Thursday, October 30, 2014

All-Stars

The Aces senior centerback Gian-Luca Hail was elected 1st team All-Central League, and senior keeper Will Rosenbaum & senior midfielder/defender Evan Wolf both made 2nd team All-Central League. Congratulations to all 3 of these outstanding LM players.

In District One playoff quarter-final action the lone remaining Central League team (and league champion) Conestoga lost 3-0 to Unionville, who will play Central Bucks East, a 2-1 OT winner over Plymouth Whitemarsh, in one of the District semi-finals. In the other bracket Great Valley & Wissahickon both advanced to the semi-finals and will play each other tomorrow. All 4 of these teams will automatically move on to the PIAA State Playoffs.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Looking back

After such a successful season last year the 2014 Aces boy's soccer team had some pretty big shoes to fill. They would be going in as the defending Central League Champions, and they would have to figure out how to replace 8 starters from last year's squad.

LM's defense would have to lead the way as they returned All-League goalkeeper Will Rosenbaum and centerback Gian-Luca Hail. Additional leadership roles would go to Greg Kastein and Evan Wolf, along with Jordan Canter, as these 5 players were the only seniors on the roster.

As predicted, the defense was solid all season, recording 11 shutouts, but with so many young players on the roster a consistent offense was a tall order. The Aces finished with a 12-7-1 overall record, 6-5 in Central League play, with 24 goals scored & 14 allowed. They finished in the middle of the Central League pack and made the District One playoffs as the 21st seed. This was the 12th consecutive year that LM qualified for the playoffs, no small feat.

The Aces defeated a very good Boyertown team 1-0 in the 1st round of the playoffs, but fell to #5 seed Plymouth Whitemarsh 2-1 in a very exciting 2nd round game.

Looking forward it will be tough to lose those 5 seniors to graduation, but the coaches have to be excited to have 16 underclassmen back next year, with another year of experience under their belts.

I will be posting the names of those LM players who received post-season honors when they become available, as well as keeping you up to date on the District One & PIAA State playoff results.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

2nd Round

The Aces traveled to #5 seed Plymouth Whitemarsh early this evening for a 2nd round District One playoff game. Coming off a strong performance against Boyertown LM came out strong once again and controlled the play early on. Midway through the 1st half the Aces were rewarded a penalty kick and Gian-Luca Hail found a corner and LM was up 1-0. With just over 8 minutes left in the 1st half PW tied it up with a beautiful head goal and it stayed 1-1 at halftime.

Ten minutes into the 2nd half PW took the lead 2-1, this time coming off a corner kick. It had been a very physical game up to this point, with PW trying to use their superior size to intimidate and the Aces not giving an inch. This was also true in the stands as it got a little chippy there as well. LM got a few chances the rest of the way but nothing of quality and came away with a 2-1 loss.

This was the end of the road for the 2014 Aces and we'll take a final look back in my next posting.


2nd Round Today

Today's 2nd round District One playoff game at Plymouth Whitemarsh will begin at 4:30 PM.

I want to thank all of you who helped support our annual LMSAA fund raiser yesterday. We had great weather for golf, and a wonderful turnout at Edgmont Golf Club. Thanks to all those who played, brought foursomes, sponsored holes, and made donations. Your continued support allows us to continue to fund the many wonderful programs that the LMSAA is so proud of.

Below I have listed all of our sponsors, the lifeblood of this event. It is greatly appreciated.

Presenting Sponsor - The Pearl Group at CRW Graphics
Gold Sponsor - Bradford White

Hole Sponsors
* 321 Creative
* Action Marketing & Fulfillment, Inc.
* Bradford White
* Cashel Development L.P.
* Chafia Capital Partners
* CytoVas
* Design & Conquer
* DryDock Inc.
* J. Hilburn
* Narberth Neutrons
* O'Donnell & Naccarato
* Picker Law Offices
* The Congleton Family
* The Hinkle Family
* The Pearl Group at CRW Graphics
* The Rosen Family
* Trident Pool Services
* Walsh And Nicholson Financial Group
* Wolverton & Company

In Kind Prize Donations
* American Male Salon
* Aronomink Golf Club - Bryan Brienke, Assistant Golf Professional
* Edgmont Golf Club
* Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
* Gap Association of Philadelphia
* Jay Sigel Invitational
* Ramblewood Country Club
* TGW.com
* The Desmond Great Valley
* The Philadelphia Eagles
* The Philadelphia Phillies
* TribeFitness Main Line
* Vertex Fitness
* Wayne Bed & Breakfast Inn
 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

District One Playoffs - 1st Round

Tonight the Aces traveled to Boyertown to take on the 12th seeded Bears. It was a crisp fall night with a heavy wind blowing from north to south. LM had the wind at their backs for the 1st half and it was imperative that they score at least 1 goal with such a big advantage.

From the opening tap the Aces came out playing a short pass possession game, and played it well. They had the ball in Boyertown's end for most of the half but couldn't find the back of the net. At the other end LM's D didn't allow a single shot on goal. The Aces got the 1st shot of the game with just 11 minutes left in the opening half but couldn't convert. Six minutes later they got a corner kick, one of many during the 1st half, and this time they made it count. Senior Gian-Luca Hail was the target and he re-directed the ball to sophmore Ryan Tillman who drilled it past the Boyertown keeper to give LM a 1-0 halftime lead.

The Aces enjoyed excellent midfield play during the 1st half, and along with steady back play, stressing solid clears and targeted outlet passes, they moved the ball at will. And with the forwards demonstrating excellent ball skills & tenacity on turnovers, this proved to be one of the best complete halves of the season. This continued in the 2nd half, but was must more difficult against a strong wing.

Because of the wind the Bears enjoyed better ball penetration in the 2nd half but LM keeper Will Rosenbaum, along with his rock solid defense, kept Boyertown's scoring chances to a minimum. With just 6 minutes left a Bear's corner kick led to an open shot from about 10 yards out but a brilliant clear by sophmore Alex Moureaud kept the Aces on top. From there LM used good game management to run out the clock and preserve the win.

The Aces now move into the 2nd round with a Saturday game at #5 seed Plymouth Whitemarsh, a 3-1 1st-round winner over #28 seed Abington. Game time will be announced here as soon as it becomes available.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

LM Soccer Individual Records

--------------------------------------

LMHS Boy's Soccer Individual Records

Most Goals Scored
in a Single Game

(6)
(L) Arthur Campbell - '41
(R) Walter Lownes - '43


Most Goals Scored
in 1 Season & in a
Career

(31) - 1965, (64) - '63, '64, & '65
Steve Davidson







Most Shutouts in
a Single Season
                                      

(16)                                  
Jason DiLullo - 1988
                                                      (16) Will Rosenbaum - 2013
                                           





Most Varsity Games
Played in a Career

(81)
Chris Schreiner
1986, '87, & '88




Most Shutouts
in a Career

(34)
Drew Cotler
2003, '04, '05, & '06

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Corrected AAA Distrcit One soccer playoff brackets

The PIAA announced this morning that the AAA soccer playoff brackets were not correct due to a glitch in the new "power ranking" system, implemented for the 1st time this year. After re-seeding the teams the 1st round games had to be pushed back to Thursday, with the 2nd round scheduled for Saturday.

The Aces went up to the 21st seed, but still play at #12 seed Boyertown at 6 PM Thursday. Should they win Thursday they would play the winner of #5 seed Plymouth Whitemarsh vs. the 28th seed play-in game winner (Downingtown West vs. Abington) in the 2nd round.

The revised AAA bracket can be seen at: http://district-one.net/article/content/2014-district-one-aaa-boys-soccer-bracket

Playoff Date Change

Tonight's Aces' District One AAA boy's 1st round playoff game with Boyertown has been CHANGED to Thursday night at 7 PM.

Monday, October 20, 2014

The Best of the Best in LM Soccer Playoff History

LM's Top 4 Playoff Teams

Below are listed the top 4 LM boy's soccer teams, ranked by the number of playoff games won in a single season.

#1 - 1988 District 1 Champions & State Runner-Up

8 playoff wins

1 playoff loss (in State Final)







#2 - 1987 Central League Champions & PIAA State Champions

7 playoff wins

1 playoff loss (on PK's)






#3 - 1984 Central League Champions & PIAA State Runners-Up

7 playoff wins

2 playoff losses 



#4 - 2010 District 1 Champions

6 playoff wins
* allowing 0 goals in 5 District playoff games

1 playoff loss
                         








Sunday, October 19, 2014

Aces in the District One Playoffs

LM drew the #20 seed in the 2014 District One playoffs and will travel to #13 seed Boyertown for a 1st round game this Tuesday at 3 PM. Should they beat Boyertown they would move on to the 2nd round where they would face #4 seed Wissahickon, who received a 1st round bye.

To view the entire District One AAA playoff bracket go to: http://district-one.net/article/content/2014-piaa-district-one-aaa-boys-soccer-bracket

Tomorrow we'll feature the Best 4 boy's soccer Playoff Teams in LM history .

Saturday, October 18, 2014

First & Last LM Boy's District One Soccer Titles

* Most District One playoff wins by an individual (12) - Chris Schreiner '86, '87, '88
* Most goals scored in a District One Playoff year (11) - 1985, in 4 games
* Least goals allowed in a District One playoff year (0) - 2010, in 5 games

Lower Merion's first ever District One Boy's Soccer Title came in 1954, the very first year in which the District Playoffs took place. They beat Bethlehem 3-1 in the District Final. The team featured 4 All-Suburban League players in Don Dougald, Bob Kessler, Dave Buten, and Tom Miller, and was captained by Jack Robb and Jack Piercy. The team finished with an overall record of 11-3-3, with 32 total goals scored and 16 allowed.

The last Lower Merion District One Boy's Soccer Title came in 2010. This team featured 2 first team All-Central League players in Michael Lemonick and David Rosenfeld, as well as second team All-League selection Sasha Safavi. They defeated Conestoga in the District Final on PK's 5-3 (after a 0-0 tie in regulation). Their final overall record was 19-2-3, with 46 total goals scored and 13 allowed.

In between the LM Aces won 5 other District One Titles ('58, '65, '68, '88, '07), and finished runner-up 6 times.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Regular season Finale

The Aces traveled to Upper Dublin this afternoon for their regular season finale. Both teams got their scoring opportunities but it was Upper Dublin cashing in twice to hand LM their 6th loss of the season 2-0. This brings their regular season overall record to 11-6-1 (6-5 league). Now they can only wait for Sunday's District One Playoff seeding meeting to see if their season will continue.

Before this week's action the Aces had the 16th highest power rating of all the eligible teams vying for a AAA District One playoff spot (with the 28 teams with the highest power ratings making the playoffs). But a 1-0 loss to Radnor on Tuesday, and a 2-0 loss to Upper Dublin this afternoon (both teams with a power rating of over 16) will certainly hinder their chances of qualifying.

When the seedings become public they will be listed right here on "Coach D's Blog". On tomorrow's blog I will highlight both the very 1st LM team to win the District One Title, as well as the last LM team to do it.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Central League Finale

The Aces hosted Radnor in their Central League finale yesterday afternoon at Arnold Field. The game was hard fought and very close, as most of LM's games have been this year, but the lack of offense (something that has hindered the Aces all season) was the difference. The Raiders were able to put one past the stingy LM defense (a strong point all season) and that was enough. In other Central League action Conestoga beat Upper Darby to win their 4th Central League title in the last 5 years.

With this 1-0 loss the Aces finished 6-5 in the Central League, with an 11-5-1 overall record. They have one more non-league game this week, Thursday @ Upper Dublin (3:30 PM) which could be very important in LM's chances of making the District One playoffs. The last time LM missed qualifying for the District playoffs was 2002.




Sunday, October 12, 2014

NEW District One Playoff Criteria

With just 2 games left on the Aces' 2014 schedule (Tuesday at home with Radnor, 3:45 PM and Thursday at Upper Dublin, 3:30 PM) its time to start thinking of the upcoming District playoffs. 

The District One boy's soccer playoffs began 60 years ago in 1954, with just 2 teams playing for the Title. Gradually, over the past 60 years, that number has increased to 28 teams. The selection procedure has also been tweaked over the years, but has always been very controversial.

This year will be the very 1st boy's soccer season where a new "power rating" system will be utilized in choosing the 28 teams who will qualify for the District One AAA (big school) boy's soccer playoffs, along with the AA and A classifications as well. Here is how it works:

1/ Points are awarded during the season to every boy's soccer team in District One, based on:
- Wins
- Ties
- Winning percentage of all opponents on your schedule
- Winning percentage of teams you beat

2/ The top 28 AAA teams with the highest "power rating" point totals make the playoffs, no matter where they finished in their respective league standings, and, there is no limit to how many teams a single league can qualify.

3/ Brackets are put together very similar to the NCAA basketball brackets, with the strongest teams spread out evenly so they can't meet each other until the later rounds, and with each of the 4 teams with the highest "power rating" point totals receiving a 1st round bye. All 4 AAA teams who make it to the District One semi-finals automatically qualify for the PIAA State Playoffs.

To view the "power ratings" list (as of October 5, 2014) click on the link below. This list will be updated during the course of this last week of regular season competition.

http://district-one.net/article/content/2014-district-one-boys-soccer-power-rankings-1052014



Thursday, October 9, 2014

Must Win

The Aces traveled to Ridley this afternoon looking to rebound from a disappointing 2-1 Central League loss to Springfield on Tuesday. The 1st half looked all too familiar for LM as both the Raiders & the Aces settled in on D. LM got a couple of good scoring chances but couldn't cash in and the 1st half ended 0-0.

The Aces turned up the heat in the 2nd half as sophmore Alex Mouread got his 1st goal of the season to give LM the lead. Senior Gian-Luca Hail continued his scoring ways 7 minutes later to pad the Aces' lead. Junior Quinn Vagnoni finished LM's offensive onslaught, and with this 3-0 victory the Aces' overall record moved to 11-4-1. Even though they are out of the Central League title race this win should punch their ticket to the District One playoffs.

The Central League is more balanced this year than it's been in quite some time, with Conestoga, Penncrest, Springfield & Radnor (the Aces' last league opponent next Tuesday on Arnold field @ 3:45 PM) all with a shot at the title with 1 game remaining.

-------------------------------
LMSAA Fund Raiser

Just another reminder that the LMSAA will host the 10th Annual Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Tournament 2 weeks from tomorrow, Friday, October 24th, at Edgmont Golf Club.

We still have many openings for golfers, and also have quite a few hole sponsorships available. If you can't play in the event you can sponsor a hole for $250, which gets you or your company your name & logo on a sponsor board. This board will be positioned out on the course, as well as in by the clubhouse. You will also be recognized on our LM Soccer Alumni website, as well as right here on Coach D's Blog.

To register as a golfer, a sponsor, of to just make a donation, go to our website: lmsocceralum.org and click on the Golf Invite on the home page. It will direct you from there. You can either pay by check or online using our Paypal account.

Thank you again for your support. It is very much appreciated.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Aces vs. Cougars

This afternoon LM hosted one of the better Springfield teams in quite awhile in a key Central League contest. The 1st half was very uneventful and saw very little offense from either team. 0-0 at the half.

The 2nd half began the same way until the Cougars star striker (#7) began creating several scoring chances for himself & his teammates. With a very strong shot and great individual skills he was someone that the Aces had to try & contain. Midway through the 2nd half both teams had golden scoring opportunities with free kicks just outside the 18. LM shot wide on their try and Aces's keeper Will Rosenbaum had to make a great save on the Springfield shot to keep the game scoreless.

The game started to heat up in the last 18 minutes as again Aces' keeper Will Rosenbaum had to come up big on a breakaway by the Cougar's #7. Just 1 minute later Springfield's #8 (who was a force in the midfield all game) gathered in a throw-in and found the back of the net to register the game's 1st goal. Just a little more than a minute later the Cougar's doubled their lead as #7 dribbled by the last LM defender and chipped the ball nicely over the keeper's head and into the upper right corner.

As the clock ticked down under 6 minutes the Aces weren't about to give up. Senior Gian-Luca Hail scored on a header to make it a one goal game. LM continued to press the last 5 minutes but couldn't get the equalizer, and the game ended 2-1.

With just 3 games left the Aces need to finish strong to keep themselves in position to make the District One playoffs. This Thursday they travel to Ridley for a 3:45 PM game.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Another close one

Yesterday afternoon the Aces took on non-league opponent Avon Grove for the first time in the school's history. It turned out to be the Will Rosenbaum show, LM's senior goalkeeper. Besides making 5 saves and helping record the team's 8th shutout of the season, Will also scored the only goal of the game when he converted a free kick for the Aces early in the 2nd half.

Next up is a Tuesday Central League game with a strong Springfield Cougar team at 3:45 on Arnold Field.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Fundraiser Reminder

Just 3 weeks left until our annual LMSAA fund raiser, the 10th Annual Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event. It will be held at Edgmont Golf Club on West Chester Pike in Edgmont.

There are plenty of openings left in the golf event for more participants, and since we're using a scramble format you don't have to be a good golfer to have fun and challenge for some wonderful prizes.

We are also still looking for more people & businesses to become sponsors in some capacity for our event.

For those of you who would like to participate, there are 3 ways to do so:

1/ Play in the golf event, or better yet bring a foursome.
2/ Participate in one of the sponsorships, all of which are detailed on our LM Soccer Alumni website
3/ Make a donation

Just go to our LM Soccer Alumni website at www.lmsocceralum.org to find out more. Click on the Golf Invite at the home page for all the detailed options. You can pay by check, or online at our paypal account right on the website.




 

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Another shutout

Last night the Aces were on the road for a Central League game with Garnet Valley, who were looking for their 1st league win of the year. Well, it didn't happen last night. LM got a goal, and their stingy defense made it hold up for a 1-0 win. This was the Aces' 8th shutout of the season, and brought their overall record to 9-3-1 (5-3 league). But it also was the 9th game where they scored just 1 goal or less, and this is certainly is a concern going forward.

At the top of the standings, Springfield knocked off undefeated Radnor, while Strath Haven beat Penncrest, so with just 3 Central League games remaining it looks like a 3-way battle for the title between Conestoga, Radnor, & Springfield.

Next Tuesday, after a week's rest, LM will host Springfield at 3:45 PM at Arnold Field.