LM traveled to Garnet Valley today to play 1 of the 2 other undefeated teams in the Central League (the other being Conestoga). It would be a pivotal game for them in the chase for the Central League Title.
Playing on a wet field, in a constant drizzle, the Aces were able to get on the board first. Midway thru the 1st half senior Erez Poyok-Holmes stuffed in a rebound to make it 1-0. LM's defense was playing another very sound game, protecting senior keeper Sabastian Jenkins, who also was strong once again in the nets. 1-0 at half.
In the 2nd half Garnet tied it up on a brilliant free kick from just outside the 18. It was curved nicely around the Aces' wall and Jenkins got a hand on it but it was too well placed. With the Aces' midfield dominating play LM threatened the Garnet goal time & time again. Finally all this pressure paid off as Aces senior Alex Moureaud scored off a corner kick in a scramble in front of the goal. Then sophmore Tim O'Hare took a nice thru ball, beat the Garnet keeper to the ball, then tipped it in for a 3-1 Aces' lead. With LM senior striker Erez Potok-Holmes out of the game with an injury, junior Eric Hillsberg picked up the slack with 3 good scoring chances, including a rocket from just outside the 18 as time ran out.
The Aces knew they had beaten a quality side, and their celebration after the final whistle said it all. This was the Aces' 6th consecutive win, running their overall record to 9-0-2 (6-0-1 Central League), keeping them right behind Conestoga in the chase for the league title.
Saturday they will host non-league opponent Upper Merion at 3 PM on the turf at Arnold Field.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
"Alumni Game" in jeopardy
So far we only have about 11 players who have told me that they definitely will be playing in our annual "Alumni Game", on Saturday, October 15th, starting at Noon, on the grass soccer field at Arnold Field. Our opponent, Haverford H.S. Alumni was not able to come up with enough players so they are out.
What we're looking to do, as we have in the past with no luck, is to get enough LM Soccer Alumni to have 2 teams and play each other. To do this we'll need at least 26 players, and hopefully get more than that. Right now we have a long way to go. If we don't get enough we'll have to cancel the "Alumni Game" for the first time in 30 years.
If you are available to play please email me (bubdavidson@comcast.net) with your name, graduation year, and a phone number where you can be reached.
Hope to be hearing from you soon.
What we're looking to do, as we have in the past with no luck, is to get enough LM Soccer Alumni to have 2 teams and play each other. To do this we'll need at least 26 players, and hopefully get more than that. Right now we have a long way to go. If we don't get enough we'll have to cancel the "Alumni Game" for the first time in 30 years.
If you are available to play please email me (bubdavidson@comcast.net) with your name, graduation year, and a phone number where you can be reached.
Hope to be hearing from you soon.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Rams vs. Aces, the saga continues
This afternoon LM hosted Harriton in still another key Central League contest. On paper the Aces were the better team, but when these two schools get together that doesn't mean a thing.Both teams started out conservatively, trying to find the soft spots in their opponent's lineup. The Aces got a couple of early chances, the best being senior David Smith's shot just missing over the crossbar off a nice feed from sophomore Tim O'Hare. The Rams took an early defensive posture and weren't able to seriously threaten LM's goal. The Aces not only controlled time of possession, but also dominated field position. However, they weren't able to get one past the Harriton keeper and it was 0-0 at the half.
With only 6 minutes gone in the 2nd half the Rams got a great opportunity to take the lead but couldn't put it on goal. That would be the last scoring opportunity they would get as LM's offense kicked into high gear. 10 minutes in O'Hare, playing another outstanding game, took a nice feed but shot wide. Then the Aces got a series of long throw-ins but couldn't solve Harriton's keeper, who was keeping the Rams in the game. With 15 minutes left O'Hare unloaded another blast that was brilliantly saved. Then it was senior David Novacich with a rocket that just missed. Harriton was now keeping 10 guys back in the box just trying to survive, and they did, as regulation ended 0-0.
In the first sudden-victory overtime period super soph Tim O'Hare got the game winner and the Aces came away with a 1-0 victory. This kept their Central League record at 5-0-1, just behind Conestoga's 6-0. It looks like a two team race for the title.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Harriton Rivalry History
The Lower Merion-Harriton boy's soccer rivalry began not long after
Harriton High School opened back in 1959. The 2 sister high schools were
never in a league together, and only played each other occasionally. In
the early 70's they began playing each other more regularly, and since
both schools were in the same school district it slowly grew into a very
heated rivalry. It got to the point where the administration decided
that the two schools would no longer play each other in any sport, as it
was beginning to divide the district.
However, in the mid-80's, both schools had very strong boy's soccer teams, who each won their respective league titles fairly regularly. Because of this they ended up playing each other in the District One playoffs. By this time all the players from both schools knew each other because they played together on club teams during the off season. Because of this, the rivalry, although very competitive, was played with mutual respect for the other side. Thus, the 2 schools again began scheduling each other in non-league games.
In 2008 Harriton (formerly of the Del-Val league) joined the Central League and now the two sister high schools play each other every year. Last year both teams made the District Playoffs.
In their history; Lower Merion & Harriton have played 30 times, and for the most part the games have been very close. However, however, Lower Merion holds a commanding edge, winning 18 times, losing only twice, with 10 ties.
This Tuesday they will play for the 31st time, on the turf at Arnold Field, at 3:45 PM. Come on out and watch the rivalry continue.
However, in the mid-80's, both schools had very strong boy's soccer teams, who each won their respective league titles fairly regularly. Because of this they ended up playing each other in the District One playoffs. By this time all the players from both schools knew each other because they played together on club teams during the off season. Because of this, the rivalry, although very competitive, was played with mutual respect for the other side. Thus, the 2 schools again began scheduling each other in non-league games.
In 2008 Harriton (formerly of the Del-Val league) joined the Central League and now the two sister high schools play each other every year. Last year both teams made the District Playoffs.
In their history; Lower Merion & Harriton have played 30 times, and for the most part the games have been very close. However, however, Lower Merion holds a commanding edge, winning 18 times, losing only twice, with 10 ties.
This Tuesday they will play for the 31st time, on the turf at Arnold Field, at 3:45 PM. Come on out and watch the rivalry continue.
Harriton Rivalry
The Lower Merion-Harriton boy's soccer rivalry began not long after
Harriton High School opened back in 1959. The 2 sister high schools were
never in a league together, and only played each other occasionally. In
the early 70's they began playing each other more regularly, and since
both schools were in the same school district it slowly grew into a very
heated rivalry. It got to the point where the administration decided
that the two schools would no longer play each other in any sport, as it
was beginning to divide the district.
However, in the mid-80's, both schools had very strong boy's soccer teams, who each won their respective league titles fairly regularly. Because of this they ended up playing each other in the District One playoffs. By this time all the players from both schools knew each other because they played together on club teams during the off season. Because of this, the rivalry, although very competitive, was played with mutual respect for the other side. Thus, the 2 schools again began scheduling each other in non-league games.
In 2008 Harriton (formerly of the Del-Val league) joined the Central League and now the two sister high schools play each other every year. Last year both teams made the District Playoffs.
In their history; Lower Merion & Harriton have played 30 times, and for the most part the games have been very close. However, however, Lower Merion holds a commanding edge, winning 18 times, losing only twice, with 10 ties.
This Tuesday they will play for the 31st time, on the turf at Arnold Field, at 3:45 PM. Come on out and watch the rivalry continue.
However, in the mid-80's, both schools had very strong boy's soccer teams, who each won their respective league titles fairly regularly. Because of this they ended up playing each other in the District One playoffs. By this time all the players from both schools knew each other because they played together on club teams during the off season. Because of this, the rivalry, although very competitive, was played with mutual respect for the other side. Thus, the 2 schools again began scheduling each other in non-league games.
In 2008 Harriton (formerly of the Del-Val league) joined the Central League and now the two sister high schools play each other every year. Last year both teams made the District Playoffs.
In their history; Lower Merion & Harriton have played 30 times, and for the most part the games have been very close. However, however, Lower Merion holds a commanding edge, winning 18 times, losing only twice, with 10 ties.
This Tuesday they will play for the 31st time, on the turf at Arnold Field, at 3:45 PM. Come on out and watch the rivalry continue.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Perfect Week
Earlier today LM traveled to Interboro for a non-league game, looking to improve on their 2-0 week. With the benefit of an own goal the Aces & Interboro played to a 1-1 tie. In OT LM senior forward David Novacich got the game winner off a long throw from junior Yanni Manos, recently called up from the JV. Great timing.
The brings LM's overall record to 7-0-2 as the get ready for another 3 game week; important Central League games with Harriton on Tuesday (3:45), at Garnett Valley on Thursday (3:45), and a Saturday non-league contest with Upper Merion on the turf at Arnold Field (3:00)
The brings LM's overall record to 7-0-2 as the get ready for another 3 game week; important Central League games with Harriton on Tuesday (3:45), at Garnett Valley on Thursday (3:45), and a Saturday non-league contest with Upper Merion on the turf at Arnold Field (3:00)
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Upping their game
The Aces hosted a pretty good Marple team this afternoon and made it look easy. Playing one of their best complete games of the season, they were on the mark with their offense, defense, & set plays.
Early in the game LM senior David Smith moved up from his center back position to volley in a well placed corner from super soph Tim O'Hare. The Aces worked hard for their shots in the 1st half as the Tigers hung in there. 1-0 at the half.
As LM got their ball control game working on all cylinders, they would explode for 3 more unanswered goals in the 2nd half. Midway thru, senior David Novacich converted a PK to make it 2-0. With 10 minutes left senior Ryan Tillman took a beautiful thru pass and text booked a semi-breakaway past the helpless Marple keeper. In the last minute O'Hare worked effortlessly thru the defense and served up a nifty pass to senior Erez Potok-Holmes to finish the scoring, 4-0 final.
Four more goals for the offense, two by set plays, and the 5th shutout by the defense. It doesn't get much better than that. However, on Saturday it starts at 0-0 again.
A non-league game at Interboro on Saturday, and 2 more important Central League games next week with Harriton on Tuesday and a strong Garnett Valley squad on Thursday. One at a time.
Early in the game LM senior David Smith moved up from his center back position to volley in a well placed corner from super soph Tim O'Hare. The Aces worked hard for their shots in the 1st half as the Tigers hung in there. 1-0 at the half.
As LM got their ball control game working on all cylinders, they would explode for 3 more unanswered goals in the 2nd half. Midway thru, senior David Novacich converted a PK to make it 2-0. With 10 minutes left senior Ryan Tillman took a beautiful thru pass and text booked a semi-breakaway past the helpless Marple keeper. In the last minute O'Hare worked effortlessly thru the defense and served up a nifty pass to senior Erez Potok-Holmes to finish the scoring, 4-0 final.
Four more goals for the offense, two by set plays, and the 5th shutout by the defense. It doesn't get much better than that. However, on Saturday it starts at 0-0 again.
A non-league game at Interboro on Saturday, and 2 more important Central League games next week with Harriton on Tuesday and a strong Garnett Valley squad on Thursday. One at a time.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Going into this week the Aces broke into the South Eastern Soccer Coaches Top 20, landing right at #20. Conestoga tops the list, with Strath Haven at #16 (the only 3 Central League teams on the list).
(Overall records as of last Saturday)
1 - Conestoga (4-0-1)
2 - Pennsbury (4-0-0)
3 - W.C. Henderson (3-0-1)
4 - Father Judge (3-1-0)
5 - C.B. East (3-0-1)
16. - Strath Haven (3-1-0)
20 - Lower Merion (4-0-2)
This afternoon LM traveled to Penncrest for another important Central League contest. Usually it's the D that carrys the team, but on this day the offense exploded. With only 5 minutes gone Aces' senior Ryan Tillman opened up the scoring off a nice thru pass from senior Andreas Blobel. Thirteen minutes later sophmore Tim O'Hare laid a nice ball to senior Erez Potok-Holmas and the lead doubled. The Aces were beating the Lions to every 50/50 ball and their short passing game looked strong. Midway thru the half senior Billy Cypress followed up a rebound on a shot from Tillman and LM was rolling. With 5 minutes left in the 1st half senior Alex Moureaud scored the 4th goal with a brilliant header. With less than a minute left Penncrest got one past senior keeper Sebastian Jenkins, 4-1 at halftime.
In the 2nd half the Lions came out much more inspired and were challenging every loose ball. Their pressure paid off as a great volley goal cut the lead to 4-2. But minutes later Moureaud got his 2nd goal of the game with a rocket from 20 yards out. As the clock wound down Potok-Holmas added his 2nd goal of the game and the Aces walked away with a 6-2 win.
LM hosts Marple Newtown on Thursday on the turf at Arnold Field (3:45 PM).
(Overall records as of last Saturday)
1 - Conestoga (4-0-1)
2 - Pennsbury (4-0-0)
3 - W.C. Henderson (3-0-1)
4 - Father Judge (3-1-0)
5 - C.B. East (3-0-1)
16. - Strath Haven (3-1-0)
20 - Lower Merion (4-0-2)
This afternoon LM traveled to Penncrest for another important Central League contest. Usually it's the D that carrys the team, but on this day the offense exploded. With only 5 minutes gone Aces' senior Ryan Tillman opened up the scoring off a nice thru pass from senior Andreas Blobel. Thirteen minutes later sophmore Tim O'Hare laid a nice ball to senior Erez Potok-Holmas and the lead doubled. The Aces were beating the Lions to every 50/50 ball and their short passing game looked strong. Midway thru the half senior Billy Cypress followed up a rebound on a shot from Tillman and LM was rolling. With 5 minutes left in the 1st half senior Alex Moureaud scored the 4th goal with a brilliant header. With less than a minute left Penncrest got one past senior keeper Sebastian Jenkins, 4-1 at halftime.
In the 2nd half the Lions came out much more inspired and were challenging every loose ball. Their pressure paid off as a great volley goal cut the lead to 4-2. But minutes later Moureaud got his 2nd goal of the game with a rocket from 20 yards out. As the clock wound down Potok-Holmas added his 2nd goal of the game and the Aces walked away with a 6-2 win.
LM hosts Marple Newtown on Thursday on the turf at Arnold Field (3:45 PM).
Monday, September 19, 2016
Annual LM Soccer Alumni Game
The annual LM Soccer Alumni Game against the Haverford H.S. Soccer Alumni is only 3 weeks from this Saturday, October 15th, and will be held at Noon on Arnold Field.
So far I've only had a handful of Alumni respond saying they are planning to participate. Last year we had about 16 Past Soccer Aces represent LM in the game, and we're hoping to get at least that many this year.
If you can make it please email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net and let me know soon. We plan to have box lunches again this year after the game & I need a count for our caterer.
Hope you can make it.
So far I've only had a handful of Alumni respond saying they are planning to participate. Last year we had about 16 Past Soccer Aces represent LM in the game, and we're hoping to get at least that many this year.
If you can make it please email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net and let me know soon. We plan to have box lunches again this year after the game & I need a count for our caterer.
Hope you can make it.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Blast From the Past
Blast From The Past 1984
The 1984 Aces' boy's soccer team is responsible for moving LM's soccer program back into elite status after many down years. Since then the Aces have qualified for the District 1 Playoffs in 29 of the last 32 years.
They won the Central League Title with a league record of 9-1-3, recording 9 shutouts, scoring 29 goals, and allowing only 8. At that point in time the Central League was divided into 2 divisions, and the 2 division winners played each other for the Central League Championship. It would be LM against their fierce rival Strath Haven (a team the Aces had defeated 1-0 during the season). In that Championship game it was LM prevailing again 1-0 on a goal from Michael Surbeck.
In the District Playoffs the Aces first blanked Kennett Square 2-0, then beat West Chester East 3-2 in OT. In the District Semi-Final they suffered a tough 2-1 loss to Strath Haven, dashing their District Title hopes. They needed to beat Upper Moreland on their home field in the District 3rd place game to move on to the State Playoffs. After a 1-1 tie thru regulation & overtimes the game went to PK's. On Upper Moreland's last kick LM goalkeeper Ted Sorkin made an outstanding save to earn the Aces their first ever trip to the State Playoffs.
In their 1st State Playoff game they defeated District 3 Champion Conrad Weiser 2-1, and then District 4 Champion Millville 5-4. In the State Semi-Final they faced District 7 Champion Mount Lebanon, ranked #1 in the state at the time (LM was ranked 4th). After a scoreless regulation & overtimes it was PK's once again. On their last kick the "Lebos" missed wide left and the Aces were in their 1st ever official State Championship Final. They faced Neshaminy, the District 1 Champion, and lost a very close contest 1-0. The Aces finished with a 17-3-4 overall record.
This team would start a dominance for LM Soccer in the next 7 years that yielded 5 Central League Titles, 1 District One Championship & 1 runner-up, and 3 appearances in the State Final game, winning it all in 1987.
Still undefeated
The Aces beat Methacton 3-1 in a non-league contest yesterday as they stay unbeaten for the season (4-0-2). This will be another busy week for LM as they have important Central League games @ Penncrest on Tuesday (3:45) and home with Marple on Thursday (3:45). Saturday they travel to Interboro for a non-league contest.
Conestoga stays atop the Central League standings at 3-0, along with an up and coming Garnet Valley squad.
The 3 longest undefeated starts for an LM varsity soccer team:
1965 - 17-0 (finished 17-1)
2013 - 16-0 (finished 16-1)
1989 - 11-0 (finished 16-2-2)
Conestoga stays atop the Central League standings at 3-0, along with an up and coming Garnet Valley squad.
The 3 longest undefeated starts for an LM varsity soccer team:
1965 - 17-0 (finished 17-1)
2013 - 16-0 (finished 16-1)
1989 - 11-0 (finished 16-2-2)
Friday, September 16, 2016
Big D comes up big
Last night the Aces traveled to Strath Haven for their 3rd Central League contest. The Aces scored first, and would be all they needed, as they blanked Haven 1-0. This was the 4th consecutive shutout for the LM defense & senior goalkeeper Sebastian Jenkins, and runs the Aces' overall record to 3-0-2 (2-0-1 league). This keeps them in good position to challenge highly touted Conestoga for the Central League Title.
Tomorrow they travel to Methacton for a non-league contest.
Tomorrow they travel to Methacton for a non-league contest.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Missed Opportunities
The Aces hosted the Upper Darby Royals yesterday on the turf at Arnold Field. The 1st half saw LM dominate play, with many scoring opportunities coming from working outside in, however they couldn't put one past the Royal keeper. Meanwhile another strong defensive performance kept UD out of harms way.
in the 2nd half it was a little different story. The Royals managed to get a few shots but couldn't get them on goal. With 18 minutes left in the game the Aces were awarded a PK. Senior striker Ryan Tillman got the nod but the keeper made the save. With less than 2 minutes remaining LM got a clean look from the top of the D but missed the mark, OT.
The 1st 10 minutes was uneventful, but with only 2:30 left in the 2nd the Royals hit the crossbar but the ball bounced clear. Final score 0-0.
Next up on Thursday is a night game at Strath Haven. If you're in the area come on out. LM/Haven games always seem to be hard fought contests.
in the 2nd half it was a little different story. The Royals managed to get a few shots but couldn't get them on goal. With 18 minutes left in the game the Aces were awarded a PK. Senior striker Ryan Tillman got the nod but the keeper made the save. With less than 2 minutes remaining LM got a clean look from the top of the D but missed the mark, OT.
The 1st 10 minutes was uneventful, but with only 2:30 left in the 2nd the Royals hit the crossbar but the ball bounced clear. Final score 0-0.
Next up on Thursday is a night game at Strath Haven. If you're in the area come on out. LM/Haven games always seem to be hard fought contests.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
LM Soccer "Alumni Weekend"
As many of you may now know, our LM Soccer "Alumni Weekend" takes place this year on Friday & Saturday, October 14th & 15th. We have several events planned which I've outlined below. I'll start with the annual "Alumni Game" and work backward.
------------------------
Saturday, Noon - LM Soccer Alumni Game vs. Haverford H.S. Alumni on Arnold Field
1/ We are hoping to get a real good turnout this year, especially from our younger LM graduates, as our game last year was very exciting. The Aces came out on top in a wild offensive battle 5-4
2/ Please let me know as soon as possible if you plan on playing, as we will be providing lunch after the game for all participants on both teams (email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net).
Saturday, 10:00 AM - LM varsity vs. W. C. East on the turf at Arnold Field
1/ Come on out and support our 2016 Aces.
Friday, 1:00 PM - Steve Fountain Golf Event at Loch Nairn Golf Club
1/ This is the LMSAA's only fundraiser each year and you don't have to be a golfer to contribute.
------------------------
Saturday, Noon - LM Soccer Alumni Game vs. Haverford H.S. Alumni on Arnold Field
1/ We are hoping to get a real good turnout this year, especially from our younger LM graduates, as our game last year was very exciting. The Aces came out on top in a wild offensive battle 5-4
2/ Please let me know as soon as possible if you plan on playing, as we will be providing lunch after the game for all participants on both teams (email me at: bubdavidson@comcast.net).
Saturday, 10:00 AM - LM varsity vs. W. C. East on the turf at Arnold Field
1/ Come on out and support our 2016 Aces.
Friday, 1:00 PM - Steve Fountain Golf Event at Loch Nairn Golf Club
1/ This is the LMSAA's only fundraiser each year and you don't have to be a golfer to contribute.
If you go to our LM Soccer Alumni website at: www.lmsocceralum.org and click on "More", then choose "12 Annual SF", you will be able to see all the information about the event and the different ways to support it.
Ways you can support the LMSAA
1/ You can
play in the golf event (which is a scramble format) as a single golfer. And we can
pair you up with other LM Soccer Alumni.
2/ You can
sign up as a foursome and bring 3 friends with you
3/ If you
don't golf you can sign up to be one of the sponsors that are listed on the
invite, OR, you may know someone who would like to be a sponsor and get a
little publicity & goodwill for their company. Many of you found sponsors
for us last year and it was greatly appreciated. I hope we can repeat that this
year. This is the lifeblood of our fundraiser (the Golf Invite explains how
each type of sponsorship works)
* We are in need of sponsors at all levels so please give it
a look
4/ Or you
can simply make a donation
How to register as a golfer,
a sponsor, or make a donation
1/
mail a check with the appropriate amount, made out to the “LMSAA”, to our LMSAA treasurer
Jim VanDusen (LM class of '89) to the address below:
Jim
VanDusen
800
Maple Glen Lane
Wayne,
PA 19087-4727
* Golfer - choose
Single Golfer ($150) or Foursome ($600) and send the corresponding amount
* Sponsor -
choose your level of Sponsorship from the Golf Invite (prices & exposure
for each are listed on the Invite) and send the corresponding amount
* Donation
– all contributions will be greatly appreciated
2/ if you would
like more information please contact Jim VanDusen (jimmyv@pplcg.com ) or
Brian Vernick, LM class of '89 (brianvern1@comcast.net)
I would like to thank you all again for your continued support for Lower Merion Soccer, and we hope to be hearing from you soon.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Off & Running
The 2016 LM Soccer Aces began their season last week and are off to a good start. They opened with 2 non-league games, and came away with a 1-1 tie with Avon Grove and a 3-0 win over Bonner. Last night they traveled to Haverford H.S. for their Central League opener.
LM began the season with 11 seniors on the roster; 4 of which are new to the varisty this year, Of the 7 juniors only 3 are veterans from last year's squad, and the 2 sophomores are playing varisty for the 1st time.
Against the Fords the Aces' speed & quickness easily made up for their lack of size as they carried play for the entire 1st half. Midway thru the half LM scored to take the lead, but it was called back for offsides, as the Fords were playing a pretty disciplined offsides trap defense. It was mostly a defensive contest, with the game's 1st shot on goal not coming until about 12 minutes left. With only 8 minutes left in the half Aces' junior Matt Shapiro jumped on a poor Ford clear and went lower left from about 18 yards out. 1-0 LM at halftime.
With more of the same in the 2nd half, Aces controlling play and little offensive chances for either team, the Fords appeared to tie it up midway thru but offsides nullified the score. LM rode the fine play of the defense; junior Thomas Podrasky & senior Erez Potok-Holmes in the middle, senior Som Safavi & junior Zach Goldstein on the outside, and returning senior goalkeeper Sebastian Jenkins, the rest of the way and notched their 2nd shutout of the young season.
Up next week for the Aces are 2 key Central League games. On Tuesday they host Upper Darby at 3:45 PM and Thursday they travel to Strath Haven for a night game (7 PM).
LM began the season with 11 seniors on the roster; 4 of which are new to the varisty this year, Of the 7 juniors only 3 are veterans from last year's squad, and the 2 sophomores are playing varisty for the 1st time.
Against the Fords the Aces' speed & quickness easily made up for their lack of size as they carried play for the entire 1st half. Midway thru the half LM scored to take the lead, but it was called back for offsides, as the Fords were playing a pretty disciplined offsides trap defense. It was mostly a defensive contest, with the game's 1st shot on goal not coming until about 12 minutes left. With only 8 minutes left in the half Aces' junior Matt Shapiro jumped on a poor Ford clear and went lower left from about 18 yards out. 1-0 LM at halftime.
With more of the same in the 2nd half, Aces controlling play and little offensive chances for either team, the Fords appeared to tie it up midway thru but offsides nullified the score. LM rode the fine play of the defense; junior Thomas Podrasky & senior Erez Potok-Holmes in the middle, senior Som Safavi & junior Zach Goldstein on the outside, and returning senior goalkeeper Sebastian Jenkins, the rest of the way and notched their 2nd shutout of the young season.
Up next week for the Aces are 2 key Central League games. On Tuesday they host Upper Darby at 3:45 PM and Thursday they travel to Strath Haven for a night game (7 PM).
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