Postponned

The Aces showdown with Strath Haven today has been postponned until tomorrow (Friday), still being played at 3:45 PM at Strath Haven.

Good News Bad News

The Aces hosted the Upper Darby Royals yesterday, coached by LM Soccer Alum Tom Farr. The Royals came in with a 3-1 Central League record and right in the hunt for the league title. The good news - the Aces recorded their 6th shutout of the season, the bad news - LM mustered little offense, with the result being a 0-0 tie.

Tomorrow (September 30th), the Aces travel to Strath Haven for a 3:45 PM game. The Panthers sit atop the Central League standings with a perfect 5-0 record, ranked 3rd in the Inquirer Soccer Poll and #5 in the Southeastern PA Soccer Coaches Poll (where LM stands at #8). Needless to say, to win a 4th straight Central League Championship this is a must win for the Aces.

Nobody can ever say that LM dodges the big boys, as this Saturday they host the #1 team in every state pool, LaSalle.

The Tradition Continues

This posting illustrates the tremendous success of the LM boy's soccer program since it's inception in 1924. Every player who has ever represented the Aces on Arnold Field over the past 86 years is responsible for a piece of this success.

League play did not begin until 1931, when the Suburban One league was formed. The Aces won that first league championship, and in the 37-year existence of the Suburban One league LM won the title 21 times. In 1967 the Central league was formed, with the Aces winning that title 10 times through 2009.

The district One playoffs did not begin until 1954, with LM again winning the very first year. In all, to date, the Aces have won 6 District One championships, and finished runner-up in 4 more.

The PIAA state playoffs began in 1973, and since then LM has played in the stae final game 3 times, winning it all in 1987.
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30's -- 95-33-21 -- 5 League Titles

40's -- 113-34-21 -- 7 League Titles

50's -- 113-25-28 -- 4 League Titles, 2 District Titles

60's -- 108-25-10 -- 6 League Titles, 2 District Titles, 1 Inter-Dist. Title

70's -- 43-65-26 -- 0 League Titles

80's -- 136-43-37 -- 4 League Titles, 1 District Title, 1 State Title

90's -- 109-69-24 -- 1 League Title

00's -- 122-50-23 -- 4 League Titles

Quality Win

Today the Aces hosted powerful Unionville, ranked just ahead of them in the Southeastern PA Coaches Pool, who would be playing without their all-star senior midfielder Perry Hopkins, sitting out a red card. After dominating the opening 15 minutes of the game, the Aces got on the board with a nice shot by senior Mattias Fernandez-Duque, coming from a Mike Lemonick long throw-in. In the 2nd half Unionville came out all charged up and got several early scoring chances. However, it was the Aces getting the next goal, coming off a 28 yard left-footed blast from junior forward Ben Hriscu. The defense took over from their and recorded their 4th shutout of the season 2-0.

Next week is huge for the Aces, as they face 3 high quality teams. On Tuesday afternoon they host Upper Darby (3-1 Central League) at 3:45 PM on the turf at Arnold Field. Thursday they travel to Strath Haven (4-0 Central League) and who are ranked #5 & #7 respectively in the Inquirer & SE PA Coaches polls for a 3:45 PM contest. And on Saturday they host LaSalle (6-0-1 overall) in a non-league game at 2:30 PM on the turf at Arnold field. LaSalle is the top ranked team in the state in every poll. In the past couple of years the Aces have had impressive wins in these kind of games. Come on out and join us.

Aces Bounce Back

LM played a stubborn Haverford High team yesterday, coming away with a 2-1 overtime win. About 12 minutes into the game the Aces got on the board, with a nice header from junior Ben Hriscu coming from a long throw-in. The Fords tied it up midway through the 1st half on a 35 yard volley, their 1st shot of the game. Haverford played very defensively the rest of the way, and, other than long throw-ins, the Aces had very few good scoring chances. In overtime the Aces began putting some passes together, and penetrating with their forwards, and the result was the game winner early in the 2nd overtime by junior Shane Votto. This kept LM in the Central League mix, with the other top teams also winning yesterday; Strath Haven (4-0-0), Upper Darby (3-1-0), Conestoga (3-1-0), and a surging Marple team (3-0-1).

First Loss

The Aces suffered their first loss of the season this past Tuesday evening at the hands of the Conestoga Pioneers. It was the only night game of the regular season for LM, and it was not their best performance. The first half ended 0-0, with neither team offering up much offense. The few times the Aces threatened the goal came off long throw-ins. In the 2nd half the Pioneers converted twice for the 2-0 victory. This loss left LM at 3-1-1 overall, and 1-1-1 in Central League play. The Aces travel to Haverford High this afternoon for another league contest, and host Unionville on Saturday.

In the new Inquirer rankings LM fell out of the top 10, with Strath Haven, the only Central League team represented, coming in at #5.

In the 1st PA State Rankings, only 3 teams from Eastern PA made the top 10; Father Judge at #1, LaSalle at #2, and Pennsbury at #6.

New SE PA Coaches Top 15

1 - LaSalle (5-0-1)
2 - Pennsbury (4-0-0)
3 - Father Judge (5-0-0)
4 - Council Rock South (4-0-0)
5 - West Chester Rustin (3-1-1)
6 - Downingtown East (4-0-2)
7 - Strath Haven (4-1-0)
8 - Wissahickon (5-0-1)
9 - Conestoga (4-1-0)
10 - St. Joe Prep (6-0-1)
11 - Unionville (4-1-0)
12 - LOWER MERION (3-0-1)
13 - Holy Ghost Prep (5-1-0)
14 - Souderton (2-1-1)
15 - Abington (2-1-1)

Big Week

This is a big week for the Aces as they face 2 teams in the Southeastern PA Coaches Pool's top 10.

Tomorrow night (Tuesday, September 21st) they travel to #2 ranked Conestoga for their only regular season night game (7 PM). There should be plenty of LM Soccer Alumni on hand to support their efforts. Come out and join us. The Aces need this game to keep pace with the other elite teams in the league chasing the 2010 league title; Strath Haven, Upper Darby, and Conestoga.

On Thursday LM stays on the road in another Central League contest with Haverford High at 3:45 PM. It is an especially big game for Aces new coach Nick Severini, who is the son of Haverford High's longtime coach George Severini, with family bragging rights on the line.

On Saturday LM hosts #7 ranked Unionville in a big non-league game. This week should be a good barometer of just how far along this new Aces team has come.

League Opener

The Aces opened up their Central League schedule this past Monday as they traveled to Ridley. They have had a lot of success with the Raiders over the years, and this game was no exception, as LM walked off with a 4-0 shutout win. This brought their overall record to 3-0, all shutouts. Yesterday the Aces, still on the road, played a strong Radnor squad. Radnor took the lead in the 1st half, the first goal given up by LM's strong defense this year. Early in the 2nd half the Aces senior center midfielder Mike Lemonick took a cross from defender Nate Teihl and tied the game 1-1. Despite a few good chances by both teams there was no more scoring, and LM would have to settle for their 1st blemish of the season. Their overall record now stands at 3-0-1 (1-0-1 league).

Earlier in the week the 1st Southeastern PA Soccer Coaches poll of the season was published, with LM was ranked 10th. Other Central League teams listed in the poll were #2 Conestoga (who then lost their league opener to Penncrest), #11 Strath Haven, and #20 Upper Darby (coached by LM soccer alum Tom Farr).

LM has no game this Saturday due to the Jewish holiday. Next week the Aces have their only night game of the regular season as they travel to Conestoga for a 7 PM league contest. Thursday it's away again at Haverford High (3:45 PM), and Saturday at home (2:30 PM) against Unionville, last week's #1 ranked team in the Inquirer soccer poll.

Good Start

Due to the Jewish holiday it was a long wait in between games, but it didn't seem to matter to the talented Aces. Using another excellent defensive performance they defeated perennial soccer power, and inter-district rival, Parkland 1-0. Senior Sasha Safavi continued his scoring streak as he played a ball over a Parkland defender with only 5 minutes remaining in regulation time and volleyed it into the lower right hand corner. Newcomber Ben Hriscu was credited with the assist. Senior Keeper Emmett McConnell registered his 2nd shutout of the season making 4 clutch saves, one being off an indirect kick inside the box with 7 minutes left in the game. He was supported by a solid effort by senior defender David Rosenfeld. On a down note the Aces lost 2 starters to injuries early in the game, the extent of which is still unknown.

In the first Philadelphia Inquirer boy's high school soccer rankings the Aces were listed 7th, the only Central League team on the list. Next up for LM is their opening Central League match at Ridley tomorrow at 3:45 PM. On Wednesday they host league rival Radnor, also at 3:45 PM.

Off & Running

The 2010 LM Aces began their regular season last Saturday on Arnold Field hosting non-league rival West Chester East. The offense was provided by senior Sasha Safavi, who scored both LM goals. Senior goalkeeper Emmett McConnell and the solid Aces' defense took care of the rest, allowing only 6 shots and registering their 1st shutout of the new season, 2-0. McConnell was also credited with an assist on one of the LM's goals. Due to the Jewish holiday this week the next game is not scheduled until Saturday, when the Aces host Parkland. Game time is set for 3 PM on the turf at Arnold Field.

We have been getting good response to our 2 LMSAA events on Saturday, October 16th; the "Alumni Game" at 10 AM on Arnold Field, and the Beef & Beer at 7 PM to be held in King of Prussia. If you haven't responded as of yet, and are interested in attending one, or both, events, please email me at bubdavidson@comccast.net. It should be a fun Saturday so come out and join us. After all, you all have some responsibility for making the LM High School Boy's Soccer program the great success that it is today.

Let the games begin

After nearly 3 weeks of pre-season practice under their belts, the 2010 LM Aces boy's soccer team are anxious to officially open their regular season this Saturday against West Chester East. Game time is 10 AM on the turf at Arnold Field.

The Aces fared well in their 2 pre-season scrimmages, against Council Rock & William Tennant, which finished 2-1 and 2-0 respectively. Senior Michael Lemonick will be the workhorse for the Aces this year, playing out of center midfield, and up front LM is counting on Sasha Safavi & Tyler Niles to pick up the scoring void left by the graduation of Jordan Wolf, Max Tassano, and Julien Aoyama.

Be sure to check out the LM High School Soccer website at lmacessoccer.com for detailed info on this year's Aces squad.

Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Tournament
We still have openings for foursomes and individual players in this year's Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Tournament, to be played on Monday, September 27th, at Radnor Valley. For complete details please contact Jim VanDusen (jimmyv@pplcg.com) or Brian Vernick (brianvern1@comcast.net).

Annual Lower Merion Soccer "Alumni Game"
Our annual LM Soccer "Alumni Game" will be held on Saturday morning, October 16th, at 10 AM at Arnold Field. Many of you have emailed me to let me know you're attending, but we want to get as many LM Soccer Alumni as possible back out on the field to continue the tradition. If you're interested in playing (or watching), and haven't already contacted me (bubdavidson@comcast.net), please send me an email so I have enough jerseys to give out to the participants. We hope to get enough players out this year to play an "Alumni vs. Alumni" game. If not, our LM Alumni team will be playing an Alumni team from Radnor.

First Annual LM Soccer Alumni Beef & Beer
I have heard from quite a few of you who are planning to attend the first annual LM Soccer Alumni Beef & Beer, to be held on Saturday, October 16th, at the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Department, beginning at 7 PM. This event is open to all LM Soccer Alumni, Coaches, Spouses and Significant Others, Family, & Friends. If you are interested in attending, and haven't already contacted me (bubdavidson@comcast.net), please send me an email and let me know how many will be in your party. Make it a double header with the "Alumni Game" in the morning and the Beef & Beer in the evening.