Down to the Wire

Tonight LM traveled to West Chester to play 2nd seed Henderson in the District One quarter-finals. WC had plenty of speed up front, excellent ball handlers, and a very long thrower. It would be a tall task but not impossible.

As is the case in most games between good teams, there is a feeling out period. This game would be no different. For the first 20 minutes there would be no shots on goal for either team. With about 15 minutes remaining in the half WC put a nice cross in front of the Aces net, but LM's senior keeper Sabastian Jenkins was able to make the save. Both teams were pressuring the ball well, limiting the scoring opportunities even more. All LM could manage in the 1st half would be a 30 yard shot that was easily saved by the Henderson keeper. 0-0 at halftime.

The 2nd half would have a lot more action. Just 5 minutes in WC put another very dangerous ball across the Aces' goalmouth, but it was cleared. About 5 minutes later LM senior Alex Moureaud hit a nice cross of his own that found spohmore Tim O'Hare. After deking the closest defender O'Hare fired a shot past the helpless Henderson keeper to give the Aces a 1-0 lead. LM's D was playing another strong game, with Jenkins covering anything that got by them. With 10 minutes remaining Aces' senior midfielder Andreas Blobel was called for his 2nd yellow card of the game, and LM had to go the rest of the way a man down, and they did so gallantly. With 7 minutes left Jenkins made another quality save, tipping a hard shot just over the crossbar. On the ensuing corner kick WC first hit the post, then got off a couple of more shots before the ball was eventually cleared. The Aces were just 3 minutes away from the District semis, and a trip to the PIAA state playoffs. But, with about 2 minutes left, WC tied it up off a well placed corner kick. Just 30 seconds later Jenkins had to come up big once again on a clear breakaway to keep the score even, and it would be on to OT.

LM tried to regroup, but that late goal, and playing short-handed, took it's mental & physical toll. Just 6 minutes into the 1st OT period Henderson got the game winner on a beautiful header, off still another free kick. Henderson was an excellent team, but most of their offense came from corners, long throw-ins, and free kicks resulting from untimely penalties.

However, the Aces' season is not over yet. Since District One qualifies 5 teams for the PIAA State Playoffs, LM will have a chance to win 2 playback games and get that 5th spot. Taking a superb nationally ranked Conestoga team to OT, then an outstanding 2nd seeded Henderson to OT, has to help their confidence.

I will post playback game info here when it becomes available.