By: Alex McGinley
NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – Episcopal Academy scored three consecutive goals in the second half to beat Germantown Academy, 7-5, Thursday afternoon at Sonje Field. After coming back from a one-goal deficit, the Churchmen got two goals from senior attack Rowan Brumbaugh and a goal from junior midfielder Jackson Tuma. Brumbaugh scored four goals total.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Brumbaugh. “Once you get that first one in, you just have more confidence in yourself and it just keeps rolling and people around you feel that way too. Everyone’s finishing the ball. It just kind of helps everyone out.”
Junior attack Nick Bates also contributed to the Churchmen offense by scoring two first half goals.
Winning faceoffs was also key for EA. Senior midfielder Jack Henderson, who is a Penn State commit, won eight faceoffs for the Churchmen.
“I thought faceoffs were really important,” said Episcopal Academy head coach Chris Bates. “I thought Jack Henderson did a nice job in critical moments giving us possession. We did a better job offensively than we have of solid possessions and not giving them an offensive opportunity.”
After going into the locker room tied 4-4, Germantown Academy only scored once in the second half. Senior midfielder Gunnar Bogorowski scored in the third quarter to give the Patriots a 5-4 lead. Bogorowski led the Patriots with two goals on the day and added an assist. Senior attack Wills Jordan, freshman attack Jack Luviano and senior defender Jack McHugh also scored for the Patriots.
“We controlled the pace of the game on offense,” said Germantown Academy head coach Billy McKinney. “It really kept us in it. It got them to play a little bit more aggressive. They fouled us a little bit. Our guys on that side of the field did a great job of controlling the pace of the game, which in turn helped our defense as well.”
One of Rowan Brumbaugh's four goals vs. GA
EA senior Rowan Brumbaugh talks about his team's victory, scoring 4 goals & explains the Churchmen's 2019 team motto:
With the win, EA got its first Inter-Ac League win of the season. The Churchmen previously lost to Inter-Ac foe Malvern Prep, 8-4. Germantown falls to 0-2 in Inter-Ac play. The Patriots previously lost to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, 10-6.
“We scheduled a national schedule that’s very tough,” said coach Bates. “We’ve been a little bit banged up. We’ve taken a few lumps early. We hung in against Malvern. This is gives us a little momentum. We don’t have another Inter-Ac for over a week. I think our guys feel good about being 2-0 this week. Getting the first Inter-Ac win is important.”
Next up, the Churchmen will go to Ridley on Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. The Patriots will travel to Springfield Township on Thursday at 4:00 p.m.