State Playoff Results

In Saturday's PIAA State quarter-final playoff action Downingtown West, the lone District 1 team still standing, lost 1-0 to District 12 Champion LaSalle. This is the 1st time since 1978 that District 1 did not have a team in the PIAA State Playoff Semi-Finals.

Lower Merion's boy's soccer team will hold their Awards Banquet this coming Tuesday, which represents the end of another Aces' soccer season. During the off season I will only be posting occasionally until mid-August when the 2013 pre-season practice gets underway. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.

Past PIAA State Champions

The PIAA State Championship began in the Fall season of 1973. Below are listed the 42 winners (by year), along with the runners-up, with both team's District number in (   ), and the score of the State Final game (in blue). When the State Final game ended in a tie (after the overtime periods were played) co-champions were declared.

1973 West Snyder (4)  2-0  Upper Moreland (1)
1974 Middleburg (4)  4-0  Tulpehocken (3)
1975 Bethlehem Liberty (11)  1-0  North Allengheny (7)
1976 State College (6)  2-0  Bethlehem Freedom (11)
1977 ELCO (3)  2-1  Bethlehem Liberty (11)
1978 Fleetwood (3)  4-0  Upper St. Clair (7)
1979 ELCO (3)  3-0  Harriton (1)
1980 Fleetwood (3)  2-0  Radnor (1)
1981 Mount Lebanon (7)  2-1  ELCO (3)
1982 Neshaminy (1)  2-1 OT  Fleetwoon (3)
1983 Bethlehem Freedom (11)  1-1 OT co-champions with Trinity (7)
1984 Neshaminy (1)  1-0  LOWER MERION (1)
1985 Council Rock (1) 4-2  Moon Township (7)
1986 Strath Haven (1)  1-0  West Chester East (1)
1987 LOWER MERION (1)  2-1 OT  Fox Chapel (7)
1988 Conestoga (1)  3-1  LOWER MERION
1989 Downingtown (1)  1-0  Mount Lebanon (7)
1990 Fox Chapel (7)  1-0  Downingtown (1)
1991 Strath Haven (1)  1-0  Upper St. Clair (7)
1992 Wilson West-Lawn (3)  1-0  Strath Haven (1)
1993 Great Valley (1)  1-0  Wilson West-Lawn (3)
1994 Bethel Park (7) 2-2 OT co-champions with Neshaminy (1)
1995 Strath Haven (1)  8-0  Erie McDowell (10)
1996 Strath Haven (1)  6-0  North Allegheny (7)
1997 Coughlin (2)  9-5 OT  Erie Cathedral Prep (7)
1998 Downingtown (1)  1-0  Peters Township (7)
1999 Downingtown (1)  4-2  North Allegheny (7)
2000 North Allegheny (7)  1-0 OT  Emmaus (11)
2001 Strath Haven (1)  1-1 OT co-champions w/ Erie Cathedral Prep (7)
2002 West Chester Henderson (1)  2-1  Chartiers Valley (7)
2003 Upper St. Clair (7)  1-0 OT  West Chester East (1)
2004 Upper St. Clair (7)  2-0  West Chester Henderson (1)
2005 Warwick (3)  1-0  West Chester Henderson (1)
2006 Council Rock N. (1)  2-1  Manheim Township. (3)
2007 Peters Township (7)  2-1 OT  Downingtown West (1)
2008 Downingtown West (1)  2-1  Peters Township (7)
2009 Father Judge (12)  0-0 OT co-champions with Central Daulphin (3)
2010 Hempfield (3)  2-1  Central Bucks East (1)
2011 Conestoga (1)  1-0  Upper St. Clair (7)

LM Boy's Soccer All-America Selections

Over the years the Lower Merion boy's soccer team has had a player selected to the High School All-America Team 10 different times. The most recent being Aces' goalkeeper Drew Cotler (pictured at right) who was selected in both his Junior (2005) & senior (2006) years. Other selections include:

1987 - Drew Misher
1988 - Chris Schreiner
1989 - Lou Spivak
1990 - John Howard
1991 & 1992 - Will Kohler
1993 & 1994 - Jon Hanks

State Playoff Results

It's a good thing that District 1 got a 5th team in the PIAA State Playoffs this year because that team (Downingtown West) was the lone survivor of the 1st round last night, beating Hempfield 1-0. #1seed Abington lost 4-1 to Wilson Reading, #2 seed Central Bucks East lost 1-0 to Delaware Valley, #3 seed Souderton lost 1-0 to Stroudsburg, and #4 seed Pennsbury lost to LaSalle 2-0.

Downingtown will play LaSalle in the 2nd round at a time & place TBA.

State Playoffs Begin Tomorrow

Five of the 16 teams in the 2012 PIAA State Soccer Playoffs are from District 1, and rightfully so as the PIAA State Crown has gone to a District 1 team 19 times in the past 30 years.

Here are tomorrow night's 1st round opponents for the 5 District 1 teams (4 of which will stay in the Eastern bracket):

#1 seed Abington plays District 3's 3rd seed Wilson at Coatesville Area H.S. (7 PM)
#2 seed C.B. East goes into the Western bracket to face District 6 champion State College at Scranton Memorial Stadium at 5 PM
#3 seed Souderton will play District 11 champion Stroudsburg at Nazareth Area H.S. at 7:30 PM
#4 seed Pennsbury will face Catholic League champion LaSalle (District 12) at Northeast H.S. at 7 PM
#5 seed Downingtown West will play District 3 champion Hempfield at Hersheypark Stadium at 7 PM

2012 State Playoffs

Last night in the district 1 Final #19 seed Abington defeated Central Bucks East 2-1, making them the highest seeded team to ever win a District 1 Title. In the 3rd place game it was Souderton beating Pennsbury 2-1. A new first for District 1 Boy's Soccer is that this year they will be sending 5 teams (not their usual 4) to the PIAA State Playoffs. Downingtown West got the 5th place seed with a win over West Chester Rustin in the playback bracket.

The State Playoffs began in 1973, with Lower Merion qualifying 8 times. The Aces reached the Championship game in 1984, 1987, & 1988, winning the PIAA State Crown in 1987 (pictured below).

District 1 Final Set

After a 2 day delay because of Sandy the district 1 soccer semi-finals were finally played last night. #8 seed Central Bucks East defeated #13 seed Souderton 1-0, while #19 seed Abington beat #15 seed Pennsbury 2-1. This is the 1st time I can ever remember where such high seeds moved through to the semi-finals.

The teams will not have much rest however because they have to turn around and play both the District final game, and the 3rd place consolation game, tomorrow night (as all 4 teams will move on into the PIAA State Playoffs.

Last LM District Champion

LM Aces' boy's soccer teams have played in 13 District 1 Finals, winning 7 times ('54, '58, '65, '68, '88, '07, & '10), and finishing as the runner-up 6 times ('56, '60, '63, '64, '66, & '85).

The Aces won their most recent District 1 Title in 2010 (pictured below) in coach Nick Severini's 1st season as LM's head coach.

All-Central League Team

The 2012 All-Central League team was just announced and the Aces are well represented, as usual.

1st Team: senior tri-captain Matthew Lindheim

2nd Team: junior David Baer & senior keeper Connor Yju

Honorable Mention: senior Trevor Yu, junior Daniel Buckman, senior Alex Buckman, and senior Mark Abi-Khatter

Congratulations to all the deserving recipients.

The District 1 semi-finals that were scheduled for tonight were postponed until tomorrow. I will continue to post throughout the District 1 & State Playoffs, with all the game results, possible additional honors for LM players, as well as LM Soccer Alumni info.

Facing Elimination

The Aces traveled to North Penn this evening for a 2nd round District Playoff game. They were accompanied by their loyal parent & student body following, knowing that the season was on the line. Also, LM had lost both of their night games this season and were looking to remedy that situation. With league champion Conestoga losing on PK's to Souderton the Aces were the last hope for the Central League.

LM carried the play for the 1st 10 minutes or so before North Penn slowly took over. With just 13 minutes played North Penn capitalized on a scrum in front of the Aces' net to take an early 1-0 lead. About 7 minutes later NP were the recipients of a very controversial penalty kick call, and all of a sudden LM was in a 2-0 hole. It was a very physical game, with the refs having trouble taking control.

In the 2nd half the Aces got just what they needed, a quick goal to put them back in the game. Matt Lindheim lifted a beautiful long free kick just over the North Penn defensive line and junior David Baer headed it home to cut the lead in half. However LM still had their hands full as NP was a strong, quick team, with good height in the defensive end. Despite North Penn's very physical play the Aces weren't shy about giving it back. As time wound down LM got several great scoring opportunities coming off long throw-ins, free kicks, & corners. They fought til the end, giving it everything they had, but just couldn't put another one in the net. The game ended 2-1 and the Aces season was over.

It's always tough to end your season with a loss, but considering all this team had to overcome they should feel very proud of what they accomplished. They returned only a few starters from last year, and the new "Academy Rule" took away 4 of their better players. Despite this they finished in a tie for 2nd place in the Central League (just 2 points behind champion Conestoga), had a 14-4-1 overall record, and went to the 2nd round of the District 1 Playoffs. Congrats to all the players & coaches.

North Penn Tonight

The Aces face off against #7 seed North Penn tonight at 7 PM, played at North Penn H.S. The winner will advance to the District 1 quarter-finals and play the winner of this afternoon's match between #2 seed Great Valley vs. #15 seed Pennsbury.

Thursday's schedule

With the 2-1 win yesterday against Central Bucks West (see last blog), the Aces will travel to #7 seed North Penn Thursday night for a 7 PM 2nd round game.

Except for Conestoga, who had a 1st round bye, the other Central League teams did not fare very well yesterday. Harriton lost 2-1 to Abington, Upper Darby lost 2-1 in OT to Pennsbury, Strath Haven lost 2-1 in OT to North Penn, Radnor lost 1-0 in OT to Souderton, and Springfield lost 1-0 to Wissahickon.

Good Start

This afternoon the Aces hosted Central Bucks West in the 1st round of the District One Playoffs. The first 20 minutes didn't provide much offensive action as both teams seemed to be feeling each other out, although LM held a clear territorial advantage. Just after the midway point in the 1st half the "Bucks" grabbed the momentum. They finally got a few shots on Aces' keeper Connor Yu, and were winning most of the 50/50 balls. With 10 minutes left in the 1st half the "Bucks" connected with a goal coming off a long throw-in and LM trailed 1-0. This seemed to wake the Aces up as 5 minutes later junior Eli Cohen scored a beautiful hustling goal off a Greg Levy throw-in and it was all square at the half.

The 2nd half saw both teams alternating scoring chances, mostly coming from either free kicks or long throw-ins, but they were few & far between. Both defenses played solidly, and you could sense that the next goal would be the game winner. With 14 minutes left LM senior Trevor Yu took a long clearing pass from the defense, carried nicely through some open space, and ripped a 22 yarder toward the "Bucks" net. The shot hit a defender and deflected past the helpless "Bucks" keeper to give the Aces a 2-1 lead. The defense, and strong play from tri-captain Matt Lindhein, did the rest and LM moved through to the 2nd round with a 2-1 win.

Tonight #7 seed North Penn hosts #26 seed Strath Haven with the Aces playing the winner on Thursday in the 2nd round. Should North Penn win they would host the Aces at 7 PM Thursday evening. If Haven prevails then the Aces will host the Panthers at 3 PM on Thursday afternoon.

District Playoffs Begin

The Aces drew the #10 seed in the District 1 Playoffs, giving them at least 1 home game. They open with Central Bucks West on Tuesday at 3:00 PM on the turf at Arnold Field. LM lost an away contest to the "Bucks" 3-2 during the regular season, their only non-league loss.

Should the Aces win, they will play the winner of #7 North Penn vs. #26 Strath Haven, with the lower seeded team hosting the 2nd round playoff game on Thursday. LM was undefeated on Arnold Field this season and are hoping to keep that string going on Tuesday. To do that they will have to get back to their attacking style of play in the offensive end while keeping their defense tight.

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

The results of Tuesday's game will appear here on "Coach D's Blog" about 7 PM that same evening.

Go Aces!

District 1 Playoffs

In the past 25 seasons, from 1984 through 2011, the LM Aces have qualified for the District One "AAA" (big school) Playoffs 22 times. The longest LM consecutive streak has been 13 in a row (from '84 through '96). The current LM consecutive streak stands at 9 ('03 through '11) and counting.

Below I have listed the District Playoff results for the past 5 seasons:
* The top 4 seeded teams each year receive a bye in the 1st round

2007

3-0 vs. Pennwood in 2nd Round (received bye in 1st Round)

3-1 vs. Bayard Rustin in Quarter-Final

2-1 vs. C.B. East in Semi-Final

2-1 vs. Abington for District Title

2008

3-2 vs. C.B. South in 2nd Round (received bye in 1st Round)

3-0 vs. Radnor in Quarter-Final

1-1 (lost on PK's) vs. Neshaminy in Semi-Final

1-0 vs. C.B. East in 3rd Place Game
 

2009

2-0 vs. Great Valley in 2nd Round (received bye in 1st Round)

1-1 (lost on PK's) vs. Downingtown West in Quarter-Final

2010

5-0 vs. Chi-Chester in 1st Round

2-0 vs. Marple in 2nd Round

0-0 (won on PK's) vs. Pennridge in Quarter-Final

1-0 vs. Pennsbury in Semi-Final

0-0 (won on PK's) vs. Conestoga for District Title

2011

1-2 OT vs. Council Rock South in 2nd Round (received bye in 1st Round)

Strong Regular Season Finish

The Aces had more trouble than they expected against a Ridley team looking for their 1st Central League victory. Junior David Baer volleyed in a free kick from Matt Lindheim with only 10 minutes remaining to give LM a 1-0 slim victory. Goalkeeper Connor Yu registered his 7th shutout of the season. Unfortunately Conestoga (9-2) also won, easily handling Penncrest 7-1, so the Aces (8-2-1) finish in a tie with Harriton (a 1-0 winner over Strath Haven on a PK with 4 minutes left) for 2nd place in the Central League. Upper Darby (8-3) finished in 4th place with Springfield (6-4-1) in 5th.

After back-to-back losses in late September, the good news is LM finished strong with 6 straight victories, giving them a 13-3-1 overall record, a #10 ranking in the Inquirer's Top Ten soccer poll and #17 in the Southeastern PA soccer coaches pool. The bad news is they only scored 8 goals in their last 5 games while playing only 1 team with a winning record. Looking back on the Central League season I'm sure they wish they could have that Penncrest game back again, as that was the difference between finishing 2nd, and an 11th Aces Central League Title. Each of LM's 2 league losses came on their only 2 night games of the season (0-1 to Conestoga & 0-2 to Penncrest).

This Sunday the District One playoff committee will meet to choose & seed the 28 teams who will participate in the 2012 District One Playoffs. The top 4 in the District will also move on to the PIAA State Playoffs. I look for the Aces to be seeded somewhere between 8th & 12th and will definitely have a 1st round home game when the playoffs begin next Tuesday, October 23rd, at 3:00 PM. Once the seedings are reported you can find all the pairings at: http://www.district-one.net/brackets/boyssoccerAAA.htm, and also right here on "Coach D's Blog".

1st LM Central League Title Team

On the eve of another possible LM Central League boy's soccer title, let's look back a few years. The Central League was formed in 1967, and in 1968 the Aces (pictured above) won their 1st Central League Title. The number of Aces Central League Championships now stands at 10 ('68, '84, 85, '86, '87, '90, '04, '07, '08, & '09.

That '68 group was a was a very special team. Besides posting an overall record of 14-1-1, and scoring 41 goals against 16 allowed, they also went on to win the District One Title.

Because there was no official PIAA State Championship until 1973, the '68 Aces (District One champions) played ELCO (the District Three Champions) in what was then called the"Inter-District Playoffs". Since these two districts were by far the best soccer-playing districts in the state at that time, this was considered by many as the "unofficial" State Championship. With regulation play + overtimes resulting in a 2-2 tie, the Aces were declared the winners on the basis of accumulating more corner kicks than ELCO (this was how ties were broken before the penalty kick shootout).

This was also the only LM team to win the "Inter-District Playoffs", losing in '54 to North Lebanon 4-1, in '58 to Pequea Valley 1-0, and in '65 to Garden Spot 1-0.

Down to one

The Aces traveled to Archbishop Carroll yesterday for their last non-league game of the season. Behind the scoring of Matt Lindheim and Tyler Robinson, and goalkeeper Connor Yu's 5th shutout of the season, LM came out on top 2-1.

The Aces wrap up their 2012 regular season with a Central League game at Ridley, with the Central League Title still a possibility. Should LM win, and 1st place Conestoga loses or ties Penncrest, the Aces would be assured of at least a share of the league title. If the Aces win, and both Conestoga & Harriton lose, LM would be the Central League Champion all alone.

A lot on the line for this young Aces' squad.

One Last Chance

Yesterday the Aces took care of a good Springfield team, who had already upset a couple of the league's top teams earlier in the season. It was sophomore Gian-Luca Hail getting his 2nd game winner in the last 4 games as LM won 2-1. In other Central League action Harriton defeated Upper Darby, so the Aces moved into a 2nd place tie with Harriton. League leading Conestoga had an easy time with Garnet Valley winning 4-1.

Next Tuesday is the last Central League game of the season, with LM (7-2-1) visiting winless Ridley (0-9-1). Should they get past Ridley, and Conestoga (8-2-0) loses to Penncrest (3-4-3), the Aces would assure themselves at least a tie for the 2012 Central League Championship with Harriton (7-2-1), but the Rams still have to get past Strath Haven (6-4-0) in their last game.

Tomorrow LM travels to Archbishop Carrol for their last non-league game of the season.

Close Call

The Aces took care of business yesterday against Garnet Valley but it was closer than expected. Their 2-1 win moved LM (6-2-1) past Radnor into 3rd place, as the Raiders lost 1-0 to Springfield. Both Conestoga (7-2) & Upper Darby (7-2) won easily to stay tied atop the Central League standings with 2 games remaining. To win the league title the Aces (Springfield & Ridley left) need to win both their games, and have both Conestoga (Garnet Valley & Penncrest left) and Upper Darby (Harriton & Garnet Valley left) to drop one of their last 2 games. It's a long shot, but you never know.

Stretch Run

The Aces' game last Saturday with Friends Central was cancelled, so their overall record remains at 8-3-1 (5-2-1 in league play). Central League games this week are today at Garnet Valley (listed on the schedule as 3:45 PM, but in the paper today it has it at 7 PM), and Thursday at home with Springfield (3:45 PM). This Saturday LM travels to Archbishop Carroll for a non-league contest (time TBA). Next week the Aces wrap up their regular season schedule when they travel to Ridley for their final Central League match.

LM fell out of the Southeastern PA top-10 soccer poll, that has West Chester Rustin (the 3rd High School in the West Chester School District behind West Chester East & West Chester Henderson) as the #1 team, and Conestoga at #7 (the only team ranked from the Central League).

Central League Standings

Here are the up to date Central League Standings. Teams receive 3 points for a win and 1 point for a tie. As you can see that loss to Penncrest last Thursday night was huge for the Aces as with a win they could have been atop the standings with 19 points, with remaining games against Ridley, Garnet Valley, & Springfield. Now LM needs a lot to happen for them to have a chance at the top spot.

TEAM	W	L	T		PTS.
Conestoga	6	2	0		18
Upper Darby	6	2	0		18
Radnor	5	1	2		17
Lower Merion	5	2	1		16
Harriton	5	2	1		16
Springfield	4	3	1		13
Strath Haven	4	4	0		12
Haverford	3	5	0		9
Penncrest	2	3	3		9
Garnet Valley	1	6	1		4
Marple	2	6	0		3
Ridley	0	7	1		1

LM - Harriton, the game

This afternoon, in an on and off drizzle, the Aces & Rams faced off for the 27th time in their history. LM was looking for a little payback from last year, when Harriton dealt LM their 1st defeat ever. But even more important, the Rams held the top spot in the Central League standings, with the Aces clinging to an outside chance of staying in the race.

It was a typical LM vs. Harriton soccer game, a hard-nosed, take no prisoners battle. Both goalkeepers played outstanding games, with each one coming up big when the team needed it. Both teams hit the crossbar once, and both grabbed, held, and lost momentum several times during the contest. The Aces relied on their long throw-ins & corner kicks for most of their pressure, while the Rams took advantage of quick counter attacks off turnovers.

The 2 workhorses for LM were seniors Greg Levy and tri-captain Matt Lindheim. Eighty minutes of regulation ended in a 0-0 tie, so two 10-minute sudden-victory overtime periods would be played. With the Aces carrying the play in the 1st OT, their pressure would finally pay off. With only 27 seconds left Greg Levy got his 13th or 14th long throw of the afternoon deep in the Ram's end. He would finally connect as sophmore Gian-Luca Hail directed a deflection past the helpless Harriton keeper for the game winner. The LM bench poured onto the field to celebrate the "must win" they desperately needed, and got.

This Saturday LM goes out of league play when they travel to Friends Central for an 11 AM contest. I will post the updated Central League standings right here tomorrow or Saturday.

Harriton Rivalry?

The Aces took care of business with Marple yesterday with a 4-1 Central League victory. Junior Eli Cohen tallied twice while senior tri-captain Matt Lindheim recorded a goal and 2 assists. Next up for LM (tomorrow at Arnold Field, with a 3:45 PM tap) is league leading Harriton, who played to a 1-1 tie with Radnor yesterday. If you want to know just how big this game is keep reading.
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Lower Merion vs. Harriton is a different kind of rivalry, dating back 52 years to the first time these two schools played each other in soccer in 1960 (Harriton opened as a 2nd high school in Lower Merion School District in 1959).  It's not a rivalry based on win-loss records, championships, or a battle to be the best team in the area. This rivalry is based on pride alone, which Lower Merion School District high school soccer team can beat the other on one given day. Want to know what it felt like, just ask Chris Schreiner ('88), who not only played for LM against Harriton, but later also coached the Aces as well.

  "First let me start off by saying my wife is a '89 graduate of Harriton and she used to boo me at all the LM vs Harriton soccer games. As a former player and coach at LM, when we played Harriton it was always a no win situation. When we won the game we were supposed to win, if we tied the game we played horrible and Harriton played great, and ... We never lost!  The greatest part about the games between LM and Harriton was that everyone knew each other. Whether they were friends from your club team or another club team or just from the neighborhood. The games themselves were always tough, hard-nosed physical wars, with everything on the line. Bragging rights for another year and hanging out with more Harriton girls."

After about 10 years of playing each other every year the rivalry was ended. Some sources say that it got too heated and animosity built up between not only the teams, but the 2 student bodies as well. This was also apparent in other sports besides soccer. So to help promote unity & goodwill in the School District all athletic contests between the 2 schools were discontinued.

Both school's boy's soccer teams continued to flourish, with Lower Merion dominating the Suburban One (and then the Central) league, while Harriton was without equal in the Del-Val league. Finally in 1985, with both teams having qualified for the District One playoffs (there was only 1 division back then), Lower Merion met Harriton once again on the soccer field in the district quarter-finals. Both teams were ranked highly in the area and it would be an historic game. The Aces proved to be too big and too strong for the Rams that year, as LM won 4-0 and advanced thru the District Playoffs and into the State Playoffs.

Several years later games resumed (in all sports) bewteen the 2 sister schools, with Lower Merion playing the roll of the bigger school and expected winner, while Harriton would be the underdog with nothing to lose. In the 25 times these 2 soccer powers met (thru 2010), LM won 15, lost 0, and there were 10 ties. Last year the Rams finally broke thru and defeated the Aces 2-1 in a night game at Harriton.

Now they both play in the Central League, and within a few years their enrollments should be just about equal. Count on many years of exciting games still to come.

Have an LM vs Harriton memory? Send me an email at bubdavidson@comcast.net.

Looking to Rebound

After a crushing Central League loss on Thursday night the Aces were looking to right the ship on Saturday against non-league opponent Central Bucks West. After scoring only 1 goal in their last 2 games LM finally got their offense going, getting 2 goals past the Bucks keeper. With their defense giving up only 6 goals in their last 8 games that should have been plenty for the Aces, but it wasn't. The Bucks scored 3 and LM lost 3-2.

This week LM hosts Marple on Tuesday, league leading Harriton on Thursday, and travel to Friends Central on Saturday. Sitting at 7-3-1 overall, this is a very important week for the Aces.

Pressure Game

Last Thursday night LM traveled to Penncrest for still another key Central League contest. The Lions were winless in league play so far, and a win would put the Aces in a tie for 2nd place, with a chance to pass 1st place Harriton next week. However, things didn't work out in LM's favor, and after a 2-0 loss their hopes for a Central League Title are now a long shot.

With 5 Central League games left here are the current standings:

5-1-0 - Harriton
4-1-1 - Radnor
4-2-0 - Conestoga
4-2-0 - Upper Darby
4-2-0 - Strath Haven
3-2-1 - Lower Merion
3-2-1 - Springfield
3-3-0 - Haverford
1-2-3 - Penncrest
1-5-0 - Marple
0-5-1 - Ridley
0-5-1 - Garnet Valley

LM beats Haven in OT

With 7 minutes remaining in double overtime Senior Greg Levy found junior David Baer with a nice cross to give the Aces a key 1-0 Central League win over arch-rival Strath Haven. Goalkeeper Connor Yu had 4 saves to post his 4th shutout of the season. This was LM's 3rd straight win (all Central League games) and brought their overall record to 7-1-1, good enough to be ranked #6 in the Philadelphia Inquirer soccer rankings.

Alumni Weekend Madness

First let me bring you up to date on the 2012 Aces. Last Thursday LM recorded a convincing 2-0 Central League win against the Fords of Haverford, giving the young Aces their 3rd shutout of the season.

This past Saturday, in the middle of "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend", they took on Upper Darby in another Central League match that they had to win to keep their League Title hopes alive. With many Alumni looking on junior Tyler Robinson opened the scoring on a beautiful 1st time volley from a long throw-in by Greg Levy. With just 6 minutes gone in the 2nd half the Aces were awarded a PK and tri-captain Matt Lindheim converted to make it 2-0. The Royals, coached by LM Soccer Alumnus Tom Farr, were putting pressure on LM's goal all game and finally got one by keeper Connor Yu late in the game to make it 2-1. There was no more scoring and the Aces lifted their Central League record to 2-1-1 (6-1-1 overall).

This week it's Strath Haven away on Tuesday afternoon (3:45 PM), and a night game at Penncrest on Thursday (7:00 PM).
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LM SOCCER ALUMNI WEEKEND

Last Friday "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend" began with the 8th annual Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Tournament at Edgmont Country Club, with a group of almost 50 golfers taking part. Under sunny skies there was a lot of good golf, good food, and good fun, all for a great cause.

That same evening members of LM's 1987 PA State Championship Soccer Team got together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that magical season, as well as their induction into the Lower Merion Soccer Hall of Fame. From left to right: Head Coach Bob Robinson, Will McIlvaine, Assistant Coach Bob Davidson, Dan Maas (in back), Michael Goldberg, Jim Swartz, Drew Misher, Jason DiLullo (in back), Greg Canally (in back), Chris Schreiner (in middle), Jim Van Dusen, Matt Fine, Brian Vernick, Greg Knepper, and Derek Goodman.
Also present at the event were '87 team managers Talia Wurtzel & Katie Callahan, as well as many family members & friends.

The next day, following the LM-Upper Darby game, the LM Soccer Alumni team took the field against a local Radnor club team in the annual "Alumni Game". During a very well played game each player exhibited those signs of greatness that made them the accomplished players they were "back in the day".

Front row L to R: Tim Lord ('99), Greg Canally ('88), Jim VanDusen ('89), Chris Schreiner ('89), Michael Goldberg ('88), Middle Row L to R: David Urban ('86), Luke Coyle ('00), Ryan Courtney ('01), Michael Canter ('82), Dan Maas ('89), Jim Swartz ('88), Greg Knepper ('88), Drew Misher ('88), Back Row L to R: Bart Brenner ('83), Andrew Sherman ('89), Will McIlvaine ('88), Kip Ferguson ('74), Ben Eisner ('78), Bob Robinson, Bob Davidson ('64). Missing from picture is John DePrince ('83)

As '87 managers Talia Wurtzel (left), Katie Callahan (center), & friends looked on, the Aces Alumni team jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by Ryan Courtney. Radnor then scored 2 unanswered goals to take a 2-1 lead into halftime. Midway thru the 2nd half Jim VanDusen hit the crossbar off a long throw from Brian Vernick. A few minutes later Drew Misher got the equalizer and everyone knew the next goal would be huge. Unfortunately Radnor got the game winner with 7 minutes remaining, but it was quite a showcase for the LM Soccer Alumni that demonstrated they still had game.

LM Soccer Hall of Fame Inductees

Congratulations to the 1987 PA State Champion LM Soccer Aces, the 2012 inductee into the Lower Merion Soccer Hall of Fame. They will be officially inducted this Friday night, at Edgmont Golf Club, at the 25th year anniversary of their magical season. Their induction bio reads like this:

Sixth Inductee Class, September, 2012

The 1987 State Champion Boy’s Soccer Team:

As of the end of last season, the 1987 LM Boy’s Soccer Team was the 1^st, and only, LM boy’s soccer team to win the PIAA State  Soccer Championship.

The ’87 Aces finished the season with an overall record of 22-1-5, a school record for both total wins in a single season and best overall record in a single season, both of which still stand today. They also recorded 14 shutouts, which at that time was also a school record but has since been broken. 

In a must win situation in the last Central League game of the season they defeated defending League, District, & State Champion Strath Haven 1-0 to earn a share of the Central League Title with Strath Haven. This represented LM’s 4^th consecutive Central League Title. They then lost to Central Bucks East on penalty kicks in the District One semi-final before moving through to the PIAA State Tournament as District One’s 3^rd seed.

In the State Tournament semi-finals they met arch-rival Strath Haven once again, and after 110 minutes of soccer ended in a 1-1 tie, they beat the Panthers on sudden-victory penalty kicks. In the State Final against Pittsburgh powerhouse Fox Chapel the ’87 Aces needed overtime again, after another 1-1 tie. With only minutes remaining in the 1^st overtime period Tri-Captain Drew Misher connected on a penalty kick to give LM their 1^st PIAA State Boy’s Soccer Championship.

Besides placing an unprecedented 8 players on the All-Main Line team, the ’87 Aces also put 7 players on the All-Central League team, 2 on the All-District One team, and 1 on the Regional All-America team. 

Many of these players went on to have stellar college soccer careers, and quite a few are still active, playing club soccer and coaching at various levels.

Big Week

Thursday - Haverford High, away, at 3:45 PM

Friday & Saturday -
"LM SOCCER ALUMNI WEEKEND"

* Friday, 12 Noon - 8th annual Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event
* Friday, 7:00 PM - LM Soccer Reunion Dinner
(both of the above events will be held at Edgmont Golf Club)

* Saturday, 10:00 AM - LM vs. Upper Darby
* Saturday, 11:45 AM - Annual LM Soccer Alumni Game
(both of the above events held at Arnold Field
* Saturday, 5:00 PM - Informal get together at Gullifty's
(the above open to all LM Soccer Alumni, family & friends)

If you would like to join us at any of the above LM Soccer Alumni Weekend events please email Bob Davidson at bubdavidson@comcast.net for details.

Central League Challenges

The Aces opened their 2012 Central League schedule with a 0-0 tie with Radnor last Tuesday, with the high-scoring offense of the first 4 non-league games conspicuously absent. It didn't get any better yesterday as LM traveled to Conestoga to take on the defending Central League champions. Again the defense played well but they couldn't solve the 'Stoga defense, falling 1-0.

This brings the Aces Central League record to 0-1-1, with a 4-1-1 overall mark. Next Thursday they travel to Haverford High for another Central League contest, which should be considered, even at this early stage in the season, a must win.

Unblemished & ready for league play

The Aces defeated Plymouth Whitemarsh 2-1 last Saturday, improving their overall record to 4-0. Central League play opens Tuesday when LM hosts neighborhood rival Radnor at 3:45 PM on the turf at Arnold Field. It only gets tougher from there as they travel to defending Central League, District 1, and State Champion Conestoga for a night game on Thursday at 7 PM. Come on out and take a look.

We are still looking for players for our annual LM Soccer "Alumni Game", which will be played on Saturday, September 22nd, at 11:45 AM, on the grass soccer field at Arnold Field. Lunch will be provided for all players & their families after the game but we need a confirmation soon so we know how many lunches to order. If you're interested in playing this year please email me at bubdavidson@comcast.net.

Perfect thru 3

After thumping West Chester East 4-0 in the season opener, and spotting Bonner a 2-0 lead in their 2nd game on two early penalty kicks, before scoring 4 unanswered goals to win 4-3, the 2012 Aces kept up the offensive onslaught today against Cardinal O'Hara.

LM's Senior tri-captain Matt Lindheim opened the scoring early in the game, and 5 minutes later Greg Levy's long throw-in was right on the mark as junior David Baer doubled the Aces' lead. Lindheim made it 3-0 with a pretty breakaway goal just before halftime. The 2nd half saw 4 more quality LM goals (junior Eli Cohen, sophomore Evan Wolf, senior Mark Abi-Khatter on a highlite reel half volley, and junior Tyler Robinson), as the Aces recorded a 7-1 win.

Next up is another non-league contest with Plymouth Whitemarsh on September 8th, before beginning Central League play on September 11th at home against Radnor.

 LM Soccer Alumni Weekend begins just 2 weeks from Friday. We are looking for a few more sponsors for the Friday, September 21st, 8th Annual Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event, as well as more players. It is played in a scramble format so you don't have to be a good player to have fun & do well. And. it's for a great cause. To become a sponsor, or register as a golfer, go to the LM Soccer Alumni website at lmsocceralum.org and click on "Steve Fountain". You can do it all there.

Immediately following the Steve Fountain golf event at Edgemont Golf Club on September 21st we will be holding the 2nd LM Soccer Alumni Dinner, the last one being in 2007. LM Soccer Alumni from every year are invited, as we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 1987 LM Aces State Soccer Championship, Most of the players & coaches from that magical season will be in attendance. You don't want to miss it. It will be held at Edgmont Golf Club and begin with cocktails at 7:30 PM. The cost is $65 per person, and includes the dinner & open bar all evening. You can make checks payable to "LMSAA" and send them to: Jim VanDusen, 800 Maple Glen Lane, Wayne, PA 19087-4727.

On Saturday, September 22nd, at 10 AM on the turf at Arnold Field, the current LM Aces take on Upper Darby in an important Central League contest. Come on out and support the 2012 Aces. At 11:45 that same morning, on the grass soccer field adjacent to the turf field, we will be holding our annual LM Soccer Alumni Game. We desperately need more players, as the 1987 State Championship team (average age being 44) is taking on all the LM Soccer Alumni from other years. This should be something to see.

After the Alumni Game lunch will be served on the field to all LM Soccer Alumni & their families at no charge. We do need an accurate count for the caterer by Monday, September 17th, so please email Bob Davidson at bubdavidson@comcast.net if you plan on participating, and how many lunches you will need. Let's make this year our biggest turnout ever.

Off & Running...again

The 2012 LM Soccer Aces opened their new season last Saturday with an impressive 4-0 over non-league opponent West Chester East. On the same day defending State Champion Conestoga, coming off an undefeated season in 2011, was shocked by Great Valley 1-0. Next up for the Aces is another non-league contest Tuesday, this time against Catholic League South rival Bonner.

New LM Soccer Alumni Website Happenings

For those of you who have not visited our LM Soccer Alumni website yet please check it out at: lmsocceralum.org. There are records and stats for every LM's boy's soccer team, dating back to the very 1st team in 1924. There are also Playoffs records, All-Central League picks, Individual School Records, Team School Records, Coaching Records for every LM coach, JV & Freshman Records, and much more. Check it out.

There are also 2 new additions to the site:

1. A tribute to Jimmy Brown, a standout student & 3-sport athlete from LM in the mid-80's. Tragically Jimmy was critically injured in a car accident in 1986, and despite the challenges he faced due to the accident, he never lost his spirit and love of life.

2. LM Soccer Videos, where we're able to post game videos from any year they were filmed, as well as the "Highlite Videos", that were put together at the end of many of those seasons.

To start we have posted the "Highlite Videos" for 1986, 1987, & 1988, along with the LM Soccer Documentary "The Tradition Continues", which tracks the history of LM Soccer, from 1924 thru 2007. This is a must watch for all LM Soccer Alumni who haven't seen it yet because you are the ones that helped build this tradition of excellence.

We will be posting more "Highlite Videos", as well as individual game films as they become available, as well as updating the documentary.

LM Aces take the field

The LM Aces are already 2 weeks into pre-season practice, with their 1st scrimmage coming up next week. Coach Severini lost 7 starters to graduation, and the new "Academy" rule (which prohibits all high school soccer players playing on Academy teams from playing for their high school team this Fall) has taken 4 of the Aces top players. It should be a challenging season for LM, but a challenge that these young Aces are looking forward to.

LM Soccer Alumni Weekend

is only 4 weeks away, Friday & Saturday, September 21st & 22nd. We have already been receiving many checks for the Friday night (Sept. 21st) LM Soccer Alumni Dinner at Edgmont Golf Club, which is open to all LM Soccer Alumni from any year, as well as their spouses, significant other, and parents. It begins with an open bar at 7:30 PM, which continues throughout the evening, followed by a buffet dinner.

We will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 1987 State Championship Team, with most of the players & coaches from that team in attendance. A 25 minute video, highlighting that magical season, will be shown at the dinner.

Our annual "LM Soccer Alumni Game" will be played the following morning, Saturday, September 22nd, at 11:45 AM, on the old grass soccer field at Arnold Field. It will be the Alumni from that '87 team playing against Alumni from other years. We hope we can get a big turnout.

If you are interested in attending any of the "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend" functions please see the info below:

Friday, Sept. 21st
Noon - Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Tournament at Edgmont Golf Club, cost is $150, which includes lunch, golf, prizes, open bar, and the LM Soccer Alumni Dinner (go to our LM Soccer Alumni website at: lmsocceralum.org to register)

7:30 PM - LM Soccer Alumni Dinner at Edgmont Golf Club, cost is $65 per person, which includes open bar & buffet dinner. Make checks out to "LMSAA" and send to Jim VanDusen, 800 Maple Glen Lane, Wayne, PA, 19087-4727

Saturday, Sept. 22nd
10:00 AM - LM Aces take on Upper Darby on the turf at Arnold Field

11:45 AM - LM Soccer Alumni Game at Arnold Field, with lunch to follow on the field for all Alumni & families, no charge (please email Bob Davidson at: bubdavidson@comcast.net if you plan on playing in the Alumni Game, and how many people will be with you for lunch)

We hope you can come out and join us for this memorable weekend.

2012 LM Soccer Schedule

As you look to the right on this page you will find the 2012 LM Soccer Schedule. As you can see there are 2 night games, as well as a Central League game with Upper Darby at Arnold Field during LM Soccer Alumni Weekend.

Speaking of the LM Soccer Alumni Weekend, we are beginning to get some checks in for the LM Soccer Reunion Dinner at Edgmont Country Club on West Chester Pike in Edgmont, as well as the Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event (also held at Edgmont). Remember, in order for us to be able to give an accurate number count to Edgmont Country Club for the Reunion Dinner we are asking you to try and get your checks in by August 21st.

If you haven't already done so the cost for the buffet dinner & open bar is $65 per person, and the cost of the Steve Fountain Golf Event is $150 per person (but that includes the reunion buffet dinner & open bar). Please put down the names of any guests that will be joining you, and make your checks out to "LMSAA". You can mail them to Jim VanDusen at:
800 Maple Glen Lane
Wayne, PA 19087-4727

Also let us know if you plan on playing in (or just attending) the LM Soccer Alumni Game on Saturday morning, September 22nd, at 11:45 AM on the grass field at Arnold Field. Lunch will be provided for all LM Soccer Alumni & families after the Alumni Game, so we need an accurate count so we don't come up short on lunches.

Hope to see you all there at Edgmont on Friday, September 21st and at Arnold Field the next morning.

2012 LM Soccer Alumni Reunion Dinner

 

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. With the LM Fall soccer season fast approaching I just wanted to bring you all up to date on our "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend" plans, featuring another LM Soccer Alumni Reunion Dinner.

Friday, September 21st - Noon

8th Annual Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event at Edgmont Golf Club (scramble format)

* Go to our LM Soccer Alumni website for details: lmsocceralum.org (click on "Steve Fountain")

* If you know of anyone interested in being a sponsor of any kind, or joining us as players, it can all be done online at our website

Friday, September 21st - 7:30 PM

LM Soccer Alumni Reunion Dinner at Edgmont Golf Club

* LM Soccer Alumni, and spouses or guests, from any year are invited to come out and join us (at our last LM Soccer Reunion dinner in 2007 we had 100 players & coaches in attendance from 6 different decades)

* We will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 1987 Boy's Soccer State  Championship and most of the players & coaches from that team will be present

* The cost is $65 per person for the buffet dinner & open bar, and checks can be made out to "LMSAA", and sent to our treasurer Jim VanDusen at 800 Maple Glen Lane, Wayne, PA 19087-4727. 

* We ask you to try and get the checks in by August 21st (30 days out) so we can give the people at Edgmont an accurate count. We hope you can make it as it promises to be a very special evening.

Saturday, September 22nd - At Arnold Field

10:00 AM - The current LM Aces will take on Upper Darby on the turf

11:45 AM - The annual LM Soccer Alumni Game on the grass practice field

After the Alumni Game lunch will be provided for all LM Soccer Alumni & families

4:00 PM – Post Alumni Game get together at Gullifty’s in Bryn Mawr

More details to follow right here at Coach D's blog. If you have any questions you can email me at bubdavidson@comcast.net.

Jimmy Brown

A. James Brown, III.
(July 12, 1969 - February 18, 2012)

A. James ( Jimmy ) Brown, III, 42, of Narberth, while surrounded by his family, passed away due to cardiac and pulmonary complications on February 18, 2012 at Penn Hospice at Rittenhouse in Philadelphia. As a 16-year-old, Jimmy was critically injured as a passenger in a one car accident in April of 1986. Recovery spanned 16 months at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Temple Hospital, and Moss Rehabilitation Center and left Jimmy brain injured, a quadriplegic, and confined to a wheelchair. Since the accident, Jimmy's mother, now a retired registered nurse, and father cared for him at home.

Despite the challenges Jimmy faced due to the accident, he never lost his spirit and love of life. He had an infectious smile, cheerful disposition, and compassion for everyone who crossed his path. Jimmy truly did not have a mean bone in his body. He was known to many as the unofficial mayor of Narberth as he would often park his wheelchair at the end of his street greeting all who would pass. He would share his story and picture books with passersby and would draw honks and hollers from all the school bus and UPS drivers as they drove by.

Prior to the accident, Jimmy was a standout student and three-sport athlete at Lower Merion High School. After his accident, Jimmy displayed his love of sports as an avid supporter of his brother's and sister's teams in high school and college and attended all of their games. He also loved to cheer on the Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, and his favorite wrestlers. Jimmy had a love for music, movies, and sitcoms. He attended many concerts over the years and loved a night out at the movies.

Jimmy also enjoyed traveling outside the local area. Soon after the accident, Ted Goldsborough and the LM class of '87 created the "Jimmy Brown Fund" and raised $30,000. These funds enabled the Browns to purchase their first lift van from Len Seigel of Norristown Ford and the travels began. The Brown's crisscrossed the US and Canada taking Jimmy to all 48 contiguous states and most of the national parks and visited topical destinations in Mexico, Bahamas, and Jamaica. After a faithful life of service the first van was replaced in 2005 by the gift of a new van, complete with TV and VCR, from Stephen Spivak, Jimmy's classmate and best friend. For the past several years, Jimmy spent the winters at the family's condo in Bonita Springs, Florida where he loved going to the beach or hanging out with his snowbird friends by the pool at the condo complex.

Jimmy not only enjoyed recreation but also wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. In 2003, Jimmy and his parents partnered with the "Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program" of the Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Center. Through this program, they presented the video "The Choice is Yours - The Jimmy Brown Story" many times at high schools in the tri state area. This video depicted Jimmy's life and sports achievements before the accident contrasted with his life and daily struggles after the accident. They hoped to inform students of the potential consequences of a bad decision and to discourage them from drinking and driving. In 2006, the American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division, awarded Jimmy and the Brown family the prestigious "Distinguished Service Award" in recognition of their work with the "Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program." To further support the "Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program", Jimmy's classmate and close friend, Julie Wool, created The Annual Jimmy Brown Alumni Classic basketball game held at Lower Merion High School. This game pits Lower Merion alumni against the current crop of Lower Merion seniors with all proceeds going to the "Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program."

Jim was the beloved son of Jim and Kaye Brown. Loving brother of Bandon D. Brown (Kelly) and Carly Leach (Gary). He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

A Celebration of His Life will be held Saturday February 25, 1:30 PM at Narberth Presbyterian Church, 205 Grayling Ave., Narberth. Relatives and friends may visit at the Church after 12 Noon. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Narberth Ambulance, 101 Sibley Ave., Ardmore, PA 19003 or to the Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program, 414 Paoli Pike, Malvern, PA 19355.

Save the Date

The dates for the 2012 "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend" are Friday, September 21st & Saturday, September 22nd. We hope you will be able to join us for some of our special celebrations. More info to follow in the Spring.