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.