2nd Round Playoff Game

In their 2nd round playoff game this afternoon against Downingtown West the Aces started strong. They controlled the play, limiting Downingtown to a few quick counter attacks. However, despite a couple good scoring chances LM could not put one home. Downingtown settled into their passing game and came up with a few good scoring opportunities of their own, but the LM defense didn't break. With 8 minutes remaining in the 1st half Gian-Luca Hail hit the crossbar with a header off a free kick but the ball was cleared, 0-0 at half.

In the 2nd half Francisco Palma also got off a good header from a free kick but it sailed over the goal. Downingtown's passing attack was picking up as they were able to find the open man, but they still couldn't solve the Aces' defense. All of LM's offense was coming off free kicks & long throw-ins and with just 7 minutes left David Baer's header went just wide of the West goal. With time winding down Hail made an outstanding defensive play to keep the game scoreless and we were into OT.

The Aces got most of the scoring chances throughout both 15 minute overtimes but just couldn't connect. With just seconds remaining in the 2nd OT LM's Daniel Buckman, playing one of his best games of the season, headed a sure West goal wide of the net and it was on to PK's.

Downingtown connected on their 1st PK and the Aces' Francisco Palma answered. West then converted their 2nd while Eli Cohen did the same. West's 3rd kick was as good as the first 3 but Tyler Robinson kept it even. Both teams scored on their 4th kicks, with LM's David Baer scoring for the Aces. It all came down to the final kicker, and Downingtown connected once again. Aces' keeper Will Rosenbaum had little chance on any of the kicks as they were all very well placed. Daniel Buckman was LM's last kicker and West's keeper made a brilliant save to end the Aces' storybook season.

It was a shame to end such a magical season this way, but with PK's it's a crap shoot. More tomorrow on this wonderful Aces' season.