By Marc Narducci
LANSDALE, PA--Lansdale Catholic might be short of players but not talent or heart. The Crusaders have been playing suiting up 15 players but have remained highly competitive in both their Philadelphia Catholic League and non-league games.
Even in defeat, the Crusaders have been impressive. For example on Monday, they lost in overtime, 2-1 to a talented Pottsgrove team.
Playing with 15 players takes some endurance, especially against such a rugged schedule but the Crusaders play like a cohesive unit.
“There are only 15-16 of us on the team but we work together well on and off the field and I think that is going to take us far in the PCL,” said junior forward Megan Steinbach.
Few players have more intensity than Steinbach, who plays with a high motor and is relentless both attacking defenders and going for 50-50 balls.
“Megan is absolutely stellar,” coach Bree Benedict said. “The funny thing with Megan is she was on the state championship team her freshman year and played a decent amount and was the player we put in the end of the game to close it out.”
Lansdale Catholic in non-league action vs. Pottsgrove. (Game Highlights/Marc Narducci)
She is the type of player who can hold on to the ball and frustrate a defense with her control.
“Her ability to dribble around people, win one-v-one battles is honestly second to none in high school soccer.”
This is a strong junior class for the Crusaders. Two other juniors who have been highly productive on the attack are midfielder Ava Mercier and midfielder-forward Nicole Mezzatesta.
The fact that the Crusaders are short in numbers has almost made the team bond even more. Many of these youngsters have been playing together for several years.
Lansdale Catholic Jr. Megan Steinbach vs. Pottsgrove.(photo/Marc Narducci)
“All of us are super close and we grew up playing together playing soccer together for the most part so it is really fun coming out here and playing for each other,” Mezzatesta said.
Mercier echoes that thought.
“We are all so close,” Mercier said. “We have a small team which is kind of beneficial because it all much us super close and it is super fun.”
The team gets its pulse from Mezzatesta, who plays the type of two-way game that displays her leadership.
“I think Nicole brings a lot of energy,” Benedict said. “We’re kind of either going to play hard or we’re not and it’s going to be based off what Nicole does.”
Normally what she does is make it difficult for the opponent to go on the attack.
“When she wins some of these 50-50’s and she comes flying through, all of a sudden we are moving a million miles an hour,” Benedict said. “When we don’t have her, we are struggling so she really sets the tone for the team, she sets our speed of play and she just has the right attitude all the time.”
The Crusaders have a strong recent history, winning the Catholic League title in 2018 and the 2A state championship in 2019.
This season they may not be favored in either, but should be highly competitive even with a roster that may lack depth but offers plenty of other positives.
Marc Narducci catches up with Lansdale coach Bree Benedict and three very talented juniors: Megan Seinbach, Ava Mercier & Nicole Mezzatesta:
Here is the rundown of the other Catholic League games played this past week.
Monday Sept. 20
Archbishop Ryan 4, Conwell Egan 0
Ryan continues to impress in the early going and show that it will be a force in the PCL. Against Egan, Gianna Rivera had a hat trick, while Paige Geiger scored the other goal. Anna Lombardi added two assists as the Ragdolls improved to 2-0 in the Catholic League action.
Tuesday Sept. 21
Archbishop Wood 9, Little Flower 1
Ava DeGeorge is known for her ability to distribute, but she can also put the ball in the back of the net. Against Little Flower, she did both. DeGeorge had two goals and five assists. Megan Hickey, a difficult assignment for any defense, added a hat trick.
Alyssa DeGeorge and Daryn Savage each contributed a goal and an assist while Madison Kennedy and Sofia Krawczyk each scored one goal. Shaina Klos added an assist for the Vikings.
Grace Mott scored the lone goal for Little Flower. Mott also played in goal and recorded seven saves.
Archbishop Wood Sophomore Ava DeGeorge scored two goals and had five assists in PCL matchup against Little Flower. (Photo/Donna Eckert for PSD)
Archbishop Carroll 8, Bonner-Prendie 0
Carroll improved to 2-0-1 in the PCL with the shutout which was combined by keepers Bridget Robinson and Clara Leigh.
Ella Wright led the way with a hat trick. Reagan Duzy scored twice and Olivia Stout, Olivia Hoffman and Sarah Durham each scored once.
“I am very proud of our girls and how they performed today,” Carroll coach Tom Quintois said. “Kudos to the Bonner players and coaches for a well-played game.”
Archbishop Carroll team being instructed by head coach Tom Quintois. (photo/Lennie Malmgren for PSD)
Coming attractions
Due to the inclement weather on Thursday, the game scheduled for that night between Archbishop Wood and host Archbishop Ryan was moved to this Saturday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.
Some would suggest these are the top two teams in the Catholic League.
Whether that is true or not, it will be a great early season gauge for both teams, which are no doubt serious PCL contenders.
Thursday’s game pairing Little Flower at Conwell Egan was postponed to Friday at 3:45.
The Thursday matchup featuring St. Hubert’s at Lansdale Catholic was also postponed. No immediate makeup date has been announced.
Tag(s): Home Schools Philadelphia Catholic Soccer Girls Soccer Philadelphia Catholic League Arch. Carroll Girls Soccer Arch. Ryan Girls Soccer Arch. Wood Girls Soccer Bonner & Prendie Girls Soccer Cardinal O'Hara Girls Soccer Conwell-Egan Girls Soccer Lansdale Cath. Girls Soccer Little Flower Soccer Neumann/Goretti Girls Soccer Saint Hubert Soccer