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.