Wednesday's Game times

Wednesday, November 3rd, at West Chester East High School

5:45 PM - LM Aces vs. Pennsbury

8:00 PM - Conestoga vs. Central Bucks East

District 1 Playoff Semi-Finals

In one semi-final the #5 seed Aces will take on #9 seed Pennsury (a 4-1 winner over #1 seed Wissahickon).

In the other semi-final #2 seed Conestoga (who beat C.B. South in sudden-victory PK's 6-5 after a 1-1 game score) will take on #6 seed C.B East (who beat Strath Haven 1-0 in OT).

Both games will be played on Wednesday night, most likely at the same site as a double-header. The game times will be listed here sometime on Monday afternoon.

LM vs. Pennridge

With a good wind at their back LM controlled most of the 1st 40 minutes, with their usual strong defense, and several good scoring opportunities, most of which came off restarts. They won most of the 50/50 balls, and made their physical presence known. Despite all this, the half ended 0-0.

In the 2nd half Pennridge had the wind, and quickly took control of the game. The quickness to the ball & solid headers that are a trademark of this Aces team just weren't there. Pennridge put several great shots on the LM net, including one that hit the crossbar, but goalkeeper Emmett McConnell came up big each time. David Rosenfeld played one of his best games of the season, as did Michael Lemonick, and this helped keep Pennridge off the board. At the end of regulation it was still a scoreless game, and two 15 minute sudden-victory overtime periods would be played.

The 1st overtime was pretty even, as neither team was able to mount much offense. In the 2nd overtime it was Pennridge getting a couple of early chances, then the Aces taking over from there. The end result, still socreless, and it was on to penalty kicks.

LM's Sasha Safavi would be the 1st kicker, and he buried his shot in the left hand corner. Emmett McConnell then made an outstanding save on Pennridge's 1st shooter. LM defender Nate Diehl also converted on his kick, then Pennridge's 2nd kicker hit the crossbar and the ball bounced away, 2-0 Aces so far. Next, LM sophmore Matthew Lindheim and Pennridge's 3rd kicker traded goals, which brought the score to 3-1 with 2 kickers left. LM's Michael Lemonick walked to the spot knowing that his kick would send the Aces to the District One final four, and onto the PIAA State Playoffs. The ball went upper left, out of the reach of the Pennridge keeper, and as he raised his arms to the sky all the LM team & fans stromed the field to join in the celebration.

LM (16-1-3) will now take on the winner of tonight's game between #1 seed Wissahickon & #9 seed Pennsbury in the District One quarter-finals. That game will be played on Wednesday night, at a time & place to be announced. That info will appear here on Monday afternoon.

Time Change

The Aces soccer game with Pennridge tomorrow will start at 11:00 AM.

Aces vs. Pennridge

Last night #13 Pennridge upset #4 Council Rock South 2-0, so LM will host Pennridge on the turf at Arnold Field at either 10:30 or 11:00 AM on Saturday. I hope we can get a good turnout of LM Soccer Alumni to join us tomorrow. Our alumni group usually sits, or stands, on the top row near the 50 yard line. Hope to see you there.

Should the Aces win tomorrow they will advance to the District One final four, and be assured a spot in the PIAA State Playoffs (as District One sends 4 teams to the states).

ACES WIN!

This afternoon LM hosted Marple in the 2nd round of the District One Playoffs. The Aces dominated the 1st half from the start, as David Rosenfeld scored on a 45 yard free kick with only 10 minutes gone. The Marple keeper never saw it coming as Michael Lemonick was in the goal mouth trying to get a head on the ball, but ended up screening the goalie. Despite numerous other scoring chances, it wasn't until the last couple of minutes of the 1st half that the Aces doubled their advantage. Rosenfeld was also instrumental in this goal when he sent a nice cross in front that Tyler Niles headed home.

In the 2nd half the Tigers, now with the wind advantage, were able to create some opportunites off several corner kicks & long throw-ins. However, the Aces strong defense was up to the task and held on for the shutout (their 3rd in a row and 10th of the year).

Senior Michael Lemonick was dominant in the middle of the field, the offense created a lot of scoring chances with good ball skills & hustle, and keeper Emmett McConnell & the defense took care of the rest.

This win, the Aces 10th in a row, brought their overall record to a very impressive 15-1-3. Tonight 4th seed Council Rock hosts #13 seed Pennridge. If Pennridge wins, LM would host them on Saturday afternoon. If Council Rock wins, the Aces would play up there, most likely a night game. Details will be posted here as soon as they become available.

It's Marple in the 2nd round

The Aces will take on Marple in the 2nd round of the District One Playoffs, tomorrow, on the turf at Arnold Field, at 3 PM. The Tigers beat Neshaminy in triple overtime yesterday 1-0 to advance.

The winner of this game will advance to the quarter-finals against the winner of 4th seed Council Rock South & 13th seed Pennridge.

Fast Start

It only took the Aces 30 seconds to get on the board, and it came from one of their biggest weapons, the long throw-in. Michael Lemonick found Sasha Safavi and LM led 1-0. Fourteen minutes later it was Lemonick picking up the goal, off an assist from Ben Hriscu. A little later in the 1st half David Rosenfeld played a beautiful corner to the head of Nate Diehl and all of a sudden the lead was 3. With just 17 seconds left in the 1st half Tyler Niles scored on still another great header, this time off a free kick, and the suspense was gone. Nine minutes into the 2nd half it looked like a rerun, as sophmore Matthew Lindheim beat a defender, made a nice cross, and fellow sophmore Kenny Lassiter blasted another header into the back of the net.

This 5-0 win takes the Aces into the 2nd round against the winner of today's Marple vs. Neshaminy game. That 2nd round contest will be held this Thursday, on the turf at Arnold Field, at 3 PM.

LM vs. Chichester today at 3 PM

The Aces, the 2nd place team in the Central League, take on Del-Val Champion Chichester today. The game will be played at Arnold Field, on the turf, beginning at 3 PM. Results will be posted here early this evening.

LMHS Boy's Soccer Individual Records

Most Goals Scored
in a Single Game

(6)
(L) Arthur Campbell - 41
(R) Walter Lownes - '43

Most Goals Scored
in 1 Season & in a
Career

(31) - 1965, (64) - '63, '64, & '65
Steve Davidson

Most Shutouts in
a Single Season

(16)
Jason DiLullo - 1988







Most Varsity Games
Played in a Career

(81)
Chris Schreiner
1986, '87, & '88




Most Shutouts
in a Career

(34)
Drew Cotler
2003, '04, '05, & '06

District One Playoffs

The Aces (currently ranked 5th in the Inquirer poll and 6th in the Southeastern PA Coaches poll) finished the regular season with a record of 13-1-3, including 8 shutouts. But more importantly, they have won their last 8 games, and haven't lost in their last 12.

District One Playoffs:

The District One seeding committee met this afternoon to pick and seed the 28 teams, with the top 4 seeds receiving 1st round byes. Six teams from the Central League made the district playoffs; Conestoga (#2), LM (#5), Strath Haven (#14), Radnor (#17), Marple (#21), and Penncrest (#24).

The Aces will open play on the turf at Arnold Field on Tuesday, October 26th against #28 seed Chichester. Game time will be 3 PM. Should they beat Chichester, they would take on the winner of the 1st round game between #12 seed Neshaminy & #21 seed Marple. That game will also be played on the turf at Arnold Field at 3 PM, on Thursday, October 28th.

Team Records for LMHS Boy's Soccer

Now that another regular season is over, let's look back at all the LMHS Boy's Soccer TEAM Records (for a complete season, including playoffs), and see the faces behind the records. The 2010 Aces team still has a chance to make their mark here in several categories.

Best Overall Record:

22-1-5 (1987)






Best League Record:

8-0-0 ('63, '64, '65)




Most Overall Wins in a Season:

22 (1987)





Most Wins in a Regular Season:

16 (1989)





Most Playoff Wins in a Season:

8 (1988)





Fewest Losses in a Season (no picture shown here):

1 ('33, '43,'44, '50, '59, '64, '65, '67, '68, & '87)



Most Overall Shutouts in a Season:

17 (1988)






Most Shutouts in a regular Season:

12 (2008 shown here + '89)





Most Consecutive Shutouts:

7 (1989 shown here, & '44)





Fewest Goals Allowed in a Season:

5, (.31 per game, 1944)





Most Goals Scored in a Season:

97 (1965)








Best District One Finish:

1st, (2007 shown here, + '54 '58, '65, '68, '& '88)




Best State Finish:

1st (1987)

Aces close out regular season with a win

This afternoon LM hosted Upper Dublin in their regular season finale'. The Aces controlled the play from the start, but didn't get on the board until the very end of the 1st half with an unassited goal by Roberto Bonilla. With 10 minutes gone in the 2nd it was Nate Diehl from a David Rosenfeld free kick. Matias Fernandez-Duque tallied 8 minutes later, to make it a 3-0 final.

This brought the Aces regular season record to 13-1-3, including 8 shutouts, and they haven't lost in their last 12 games. District Playoffs begin next Tuesday.

Conestoga wins Central League Title

Conestoga defeated Garnet Valley last night 4-0 to clinch the Central League title with a record of 9-1-1. The Aces finished 2nd at 8-1-2, ending their string of Central League titles at 3 in a row. Both teams will go on to the District One Playoffs beginning next Tuesday.

The Aces win over Springfield yesterday was career victory #900 in their storied history, coming in the 87th season. Congratulations to all the LM Soccer Alumni who contributed to this historic milestone.

LM beats Springfield

The Aces went out this afternoon and took care of business. They got goals from Roberto Bonilla (unassisted), Sasha Safavi from David Rosenfeld, and a red hot Kenny Lassiter from Michael Lemonick, to secure a 3-1 win in their last Central League game. Keeper Emmett McConnell made 6 saves. Tonight Conestoga takes on Garnet Valley, and if 'Stoga ties or loses, the Aces win their 4th Central League Title in a row. If 'Stoga wins, then they win the title and LM finishes 2nd. Both teams will go on to the District One Playoffs.

LM takes their 12-1-3 record (along with their #2 ranking in PA by ESPN magazine and #15 ranking in the NSCAA Regional poll) into a home game tomorrow against Upper Dublin.

Home Stretch

The Aces are in the last week of regular season games, playing Springfield on Tuesday, and Upper Dublin on Wednesday. Both games will be held on the turf at Arnold Field at 3:30 PM.

The District One Playoff seeding meeting will be held this coming Sunday evening, with the 1st round games beginning next Tuesday, October 25th, on the field of the higher seed. Info on LM's 1st round game will be posted here on Sunday evening or Monday morning.

Also on Monday I plan to re-run a post from last October on LM Soccer team records, with pictures of all the record holders. Don't miss it.

BEEF & BEER

Many thanks to all those who attended our LM Soccer Alumni Beef & Beer last night. Good company, good food, and lots of prizes made it a wonderful evening. The "most mature" LM Soccer Alumni attending last night was Harry Olsen, class of '43, with Ward Rusling, class of '62, getting the nod for the soccer alum traveling the furthest distance to attend. Ward lives in South Carolina.
Other notables;
Bob Auritt, the captain of the '88 team (the only LM team to win the Inter-District Championship played between the District 1 & District 3 champions). This was replaced in 1973 with the PIAA State Championship.
Steve Davidson, who still holds the LM boy's soccer record for both most goals scored in a single season (31 in '65) and most career goals scored (64 in '63, '64, & '65).
Drew Misher, captain & high scorer of the '87 PIAA State Championship boy's soccer team.

Very special thanks to Bob Vernick and the entire Vernick family for working so hard to put this event together, and to all those who could not attend but sent in donations. Much appreciated.

2010 LM Soccer "ALUMNI GAME"

(front row, left to right; Jim VanDusen '89, Steve Herman '99, Drew Misher '88, Tim Lord '99, Chris Schreiner '89)
(back row, left to right; Mike Mandarino '91, Tim Klein '01, Chris Mandarino '99, Mark Weinman 'former coach, Dan Aaron '83, David Bloovman '97), not pictured Ryan Gutzler
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This morning the LM Soccer Alumni team took on a Radnor Alumni club team on the turf at Arnold Field. Midway thru the 1st half the Aces Alumni went up 1-0 on a goal by David Bloovman (class of '97). Former LM boy's soccer coach Mark Weinman was in the goal for the Aces Alumni and was outstanding (including stopping a PK in the 2nd half). With LM running out of gas midway thru the 2nd half (having only 1 sub), Radnor got the equalizer. Then, with only minutes remaining in the game Radnor scored the game winner. Had the Aces had a few more subs the outcome most certainly would have been different. We thank all of those who participated, many of which looked like they could step back on the field without missing a beat.

Beef & Beer
Tonight, beginning at 7 PM, is the LM Soccer Alumni Beef & Beer, being held at the Social Club at King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Department (170 Allendale Rd., King of Prussia, PA, 19406). If you already haven't signed up, tickets will be sold at the door.

Aces win, so does 'Stoga

After Conestoga made short work of Ridley 10-0 last night, LM had to respond this afternoon against a middle of the road Garnet Valley squad to keep their title hopes alive. With 18 minutes left in the 1st half, sophmore Kenny Lassiter opened the scoring with a header off a Mike Lemonick long throw-in. Three minutes later Mike & Kenny combined again, this time off a free kick (and a fabulous header from Lassiter), and it was 2-0. The Jaguars made it a 1 goal game with only 14 minutes left, but LM scored 2 minutes later on a Sasha Safavi goal to ice the win.

The Aces have a non-league contest at Great Valley tomorrow morning (10 AM) before their final Central League game with Springfield (3-6 league) on Tuesday, on the turf at Arnold Field at 3:45 PM. Also on Tuesday Conestoga plays Garnet Valley (4-5-1 league). For LM to win their 4th consecutive Central League Title, the Aces have to beat Springfield, and Conestoga has to tie or lose to Garnet Valley. Either way, the Aces will be going on to post season play.

ALUMNI GAME Note
For those of you who are planning to play in the LM Soccer "Alumni Game" tomorrow morning at 10 AM, there's a chance that the game will be on the turf instead of the grass field so bring soccer shoes for both.

Postponned

The game with Garnet Valley today was postponned until tomorrow, at 3:45, away at Garnet Valley.

And then there were 2

With Strath Haven losing to Radnor on Tuesday, the race for the 2010 Central League title is down to 2 teams, Conestoga (7-1-1) and LM (6-1-2). The Aces need to win their last 2 league games with Garnet Valley (tonight, away at 7:30) and Springfield (next Tuesday). They would also need Conestoga to tie or lose one of their last 2 league games, Ridley (tonight, home at 7) and Garnet Valley (next Tuesday).

Harriton

When the Aces & the Rams get together, like they say, you can throw out the records. This afternoon was no exception. After a sluggish first 30 minutes, LM's David Rosenfeld put a beautifully hit corner kick to the center of the 6 box where Ben Hriscu headed it home, giving the Aces a 1-0 advantage.

With virtually no passing game, the Aces seemed to sit back and rely once again on their defense. Senior wingback Nate Diehl carried the biggest load today and played an exceptional game. Despite getting numerous chances off restarts in the Aces end in the 2nd half, Harriton could not convert and LM came off the field with a shaky 1-0 shutout victory.

ALUMNI GAME
The annual LM Soccer "Alumni Game" will take place this coming Saturday (October 16th) at Arnold Field. Game time is 10 AM on the old varsity grass field, and is open to all LM Soccer Alumni. Players are asked to arrive around 9:15 to stretch & warm-up, and wear some kind of white jersey. Even though we will have water available, please bring your own drinks as well. Lunch will be provided for all players after the game. For those who will be bringing their kids with them we will need several ball boys (or girls) if they're interested.

BEEF & BEER
This Saturday evening, beginning at 7 PM, the Lower Merion Soccer Alumni Association will be hosting our inaugural LM Soccer Alumni Beef & Beer. The event will be held at the Social Club at King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Department (170 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA, 19406). Tickets can be purchased at the door for $30 so come out and join the fun.

LM + Haven = Intensity

All of you LM Soccer Alumni who ever have played against Strath Haven know that it's not for the faint of heart, especially at night on their field. And last night was no exception. As coach Severini put it, "it was a chippy game, physical & intense".

The Aces arrived for the 7 PM game and were welcomed by all the faithful Haven fans there to celebrate senior night. The Panthers, with their 6-0-1 league record, their #3 ranking in both the Inquirer & Coaches soccer polls, and the usual chip on their shoulder, jumped out to a 1-0 lead just 5 minutes in. The noise was loud, and somewhat intimidating.

But before the Haven fans had a chance to sit down, the Aces got the equalizer just 2 minutes later, or so they thought. Offsides was the call and the Panthers kept their lead. Five minutes after that LM scored again, only this one counted. Shane Votto scored off a David Rosenfeld free kick, and it was 1-1. The Aces kept the pressure on, and 8 minutes later they took the lead, with Votto getting his 2nd goal of the game on a header off an assist from Mike Lemonick.

Fifteen minutes into the 2nd half LM got their 3rd goal of the game when Mike Lemonick converted a PK when Ben Hriscu was pulled down in the box. As it has done so many times before, the vaunted Aces defense took over the rest of the way and LM walked off the field with a convincing 3-1 victory.

This kept their hopes alive for a 4th consecutive Central League Title (only accomplished once before in 1984, '85, '86, & '87), but it would take some help. Of the 4 top teams in the league, 3 have 1 loss & 1 tie (Haven, Conestoga & Upper Darby), and the Aces have 1 loss & 2 ties. Haven still has a make-up game to play with Upper Darby, and all 4 teams have 3 other league games left.

Last night's win lifted LM's overall record to 8-1-3, and will surely move them up in the polls this week. Tuesday they host sister school Harriton, and Thursday they travel to Garnet Valley, both of which are Central League games.

LM vs. HAVEN

The Aces game with Strath Haven will be held tomorrow night (Saturday), 7 PM, at Strath Haven. Come on out and join us. We usually sit on the far side bleachers, at the very top on the 50 yard line.

On a Roll

This afternoon the Aces took on a strong Marple team who has surprised a lot of Central League powers this year. LM wasted no time taking control of the game as with only 8 minutes gone Sasha Safavi continued to have the hot hand (or foot). He scored off a Mike Lemonick throw and it was 1-0 Aces. LM keeper Emmett McConnell came up with a great save midway thru the 1st half to keep the Aces on top, and the defense around him was dominate, getting every head ball.

It was a different story in the 2nd half, as the Tigers grabbed the momentum, and LM needed 2 more big saves by McConnell to hold on to the lead. And, with just 12 minutes left in regulation, Marple converted on a throw-in to tie it up, and it was on to overtime. With time winding down in the 1st sudden-victory overtime period LM's David Rosenfeld blasted a free kick toward the Marple goal that somehow found it's way into the net, and the Aces came away with a hard fought 2-1 win.

Roll On

The Aces, now ranked 8th in the Inquirer Soccer Poll, played Penncrest yesterday on a sloppy field. While the defense was recording their 6th shutout, the offense got goals from Sasha Safavi (from a Mike Lemonick assist), Kenny Lassiter (off a David Rosenfeld corner kick), and Ben Hriscu (from a Tyler Niles assist). This 3-0 win brought the Aces overall record to 6-1-3, as they get set to host a very good Marple team this afternoon at 3:45 PM.

For complete bios on the 2010 players, pictures, and much more, go to www.lmacessoccer.com.

No Go

The game with Strath Haven was called off last night, and will be rescheduled at a day & time to be announced.

I want to put out a call to all of you who have ever worn the maroon & white of LM Soccer. Our annual LM Soccer "Alumni Game" will be held on Saturday, October 16th, and played on the old grass soccer field at Arnold Field, beginning at 10 AM. We are hoping for a good turnout, and are always looking for the "younger players", those who have graduated in the last 5 to 10 years, and, as always, we are in dire need of goalkeepers. Please notify me at; bubdavidson@comcast.net if you plan to participate. For those "more senior" LM Soccer Alumni, we hope you will also join us as spectators. Players should arrive around 9:15 AM to have enough time to stretch & warmup, and also wear a white jersey of some kind.

Also, that same Saturday October 16th evening at 7 PM, we are holding our 1st LM Soccer Alumni Beef & Beer. This is open to all LM Soccer Alumni, spouses, significant others, family, & friends. If you're interested in joining in the fun, please email me at bubdavidson@comcast.net and I will send you out an invitation with all the info. Hope to see you there.

End of a Tough Week

This afternoon, on a crisp fall day, the Aces hosted #1 ranked LaSalle, which would be the end of their toughest week of the season. On Tuesday they tied powerful Upper Darby 0-0, and the game with Strath Haven was postponned twice, and finally scheduled for 7 PM this coming Monday.

Both LaSalle & LM played rock solid defense from the start, and it was evident from the lack of scoring chances from the field, that any goals scored would most likely come off restarts. With the game still scoreless early in the 2nd half, LaSalle got on the board with a beautiful header coming off a 40 yard free kick. With less than 12 minutes left in regulation an Aces player was pulled down in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Senior Sasha Safavi got the call and drilled it in the upper left hand corner and the game was knotted 1-1.

With neither team scoring the rest of regulation, two 10-minute sudden-victory overtime periods were played. With less than a minute remaining in the 1st OT, the Aces justed missed over the crossbar off a corner. There would be no scoring the rest of the way and LM had played a very talented LaSalle team to a 1-1 draw.

Rain Rain Go Away

This afternoon's game at Strath Haven was postponned until next Monday night, while Saturday home game with LaSalle was moved back to 3:30 PM on the turf at Arnold Field.