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.