2011 State Champion

The Central League's Conestoga Pioneers completed their undefeated season with a 1-0 win over District 7 champion Upper St. Clair. This victory gives the Pioneers their 2nd "AAA" PIAA State Soccer Championship, with the other one coming in 1988 when they beat LOWER MERION 3-1.

With another high school soccer season is in the books I will be posting only occasionally between now and next Fall, so keep checking in with us as I will be giving details on some very special LM Soccer Alumni events for next season. Also, please visit the new LM Soccer Alumni website at lmsocceralum.org for stats & info from every past year (1924 thru 2011), including team records, individual records, playoff results, all-league selections, coaching records, varsity composites for every year, JV & 9th grade stats, Hall of Fame inductees, and much much more.

2011 PIAA State Final

District 1 Champion Conestoga kept it's undefeated season alive by defeating fellow District 1 member Council Rock North on PK's after a 1-1 tie at Harriton last night. On Saturday night they will play District 7 Champion Upper St. Clair, a 7-6 PK winner over State College (0-0 regulation), in the 2011 State Final.

Speaking of PIAA State Final games, in the 38 years that the State Playoffs have been in existence, Lower Merion has been the only District 1 "AAA" boy's soccer team that has played in 3 State Final games in a 5 year span, '84, '87, & '88. Pictured above are the PIAA State Champion Aces from 1987.

2011 State Playoff Update

District 1 Champion Conestoga defeated Wilson 2-1 in the 1st round, and last night beat fellow District 1 3rd seed Central Bucks East 1-0 in the quarter-finals. They will face another Distrcit 1 team, 2nd seed Council Rock North, in the eastern semi-finals this Tuesday. North got there with a 3-2 OT win over Emmaus in the 1st round, and a 1-0 victory against Hempfield in the quarter-finals. The last District 1 representative, 4th seed Central Bucks South, played in the western bracket and lost to Central Dauphin 2-1 in the 1st round.

LM's State Playoff History

Since the PIAA State Playoffs began in 1973, Aces' teams have qualified 7 times. Each year the field consists of 16 teams from across the state, with the stronger soccer districts, like District 1 & District 3, qualifying several teams. Below you'll see the results for all LM's qualifying teams, in the order of how far they advanced.

1985: In the 1st round the Aces faced Bethlehem Freedom, who at the time was ranked #1 in the state. LM scored on a PK and took that lead all the way into the final minute of regulation. With just 6 seconds left Freedom tied it up, and went on to win on PK's.

2007: In the 1st round, coming off a season that already included a Central League Title & District 1 Crown, the Aces lost a heartbreaker to Central Dauphin 2-1.

1986: In the 1st round the Aces faced the same team that beat them the year before on PK's, Bethlehem Freedom. This time LM exacted their revenge, and after a 1-1 deadlock, the Aces were the penalty kick winners. In the quarter-finals LM led Great Valley 1-0 going into the last 6 minutes of regulation, and gave up 2 goals to lose 2-1.

2008: In the 1st round, sporting an 18-1-1 record, the Aces destroyed Parkland 3-0. In the quarter-final LM faced Neshaminy, the team that beat them on PK's in the District 1 semi-final. After the Aces jumped out to a 2-0 lead, Neshaminy tied it up 2-2 to take the game to PK's once again. The result was the same, Neshaminy moved on.

2010: In the 1st round, with a District 1 Title under their belt, the Aces defeated Mechanicburg 2-1. In the quarter-finals they lost to a very good Central Bucks East team 2-0.

1984: Playing in the PIAA State Playoffs for their first time ever, the Aces defeated Conrad Weiser 2-1 in the 1st round. The quarter-finals saw a wild shootout with Millville, with LM prevailing 5-4 in OT. In the semi-finals the Aces played the #1 ranked team in the state, Mount Lebanon, to a 0-0 tie, and then beat them in PK's to advance to the final. There LM lost to District 1 Champion Neshaminy 1-0.

1988: Coming in as the defending State Champions, the Aces beat a feisty Boyertown side 2-1 in OT in the 1st round. In the quarter-finals LM slipped by Abington Heights 2-1. In the semi-finals they faced Great Valley, the team they beat 3-0 in the District 1 final. This game was no different as LM notched another shutout, 2-0, to advance to the State Final. There the Aces lost 3-1 to Conestoga, the team they beat in the District 1 semi-final. This has been the only year in the 38 year history of the PIAA State Playoffs where 2 teams from the same league faced each other in the state final.

1987: Having won 4 Central League Titles in a row, the Aces squeaked by Emmaus 3-2 in the 1st round. In the quarter-finals they beat Central Bucks East 1-0, the same team who beat them on PK's in the District 1 semi-finals. In the semi-finals LM faced their arch-rivals Strath Haven, who were the defending State Champions. After regulation & 4 overtime periods, the game went to penalties. The Aces won on the 6th kick to advance to the State Final. There they faced a powerful Fox Chapel team, and after regulation, it was tied 1-1 once again. In OT LM scored on a PK to win their 1st, and so far their only, PIAA State Championship.

'Stoga wins District Title

Conestoga defeated Council Rock North 2-1 on Saturday night to win it's first ever District 1 Soccer Championship, and still remains undefeated going into the PIAA State playoffs.

Even though the Pioneers have never won a District 1 Soccer Title before, they have, ironically enough, won a PIAA State Crown, in 1988. That year Strath Haven won the Central League Title, Lower Merion, pictured here, won the District 1 Title (beating Conestoga 1-0 in the semi-finals), and Conestoga beat Lower Merion 3-1 in the 1st and only PIAA State Championship featuring 2 teams from the same league.

District Final Set

Last night at Harriton H.S. Conestoga kept their undefeated record alive by beating Central Bucks South 2-1. In the bottom bracket #6 seed Council Rock North knocked off #2 seed Central Bucks East, also by a score of 2-1. The 2 winners will play for the 2011 District 1 Title Saturday night at 7 PM at Harriton H.S., while the 3rd place game will take place at 4:45 PM. All 4 teams will advance to the PIAA State playoffs.

District 1 Playoffs 2011

The 2011 District "AAA" Playoffs are now down to 4 teams, all of which will go on to the PIAA State Tournament. In one bracket Conestoga defeated Owen J. Roberts 3-0, and will play Central Bucks South, a 3-2 OT winner over Strath Haven. They will play tonight at Harriton H.S. at 5:45 PM.

The other half of the bracket saw Central Bucks East defeating Souderton 3-0, while Council Rock North beat Council Rock South 1-0. Those two teams will also play at Harriton tonight at 8 PM.

Harriton, seeded #2 in the District 1 "AA" bracket, lost 1-0 to Upper Moreland last night.

Below are the results of the District Final game for Lower Merion's 7 District Championship teams. Congratulations to all the players on those title-winning squads.

* All years are for the Fall season, not the graduating year
1954: LM 3-1 over Bethlehem
1958: LM 2-1 over Unionville
1965: LM 1-1 (won on corner kicks) over West Chester
1968: LM 5-1 over Neshaminy
1988: LM 3-0 over Great Valley
2007: LM 2-1 (OT) over Abington
2010: LM 0-0 (won on PK's) over Conestoga

LM vs. Council Rock Playoff

LM hosted a good Council Rock South team this afternoon in a cold sporadic rain, where the stakes were win or end your season. Just 9 minutes in the Aces had a good scoring chance when the Rock keeper was caught out of the net, but the shot deflected off 2 defenders and went wide. Five minutes later LM had another good scoring opportunity but this time the keeper came up big. Meanwhile, Council Rock's only threats in the 1st half came off corners & free kicks, but if you give up enough of them it's like playing with fire. Midway thru the 1st half tri-captain Tyler Niles opened the scoring with a beautiful header off a Matt Lindheim corner, 1-0 Aces at halftime.

In the 2nd half Rock changed it up a little, working the midfield on quick transitions, but still only threatened on restarts. Ten minutes in they finally got a good shot on a 30 yard blast, but LM's keeper Connor Yu made a nice save to keep it scoreless. Play went back & forth for the next 20 minutes, with the Aces clinging to a slim 1 goal lead but slowly letting Rock take over the momentum. With 13 minutes left, it was another free kick chance that turned the whole complexity of the game, when a Rock player put a real nice header past the LM keeper to tie it up. Two minutes later the Aces just missed on a corner kick. And with less than a minute left in regulation LM got 2 throw-ins deep in the Rock end but couldn't convert, sudden-victory OT.

It didn't take long, as 4 minutes into OT Rock scored the game winner, once again coming off a long throw-in, and the Aces season was over.

It was a disappointing ending, but when the shock wears off every player, and coaches as well, will realize just how good their impressive 15-3 season was. They came into pre-season practice with only 1 or 2 starters returning, a new goalie, and only a handful of players with any serious varsity experience. Their 3 losses were all by 1 goal; an own goal 2-1 loss to #1 ranked Conestoga, a 2-1 loss to Harriton on a PK, and an overtime 2-1 playoff loss (both coming from restarts) to Council Rock South.

I'll have several more season ending posts as the playoffs wind down. Thanks for your support.

District 1 Playoffs 2011

Yesterday Council Rock South beat Marple Newtown 3-0 in the 1st round, so tomorrow, October 27th, the Aces (seeded 3rd) will host Council Rock South (the 14th seed) at 3 PM, on the turf at Arnold Field. Look for those results to be posted here tomorrow evening.

Should LM win tomorrow, they will host the winner of the Council Rock North (#6)/Central Bucks West (#22) game on Saturday at a time TBA.

In other District 1 Playoff action yesterday involving Central League teams, Springfield upset Boyertown 2-1 in OT, Strath Haven handled Avon Grove 3-0, Radnor lost to North Penn 3-0, and Marple Newtown lost to Council Rock South 3-0.

2011 All-Central League Selections

Honorable Mention:
Matt Lindheim, junior midfielder, was the go to guy in the middle. Most of the offensive thrusts went thru him, and he also took the free kicks & corner kicks.
Conor Yu, junior goalkeeper, recorded a very impressive 10 shutouts this season. He was the center piece in a dominant defense.
Roberto Bonilla, senior midfielder, played a key role in counter-attacks, both offensively & defensively. He scored a 35 yard "highlite goal" against Marple that will always be remembered.

Second Team:
Shane Votto, senior midfielder & tri-captain, controlled all balls in the air in his vacinity this season. Whether it was scoring on corner kicks & long throw-ins, or dominating in the midfield.

First Team:
Ben Hriscu, senior forward & tri-captain, was the team's high scorer this season. His quickness & dribbling skills opened up a lot of scoring chances and made him the focus of every defense.
Tyler Niles, senior defender & tri-captain, was the anchor in the defensive end. Whether in the air, breaking down a striker, or solid clearing, he did it all. He also was the key weapon in all the long throw-ins, scoring his share of goals.
Kenny Lassiter, junior forward, was a scoring threat from anywhere on the field. His moves in a crowd and physical play made him invaluable up front.

Congratulations to all the deserving recipients. For more info, along with player portraits, go to: lmacessoccer.com, click on the logo to enter, and then, under Aces News, click on "more" under LM's All-Central League Selections.

A Nice Playoff Surprise

The Distrcit 1 seeding committee has chosen LM as the #3 seed, giving them a 1st round bye. The Aces will play their 1st playoff game this Thursday at 3 PM, on the turf at Arnold Field, against the winner of a 1st round game between #14 seed Council Rock South and #19 seed Marple Newtown. Getting the other 3 1st round byes were Conestoga (seeded #1), Central Bucks East at #2, and Unionville at #4.

The powerful Central League put 6 teams into the "AAA" playoffs (#1 Conestoga, #3 LM, #13 Strath Haven, #18 Springfield, #19 Marple Newtown, and #25 Radnor), with Harriton receiving the #2 seed in the "AA" District 1 playoffs. This is the 1st time in District 1 "AAA" boy's soccer history that one league had 2 teams in the top 3 seeds.

To view the entire District 1 "AAA" playoff grid go to: http://www.district-one.net/brackets/boyssoccerAAA.htm.

Big Finish

The Aces finished their regular season in style last night by defeating highly ranked Unionville 1-0. Matt Lindheim got the goal from an assist by Kenny Lassiter. This brought LM's overall record to an impressive 15-2, with 10 shutouts. The Aces now wait for tomorrow's District 1 playoff seeding meeting to see who their 1st round opponent will be. LM will definitely be hosting a 1st round game this coming Tuesday at 3 PM on the turf at Arnold Field, and should they win, will host a 2nd round game on Thursday at 3 PM. All the 1st round match-ups will be posted here by tomorrow evening.

PA Boy's Soccer Playoff History

The District 1 playoffs began in 1954, with the 2 best teams in the district playing for the title. There are now 28 teams competing for this coveted "AAA" District 1 Title each year. District 1 playoffs have also been added for smaller schools, "AA" and "A". Lower Merion has won 7 "AAA" District 1 Titles in all, including the very 1st one in 1954, and last year as well (see picture above) while finishing 2nd 6 other times.

Also in 1954 the Inter-District playoffs were added (and were played until 1972), where the District 1 champion would play against the District 3 champion for the unofficial "State Championship" (as these 2 districts were by far the strongest soccer districts in the state at that time). Lower Merion won 1 Inter-District Title (in 1968), and finished 2nd 3 other times.

The PA State playoffs, between all the soccer-playing district in PA, began in 1973, and an official PIAA State Champion was declared. Since then state playoffs have been added in both the "AA" & "A" classes. Lower Merion won the PIAA "AAA" State Title in 1987, with 2 runner-up finishes in 1984 & 1988.

To see the results of every Lower Merion playoff game, from 1954 thru 2010, visit the LM Soccer Alumni website at: lmsocceralum.org. Click on "The Record Book", and then on "Playoff Records". While you're there check out all the other records; composite records over the years, records against opponents, all-league selections, individual records, team records, Hall of Fame, even JV & Freshman records, and much more.

LM Beats Springfield

In their 2011 Central League finale' the Aces defeated Springfield 2-1, finishing 2nd with a league record of 9-2. Conestoga won the 2011 league title (their 2nd in a row) with a perfect 11-0 mark.

Final Central League Standings
11-0, Conestoga
9-2, LOWER MERION
7-2-2. Strath Haven
7-3-1, Harriton
5-4-2. Springfield
4-4-3, Marple Newtown
4-5-2, Radnor
4-6-1, Garnet Valley
4-7, Haverford High
2-9, Ridley
2-9, Penncrest
1-9-1, Upper Darby

With the 2-1 loss to Harriton last week the Aces dropped down to #8 in the Southeastern PA Coaches soccer poll this week. LM (14-2) finishes up their regular schedule Friday night (7:30 PM) at Unionville (13-3), who is currently ranked just ahead of them at #7. A win Friday night would give the Aces a lot of momentum going into the District 1 playoffs next week.

#5 LM vs. #14 Great Valley

The Aces were ranked #5 in this week's Southeastern PA Coaches soccer poll (although they should drop down next week due to their 2-1 loss to Harriton). Great Valley (9-2-1) was at #14, LM's opponent this morning, while Unionville (9-2-1) is #13, whom the Aces play in their last game of the season next Friday night. These games are important as beating quality teams will greatly improve your seeding in the upcoming District 1 Playoffs.

In this morning's action, against a very good Great Valley squad, LM came out a little tentative, and predictable. Although both teams only were able to muster a couple of good scoring chances in the 1st half, it was Great Valley who looked crisper, faster, and carried most of the play.

With the game still scoreless into the 2nd half, the Aces seemed to take it up a notch and, instead of playing the ball foward, began switching the ball in the midfield which resulted in good scoring opportunites for Kenny Lassiter off a nice cross, and Ben Hriscu on a turn around shot from 10 yards out, but neither could convert. With 12 minutes remaining LM's Matt Lindheim put a nice corner kick into the box, which was headed to Kenny Lassiter, and the junior midfielder found the back of the net to give the Aces a 1-0 lead. Just 7 minutes later it was Lassiter again. This time he took a wonderful 1-touch thru pass from Alex Buckman and beat the Valley keeper 1 on 1 to double LM's lead. As the clock was ticking down under 3 minutes, Great Valley got on the board, scoring off a nice cross & first time shot. However, it proved to be too little too late and the Aces walked off with a hard fought 2-1 win over a quality team.

LM takes their 13-2 record on the road next week, when they travel to Springfield on Tuesday afternoon, and finish up at Unionville on Friday evening.

LM Bounces Back

The Aces, still reeling from their 2-1 loss to Harriton, hosted Garnet Valley this afternoon on a wet Arnold Field. A first half goal from Ben Hriscu from a beautiful Shane Votto header pass was all LM needed as they recorded their 9th shutout of the season, recording a 1-0 win. With an 8-2 Central League record (12-2 overall) and only 1 league game remaining, the Aces have secured a 2nd place finish behind 10-0 Conestoga.

On Saturday LM hosts Great Valley at 11:00 AM, with the last 2 games of the regular season schedule on the road; next Tuesday against Springfield (3:45 PM) and next Friday at Unionville (7:30 PM). On Sunday, October 23rd, the District 1 soccer committee will meet and select & seed the 26 AAA teams who will be playing for the District 1 Title. Lower Merion is the defending champion. Should the Aces finish strong next week they will be hosting a 1st round playoff game on Tuesday, October 25th at 3 PM.

Past LM/Harriton games

Speaking of the LM-Harriton rivalry, here is a recollection from LM soccer alum Ward Rusling (class of '62), 50 years later, on the magnitude of this annual contest.

1961: LM needed a win to stay in second place in the league, even a tie would have dropped us to third. That would have been the first time since LM started playing soccer in 1926 that LM finished lower than second, and that would have been a horrible blow to our pride. We had four guys who were first team All-Suburban, and yet we did not win the league.

On your goal, Jim Caplan, I remember it as a thing of beauty. Detlev Tauber and I fought for the ball about ten yards from you and we both tried to kick it at the same time, but I got a bigger piece of it than he did and it rolled to you. One waste high push with the bottom of your cleats and boom, just like it should be done, it floated past Mike Kirschner, the Harriton goalie, and into the net for a one nothing win for Lower Merion.

It is interesting that Mike Kirschner turned out to be your roommate at Penn State, where you both played on a remarkable freshman team, with players from Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, and the boondocks of Pennsylvania!

If any of you LM soccer alums are reading this, and have a story about the LM/Harriton game in your senior year, email me at bubdavidson@comcast.net and tell me about it.

LM vs. Harriton

When these two "Sister Schools" get together on the soccer field you can throw the records, rankings, & common sense all out the window. This one game is for bragging rights in Lower Merion Township. Always was, and probably always will be. The Aces coming in with an 11-1 mark, and the Rams sitting at 5-5-1, means absolutely nothing. So does the fact that in the 25 times these 2 schools have played each other the Aces record is 15-0-10.

Before a packed stadium last night at Harriton H.S. LM jumped out early in the game to take a 1-0 lead. The Rams tied it up later in the 1st half and at halftime it was 1-1. Midway thru the 2nd half Harriton's Zico Gaeffke (son of LM soccer alum Guido Gaeffke '78) gave the Rams their 1st lead of the evening, scoring on a penalty kick resulting from a handball in the box. With a little over 8 minutes remaining the Aces got a free kick opportunity from about 20 yards out. Matt Lindheim ripped a shot over the Harriton keeper and into the net for the equlaizer, but one of the referees called offsides and the goal was nullified. That took all the air out of the Aces baloon and the game ended with a 2-1 Harriton victory, the first time ever that the Rams have defeated the Aces in boy's soccer.

With Conestoga beating Haverford yesterday 2-0, and only having games with Ridley & Garnet Valley left, it's very doubtful that LM could have caught the Pioneers in the Central League title race anyway. So, with a strong finish by the Aces in their final 4 regular season games, they should still have a good chance to grab a 1st round bye in the District 1 playoffs.

Tomorrow at 3:45 PM the Aces host Garnet Valley, and Saturday they host Great Valley at 11:00 AM. They finish up their regular season schedule next week with Springfield on Tuesday (away at 3:45 PM) and on Friday they travel to Unionville (7:30 PM).

A Must Win

The Marple Newtown Tigers came into this Central League match-up having allowed only 2 goals in their 1st 7 league games, while the Aces have averaged almost 4 goals per game in their 7. Something had to give.

Just 2 minutes into the game, it was the Tigers who blinked first. LM's Noah Blodget noticed that Marple's goalie had been playing way off his line, and from 45 yards out he turned quickly with the ball and put a bullet over the helpless keeper's head, 1-0 Aces. Only 60 seconds later LM almost doubled their lead when Ben Hriscu took a thru ball and chipped it over the keeper's head once again, but it sailed just over the crossbar. 1-0 Aces at halftime.

In the 2nd half the Tigers came out strong and took away LM's momentum, even getting a couple of scoring opportunities of their own, but it was a case of the Aces defense bending but not breaking. When Hriscu got loose in the box 10 minutes later, and from a difficult angle ripped a shot past the diving Marple goalie, the game was as good as over. This took the life out of the Tigers upset hopes, and LM came away with a 2-0 victory.

This win brought LM's overall record to 11-1, 7-1 league, and gave them their 8th shutout of the season. Unfortunately Conestoga also won their game, beating Strath Haven 1-0 in the last 2 minutes of the game (their 3rd 1-goal win in a row), and stayed 1 game ahead of the Aces in the league title race. Both teams have 3 league games remaining.

LM is off until next Tuesday, when they travel to Harriton for their 1st night game of the season (7:00 PM).

Today's Key Matchups

Central League leader and undefeated Conestoga travels to Strath Haven today (3:45 PM) to take on the 3rd place Panthers. Should Haven knock off 'Stoga, and the Aces take care of business today against a very strong defensive Marple team (at Marple 3:45 PM), they would be tied for 1st place with 3 league games remaining.

In this week's Philadelphia Inquirer soccer poll LM remained in the 6th position. In ESPN's Top 50 national boy's high school soccer rankings, there were 4 teams from Southeastern PA making the list.
#12 - Conestoga
#16 - Haverford School
#38 - Holy Ghost Prep
#41 - LOWER MERION

Central League Standings

With 4 league games remaining, Conestoga kept the top spot in the Central League yesterday, winning another close 1 goal game against Marple 1-0. With a 6-0 rout over Penncrest the Aces remained 1 game back, while 3rd place Strath Haven shutout Upper Darby 2-0.

7-0-0, Conestoga (plays Strath Haven tomorrow)
6-1-0, LOWER MERION (plays at Marple tomorrow 3:45 PM)
4-1-2, Strath Haven
4-2-1, Harriton
3-2-2, Springfield
2-2-3, Marple Newtown
3-4-0, Haverford H.S,
2-3-2, Radnor
2-4-1, Garnet Valley
2-5-0, Ridley
1-5-1, Upper Darby
0-7-0, Penncrest

In this week's Southeastern PA Coaches Soccer Poll the Aces moved up from 6th to 5th. See the top 10 below:

#1 - Conestoga (9-0-0)
#2 - Holy Ghost Prep (9-0-1)
#3 - LaSalle (9-1-0)
#4 - West Chester Rustin (9-1-0)
#5 - LOWER MERION (9-1-0)
#6 - Central Bucks South (8-1-1)
#7 - Central Bucks East (7-2-1)
#8 - Haverford School (8-0-1)
#9 - North Penn (6-1-2)
#10 - Pennsbury (6-1-1)

Aces roll Penncrest

After having their Saturday showdown with highly ranked LaSalle postponned due to wet fields, LM hosted Penncrest this afternoon in a Central League contest. The Lions, despite an 0-6 league mark, were looking for a season-making win against the 2nd place Aces.

It didn't take long to dampen those hopes as Ben Hriscu put LM ahead 1-0 on a goal coming off a long throw-in by Shane Votto, a weapon the Aces have used many times this season. Three minutes later it was Votto, making a highlite reel behind-the-leg move, capped off with a 20 yard upper 90 blast. Just 4 minutes later LM made it 3-0 on a goal from Trevor Yu. Right before halftime it was Votto getting his 2nd of the game with a picture perfect header off a Matt Lindheim corner kick.

Meanwhile the defense of Tyler Niles, Noah Blodget, Will Podrasky, and Mark Abi-Khatter kept the Lions from getting too close to keeper Connor Yu. Kenny Lassiter began the 2nd half with a wonderful chip over the Penncrest keeper and it was time for the regulars to take a seat.

This 6-0 shutout brought the Aces overall record to 10-1, with a 6-1 league mark. Due to the Jewish holiday the only other game this week is a Wednesday league contest at Marple.

LM stays close to Stoga in title chase

While the Aces were beating Strath Haven 4-2, league leading Conestoga managed a closer than expected 2-1 win over Radnor, keeping them 1 game ahead in the race for the Central League title. Unscored upon Marple gave up their 1st league goal in 6 games in a 1-0 loss to Springfield, and with 5 league games remaining it looks like it's a 2 horse race.

6-0-0, Conestoga (plays Strath Haven next Wednesday, 10/5)
5-1-0, LOWER MERION
3-1-2, Strath Haven
3-2-1, Harriton
3-2-1, Springfield
2-1-3, Marple Newtown
3-3-0, Haverford
2-4-0, Garnet Valley
2-4-0, Ridley
1-3-2, Radnor
1-4-1, Upper Darby
0-6-0, Penncrest

Despite a 3-0 record last week the Aces went from #2 to #6 in the Philadelphia Inquirer soccer poll, which pretty much mirrors the Southeastern PA Coaches poll. Below are the top 10:

1 - Conestoga (8-0)
2 - Holy Ghost Prep (7-0)
3 - LaSalle (8-1), host LM this Saturday at 11:00 AM, non-league game
4 - North Penn (6-0-1)
5 - Haverford School (7-0)
6 - LOWER MERION (9-1)
7 - Central Bucks South (7-1)
8 - Wissahickon (5-2)
9 - Central Bucks East (5-2-1)
10 - Malvern Prep (4-1)

Haven Triller

This afternoon LM hosted rival Strath Haven in a key Central League contest. With the Aces defense only allowing 4 goals in their 1st 9 games, it promised to be a low scoring affair. However, that would not be the case today.

Haven jumped out on top midway thru the 1st half with a pretty goal coming off a perfect cross. LM tied it up just 4 minutes later when Tyler Niles headed a long free kick over the head of the Panther's keeper. That would repeat itself only 3 minutes later as it was Niles again heading in a Shane Votto free kick, and it was the Aces back on top 2-1. With the 1st half winding down, Haven got a free kick at the edge of the goalie's box with just 50 seconds remaining. With a wall screening LM's keeper Connor Yu, the kick was perfect and the 1st half ended 2-2.

Just 10 minutes into the 2nd half the refs called for a 30 minute lightning break. When play was resumed the Aces took the game over, and got goals from Matt Lindheim & Kenny Lassiter to defeat the Panthers 4-2. This improved LM's overall record to 9-1 (5-1 league).

They resume their schedule on Saturday at LaSalle, who is currently ranked #4 in the latest Southeastern Coaches Poll. Despite a perfect 3-0 mark last week, the Aces remained at #6.

Perfect Week

The Aces completed a 3-0 week with a 5-0 rout of non-league opponent Archbishop Carroll. Connor Yu, and the LM defense, recorded their 6th shutout of the season behind goals from 5 different players; Ben Hriscu, Matt Lindheim, Tyler Niles, Kenny Lassiter, and Alex Buckman.

Next week the Aces face 2 strong opponents in Central League rival Strath Haven (Tuesday @LM 3:45), and Saturday @LaSalle 11:00 AM. With Haven & Marple playing to a 0-0 tie last Thursday LM moved into 2nd place in the Central League standings, 1 game behind Conestoga.

5-0-0, Conestoga
4-1-0, Lower Merion
3-0-2, Strath Haven
2-0-3, Marple

Close one with Upper Darby

The Aces traveled to Upper Darby yesterday for their 5th Central League contest of the season. The Royals, coached by LM soccer alum Tom Farr, always seems to play LM tough, even this year with a team that's only returning 2 letter winners from last year. It wasn't pretty, but goals from Ben Hriscu & Kenny Lassiter gave the Aces a 2-1 win, as they improved their record to 7-1 overall, and 4-1 in league play. Tomorrow LM hosts Archbishop Carroll on the turf at Arnold Field at 10:15 AM.

Central League Standings

With a little over a third of the Central League season played, it's looking like a 3, maybe 4 horse race for the Championship. Below are the up to date standings:

4-0-0 - Conestoga
3-0-1 - Strath Haven
3-1-0 - Lower Merion
2-0-2 - Marple Newtown
2-1-1 - Harriton
2-2-0 - Garnet Valley
1-1-2 - Radnor
1-2-1 - Springfield
1-2-1 - Upper Darby
1-3-0 - Haverford
0-4-0 - Penncrest
0-4-0 - Ridley

Notes: Strath Haven's tie was 2-2 with Springfield, and they have not played either Conestoga or LM as of yet; Marple is unscored upon in their 4 games, with 0-0 ties with Radnor & Harriton, but haven't played any of the top 3; and Harriton's loss was 2-1 to Strath Haven.

This week's Inquirer top 5:

1 - Conestoga (6-0)
2 - Lower Merion (5-1)
3 - Holy Ghost (5-0)
4 - LaSalle (6-1)
5 - North Penn (6-0)

Sluggish Start

This afternoon LM hosted the Haverford Fords in a Central League contest at Arnold Field. During the 1st 30 minutes the Aces attack was too predictable, trying to force balls up the middle to forwards who were double, and sometimes triple teamed. With only 3 minutes left in the 1st half LM received a gift that helped turn the game around. Matt Lindhein took a 45 yard free kick that was misplayed by the Fords keeper, and it sailed into the net for a 1-0 halftime Aces' lead.

LM began creating more offensive opportunities in the 2nd half by carrying the ball thru the offensive third, forcing the Ford defenders to come off their marks and play the ball. This opened up the thru balls, and with 10 minutes gone these scoring chances created the 1st penalty kick of the season. Ben Hriscu got the call and LM doubled their lead. Just 5 minutes later it was Hriscu again, this time with a 20 blast that made it 3-0 Aces.

Meanwhile, in the defensive end, the Aces' Tyler Niles, Noah Blodget, Mark Abi-Khatter, and Will Podrasky put up a net around keeper Connor Yu, and LM recorded their 4th shutout in 6 games with a 3-0 victory. On Thursday the Aces travel to Upper Darby for another key Central League match (3:15 PM), and on Saturday host non-league opponent Archbishop Carroll (10:15 AM).

In the Southeastern PA Coaches Poll this week, because of their heartbreaking loss to Conestoga last Thursday, the Aces fell to #6. "Stoga moved up to #2, with North Penn at #1, Holy Ghost #3, LaSalle #4, and Central Bucks South at #5. No other Central League team are in the top #20.

LM Soccer Alumni Weekend

Thanks to those LM Soccer Alumni who came out today for the LM Soccer Alumni Weekend festivities. The tour of the new LMHS went very well, thanks to our tour guide Jaime Wilsker, one of the LM varsity soccer team managers.

The annual Alumni Game turned into a shootout, with the LM Aces Alumni coming out on top 7-6, behind the stellar goalkeeper of Mike Mandarino ('91). Other alumni standouts were; David Bloovman ('97), Jim VanDusen ('89), George Chovanes ('73), Tim Lord ('99), Juan Munoz ('98), Ryan Courtney ('01), Chris Schreiner ('89), Erki Abi-Khatter ('06), and Allan Greaves ('86).

At 3 PM the 2011 Aces played a down-to-the-wire non-league contest with Central Bucks West. The West side took charge of the game right away, with LM still suffering the effects of a 2-1 heartbreaking loss to Conestoga on an own goal last Thursday. With no scoring in the 1st half the Aces seemed to come out of their funk at times in the 2nd half, with a few sporadic scoring opportunities, but couldn't capitalize. The vaunted LM defense, and keeper Connor Yu, were tested several times, including a West shot off the post with 10 minutes left in regulation, but the score still reamained 0-0. With under 2 minutes left, Aces' junior Trevor Yu scored from a scrum in front of the West goal, and LM walked away with an opportunisitc 1-0 victory.

At halftime Walter (Bud) Lownes ('43) was inducted into the Lower Merion Boy's Soccer Hall of Fame. Bud's 1942 teammate Harry Olson presented the award to Bud's son Craig, daughter Debbie, and nephew Scott. For Bud's resume' & picture go to the LM Soccer Alumni website (lmsocceralum.org) and click on "Hall of Fame".

Battle of the Heavyweights

This afternoon the Aces hosted the very highly touted undefeated Conestoga Pioneers. It would be a good chance to see how the inexperienced LM squad would do against top competition. It didn't take long for the fireworks to begin, as 3 minutes into the game 'Stoga got on the board, scoring a beautiful goal coming off a long throw-in. Instead of hanging their heads the Aces came right back 3 minutes later on a highlite reel goal. Junior Kenny Lassiter took a ball down the right wing, beat 2 defenders and took the baseline. He then found junior Roberto Bonilla in the slot who blasted a one-time rocket past the helpless Pioneer keeper, 1-1.

Midway through the 1st half senior tri-captain Ben Hirscu found himself all alone in the middle of the 6 box but his header went high & wide. From that point on 'Stoga surprisingly seemed to go into a very defensive alignment, attacking with their 2 speedy wingers while keeping as many as 6-7 players back in the defensive third. With 10 minutes left in the 1st half the Aces made a big lack of communication mistake that would cost them dearly. The Pioneers played a long ball up through the middle into LM goalie's box, and with no "Stoga player within 20 yards of the ball an Aces defender headed the ball back toward keeper Connor Yu but missed his mark and the ball rolled into the LM net. 2-1 Pioneers at halftime.

As the 2nd half began 'Stoga went even more defensive, challenging the Aces to score. With 10 minutes gone LM had a great chance off a corner kick but the shot went just over the top of the goal. 5 minutes later it was the Aces again with a great opportunity, but again missed just wide. The only shot the Pioneers put on goal in the 2nd half came from a 45 yard free kick, but their defense held on to give LM their 1st loss of the season 2-1.

Next up is Central Bucks West this Saturday at 3 PM on the turf at Arnold Field. Come on out and join us for "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend".

Aces roll on

The Aces traveled to Radnor this afternoon to play an important Central League contest against an up & coming Raiders squad. LM wasted no time getting on the board as early in the 1st half junior Kenny Lassiter took a nice pass about 30 yards out, turned toward goal, and ripped it past the helpless Radnor keeper. After that scoring chances were almost non-existent. In fact, LM's vaunted defense played so well that Aces keeper Conor Yu did not have to make a single save the entire game. The final...1-0 LM.

This was the 3rd straight shutout for the Aces defense & Connor Yu, in fact, in the 4 games so far they have only allowed 1 goal. This win brought LM's overall record to 4-0, with a 2-0 Central League mark. This Thursday the Aces host highly ranked, and defending Central League Champion, Conestoga at 3:45 on the turf at Arnold Field, with the winner being the odds on favorite for the league title.

Looking ahead to "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend", this Saturday the Aces host a very strong Central Bucks West team, who is currently ranked in the Southeastern PA Coaches top 10. Come out and join us for all the festivities on Saturday:

11:00 AM - tour of the new LMHS
12:30 AM - LM Soccer Alumni Game (we can always use more players)
2:00 PM - Lunch for all LM Soccer Alumni & families
3:00 PM - LM vs. Central Bucks West
3:45 PM (halftime) - All LM Soccer Alumni will be recognized, and the to the newest inducteeLM Soccer Hall of Fame will be honored
7:00 PM - Gathering at the Great American Pub in Narberth

Early Rankings

After 1 week of play here are 4 of the boy's high school soccer polls:

ESPN National Fab 50
#39 - LM

NSCAA Region III (PA & NJ)
#4 - LaSalle
#6 - Conestoga
#8 - LM
#10 Central Bucks East

ESPN Rise PA
#1 - Hempfield
#2 - LaSalle
#3 - LM
#4 - St. Joe Prep
#5 - Conestoga

Philadelphia Inquirer
#1 - LaSalle
#2 - LM
#3 - Central Bucks East
#4 - Conestoga
#5 - St. Joe Prep

Aces win league opener

Today the Aces hosted Ridley, their 1st Central League opponent on the 2011 schedule. Although Ridley showed a little improvement from last year, they weren't much of a test for the talented young LM team. When it was all over the Aces got goals from 6 different players, including Tyler Niles, Matt Lindheim, Shane Votto, Marcelo Pernot, Roberto Bonilla, and a red hot Ben Hriscu, scoring in his 3rd consecutive game. LM keeper Connor Yu registered his 2nd shutout in 3 games, helping himself with a beautiful save on a first half breakaway.

This 7-0 win brought the Aces record to 3-0 overall, and 1-0 in Central League play. Next week's games include an away game on Tuesday at Radnor (3:45 PM), home on Thursday (3:45 PM) against powerful Conestoga (the heavy favorite to win the Central League Title again this year), and Saturday they host Central Bucks West at 3:00 PM on "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend".

Aces Keep Rolling

This past Tuesday the Aces traveled to Bonner for another non-league contest, and despite the rain, was able to get the game in. Junior Kenny Lassiter got hot for LM and scored twice, while Senior tri-captain Ben Hriscu continued his scoring streak, notching his 3rd goal of the season. With an own goal added for insurance, the only question was if junior Connor Yu could pick up his 1st varsity shutout, and he did, behind a strong LM defense, in a 4-0 Aces win.

The Central League opener with Ridley, and 1st home game, was cancelled today and rescheduled for tomorrow at 3:15 PM on the turf at Arnold Field. The 2011 Aces are now 2-0 for the season, and have found themselves ranked in many pre-season polls.

Aces win 2011 opener

Last year the 2010 LM Aces won the District 1 Title game against Conestoga on the lighted turf field at West Chester East High School. Opening their season this year against West Chester East, they found themselves playing on East's grass practice field, in attempt to slow down the Aces' speed & ball control game.

Undeterred, the Aces came out strong and got good scoring chances from junior Kenny Lassiter & freshman Marcelo Pernot but couldn't connect. Midway thru the 1st half senior tri-captain Ben Hriscu took a perfect Matt Lindhein corner kick and headed it past the East keeper. With 8 minutes left in the game East tied it at 1, and the game would go into OT. Hriscu got his 2nd goal of the day to give LM a 2-1 victory.

With rain scheduled for Tuesday's game with Bonner, and also Thursday's game against Ridley, the Aces may not see action until next week.

Another soccer season is here

The defending District One Champion Aces' pre-season is over, and they finished with a strong scrimmage performance against Bayer Rustin, scoring 2 goals and giving up none. They open up the regular season this Saturday, 10 AM, at West Chester East High School. The Aces' home opener is next Tuesday, September 6th, against Bonner. Both of these are non-league games. To view the entire 2011 Aces schedule you can go to their website at: lmacessoccer.com.

I've been getting a lot of response for the "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend" events. If you haven't already done so, and are interested in coming to some of the events (listed below) scheduled for Saturday, September 17th, please reply to this email and let me know which events you will be attending, as we need an approximate count for providing jerseys for the Alumni Game participants and lunch after the game (lunch will also be provided to family members of LM Soccer Alumni). We also have to give the Great American Pub an idea of how many of us there will be that evening.

Schedule of Events

1/ 11:00 AM - Tour of new Lower Merion H.S.
2/ 12:30 AM - Annual LM Soccer Alumni game
3/ 2:00 PM - Lunch in the stands after the Alumni Game
4/ 3:00 PM - 2011 Aces take on Central Bucks West at Arnold Field
5/ Halftime - LM Soccer Alumni will be called onto the field & introduced
6/ 7:00 PM - Gathering at the Narberth Great American Pub

Finally, as you already know, the LMSAA (Lower Merion Soccer Alumni Association) no longer collects membership dues from our members, especially the way the economy is today. Fortunately, we have been able to operate through the kindness of our members who have been able to made donations to our organization. If you would like to donate to the LMSAA, you can either do it directly online at our LM Soccer Alumni website (lmsocceralum.org), scroll down to the bottom of the home page for instructions, or you can send a check (made out to "LMSAA") to Jim VanDusen '89, our treasurer, and mail it to: 800 Maple Glen Lane, Wayne, PA 19087-4727.

Thanks again for your continued support of LM Soccer, and we hope to see you at the "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend".

2011 LM Soccer Alumni Weekend

Just a reminder that the "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend" is just 3 weeks from this weekend. Because we have to make arrangements for many of the events, I need to know who plans on attending.

1/ We need a count for those who plan on attending the tour of the new Lower Merion High School, to be held on Saturday, September 17th at 11:00 AM, so that we know how many tour guides are needed.

2/ We need to know who plans on playing in the annual "LM Soccer Alumni Game", to be held on Saturday, September 17th, at 12:30 PM on the turf at Arnold Field, so that we know how many jerseys to have on hand.

3/ We need to know who plans on being at Arnold Field for lunch immediately following the "Alumni Game", approximately 2 PM, and how many guests they will have, so we can order enough lunches for everyone. We will be eating our lunch in the stands as the 2011 Aces will be hosting Central Bucks West at 3 PM. At halftime we will call all the LM Soccer Alumni out onto the field by name & graduation year, as well as announce the 2011 LM Soccer Hall of Fame inductee.

4/ And finally, we need to know who is interested in going to the Great American Pub in Narberth (formerly the Narberth Inn) at 7 PM that same Saturday evening, September 17th, for some food, drinks, stories from the past, and to mingle with LM Soccer Alumni from other eras.

For those golfers in the group, if you want to participate in the 7th Annual Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event on Friday, September 16th, we would love to have you. You can register at our new LM Soccer Alumni website; lmsocceralum.org. It will be a scramble format so you don't have to be a good golfer to have fun. You can also arrange your own foursome, or we will group you with other LM Soccer Alums who have signed up.

This should be a wonderful day, so we hope as many of you as possible will come out and join in the festivities.

If you're interested in attending any of these functions please email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net

* Please put your name & graduation year on all emails for our records, and list the events you plan on attending. Thanks.

You do not have to reply about attending the Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event, as you can do that at our new website at lmsocceralum.org.

LM set to start it's 87th boy's soccer season

Next Monday pre-season practice begins for the 2011 LM boy's soccer season, the 87th in the school's history. They will be looking to build on the 868 total wins that the boy's varsity soccer teams have accumulated since 1924, a record that each one of you can feel proud that you're a part of.

To see all the LM boy's soccer stats, from 1924 thru 2010, visit our brand new LM Soccer Alumni website at: lmsocceralum.org. On this new website you will find varsity stats, jv stats, freshman stats, all-league selections, playoff stats, individual & team records, video clips, photos, news of past, and upcoming LM Soccer Alumni Events, Coach D's Blog, and much more. The website is 95% complete, so there are still a few things to be added, as well as a couple of typos to correct. Bookmark the site and be a regular visitor.

Finally, the "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend" is only 5 weeks away (September 16 & 17th) so I will be contacting all of our LM Soccer Alumni in the next couple of weeks, via email, to see who plans on attending which events. We will need a count for all those planning on taking the guided "Tour of the new Lower Merion High School" (so we have the proper amount of tour guides), those planning on playing in the "Alumni Game" (so we have the right number of jerseys), and those family members & friends who will be watching the "Alumni Game" and having lunch with us afterwards (so we have enough lunches for everyone).

For those who want to take part in the "Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event" you can get all that info on the website, and register there as well.

We hope to see as many of you as possible at sometime during the "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend", come on out and join the festivities.

2011 LM Soccer Alumni Weekend

I hope everyone's summer is going well. Welcome back to Coach D's blog. LM Soccer is just around the corner, and we have made an adjustment in our LMSAA event schedule that we are very excited about.

The Lower Merion Soccer Alumni Association is proud to announce the plans for an “LM Soccer Alumni Weekend”, to be held this Fall. Instead of having our LMSAA events spread out over September & October, as we have done in the past, we are putting them all together in one weekend, September 16 & 17 (Friday & Saturday), so those LM Soccer Alums that do not live in the area have a chance to come in for the weekend and join us for all the festivities.

Below you will find the date & timeline for all the events:

Friday, September 16, 2011:

“7^th annual Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event”

12:00 Noon - registration & lunch

1:00 PM - shotgun start

6:00 PM to 8 PM – open bar, dinner, awards

Saturday, September 17, 2011:

11:00 AM – Private Tour of the new Lower Merion High School

12:30 PM – LM Alumni Soccer Game on the turf at Arnold Field

2:00 PM – Lunch at Arnold Field for all LM Soccer Alumni & Friends

and induction ceremony for 2011 LM Soccer Hall of Fame inductees

3:00 PM – 2011 LM Aces vs. Central Bucks West at Arnold Field

at halftime all LM Soccer Alumni will be called out onto the field and introduced

7:00 PM – LM Soccer Alumni, friends & family gathering at the Narberth Great American Pub

This promises to be a memorable weekend, so we're hoping for a big turnout. Those of you who have wanted to join us in the past, but weren't able to do so, we hope to see you this time. It's a perfect chance to rekindle those old glory days at LM, meet old teammates, possibly lace up those soccer cleats one more time, and just have a ball.

I will be posting more info in the next several weeks so please mark this date in your calendar.