Distrist One's 2nd seed Great Valley continues their run thru the PIAA State Playoffs beating District 3's 3rd seed Mechanisburg 2-1. They will now play in the Sate Final on Saturday, looking to win their 2nd PIAA AAA State Crown. Great Valley also won in 1993 when they defeated District 3's Wilson West-Lawn 1-0.
This promises to be a daunting task as they will face District 7 Champion Peters Township, who has won their 3 PIAA State Playoff games by the scores of; 4-0, 3-0, & 3-0.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Wrap-Ups
In the District One AAA Soccer final Central Bucks East defeated Great Valley for their 1st District Title in quite some time, earning them the District's #1 seed in the PIAA State Playoffs. Great Valley (seeded 2nd), Unionville (seeded 3rd), and Wissahickon (seeded 4th), all moved on to the PIAA State Playoffs as well.
Unionville lost in the 1st round, as did Wissahickon (on PK's). Central Bucks East lost in the quarter-finals (also on PK's). Great Valley is still alive, playing tonight in one State Semi-Final against District 3's 3rd seeded team, Mechanicsburg. In the other semi-final Lower Dauphin (District 3's 2nd seed) goes against District 7 Champion Peters Township. The 2 semi-final winners will play Saturday night for the PIAA State Title.
Should District 3's 3rd seed Mechanicsburg & District 3's 2nd seed Lower Dauphin both win, it will be the 1st time since 1988 that 2 teams from the same District faced each other in the PIAA State final. That '88 PIAA State final saw Lower Merion losing to Conestoga 3-1. It also happened 2 other times; in '84 Lower Merion lost 1-0 to Neshaminy and in '86 Strath Haven beat West Chester East 1-0.
The Lower Merion annual Soccer Award's banquet is scheduled for Thursday evening, November 20th. The Lower Merion Soccer Alumni Association will be there to hand out our annual awards, featuring the Steve Fountain Sportsmanship Award & Scholarship. We will also officially announce the 2014 Lower Merion Boy's Soccer Hall of Fame inductee (who's name & bio will be posted here on "Coach D's Blog" the following day).
Unionville lost in the 1st round, as did Wissahickon (on PK's). Central Bucks East lost in the quarter-finals (also on PK's). Great Valley is still alive, playing tonight in one State Semi-Final against District 3's 3rd seeded team, Mechanicsburg. In the other semi-final Lower Dauphin (District 3's 2nd seed) goes against District 7 Champion Peters Township. The 2 semi-final winners will play Saturday night for the PIAA State Title.
Should District 3's 3rd seed Mechanicsburg & District 3's 2nd seed Lower Dauphin both win, it will be the 1st time since 1988 that 2 teams from the same District faced each other in the PIAA State final. That '88 PIAA State final saw Lower Merion losing to Conestoga 3-1. It also happened 2 other times; in '84 Lower Merion lost 1-0 to Neshaminy and in '86 Strath Haven beat West Chester East 1-0.
The Lower Merion annual Soccer Award's banquet is scheduled for Thursday evening, November 20th. The Lower Merion Soccer Alumni Association will be there to hand out our annual awards, featuring the Steve Fountain Sportsmanship Award & Scholarship. We will also officially announce the 2014 Lower Merion Boy's Soccer Hall of Fame inductee (who's name & bio will be posted here on "Coach D's Blog" the following day).
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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