they current 2009 Aces take on non-league opponent Interboro at noon.

Also, if you haven't already done so yet, check out our new LM Soccer website at: www.lmacessoccer.com.

Bye Bye Summer

Now that the 2009 summer is officially behind us, the Aces season begins in earnest. After two 4-0 blowouts over the weekend, this week has LM traveling to Pennridge Tuesday night for a 7 PM non-league contest. On Thursday, the Aces begin Central League play at Springfield, at 3:45 PM. Both results will be reported here on the blog.

Just a reminder, the annual Alumni Game will be held 4 weeks from this Saturday, October 10th, on the turf at Arnold Field. The game will begin promptly at 10 AM, so we are asking all participants to arrive by 9:00 or 9:15 so we have plenty of time to stretch & warm-up. We will also be giving out jerseys to all players. After the game the LMSAA will provide lunch for the players, as the current LM Aces will play non-league opponent Interboro at noon. We hope to get a big turnout this year, and even though your playing days are over, please come out and join us for this festive occasion.

So we know how many jerseys to have on hand, as well as lunches, please email me of your intentions to play. bubdavidson@comcast.net. And thanks again for your continued support of LM Soccer.

Back to Back

A little more than 24 hours after defeating Upper Dublin 4-0, the Aces traveled to West Chester East for another non-league contest. LM jumped on East early, and built a 2-0 halftime lead. Coach Fadely substituted freely most of the game, and the Aces came away with their second straight 4-0 shutout. I guess nobody told the 2009 Aces players that they lost 9 starters from last year, as they're off to another strong start.

The first PA state rankings came out this week, with the top 5 listed below:
1/ Pennsbury
2/ Germantown Friends
3/ Mount Lebanon
4/ North Catholic
5/ Downingtown West

Aces win opener

Aces rout Upper Dublin 4-0 in their 2009 regular season opener. Tomorrow they take on West Chester East. Details of both games will be posted here on Sunday.

The Season Begins

The Aces open their 2009 regular season this morning, at 10 AM, at Upper Dublin. Tomorrow, they come right back at 4 PM, at West Chester East. Both are non-league games. I will have the summaries of both games up here on the blog on Sunday morning.

As you may have noticed on the home page of the website, there is a tab for all the info on the 5th Annual Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Tournament. Click on the tab for the complete history of the tournament. We always have a good turnout from our fellow LM soccer alumni, and I hope this year is no exception. If you can't make the event, and want to a sponsor a hole, or make a donation, just follow the instructions. Thank you in advance from all the tournament organizers, and Steve's family.

Scrimmages continue

Yesterday the 2009 LM Aces had two more tune-up scrimmages, before their opener this Friday at Upper Dublin. The first scrimmage found LM shuting out West Chester Rustin 1-0 with some strong defensive play. After an hour break the balls began going into the net, as the Aces won more comfortably against William Tennant than the 3-2 score would indicate. With a key injury to returning starting defenseman Mike Lemonick, one of only 2 starters returning from last year, the rebuilding Aces will have to pick up the slack come Friday, when they open their 2009 regular season schedule with a non-league contest at Upper Dublin.

I hope all of our LMSAA members have been regular visitors here at Coach D's Blog. As I stated last week, I am trying to put out all the info I did last year here on the blog, and eventually doing away with the emails. Just to give me an idea of how many of you are reading this, please email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net and just say "Yes", or, click on "comments" below and leave me a message. Thanks for your continued support of LM Aces Soccer.