Photos/Videos: Donna Eckert & Zack Beavers
By John Knebels
PHILADELPHIA – It’ll be an all-northeast final.
After Father Judge defeated Conwell-Egan while Archbishop Ryan turned aside two-time defending champion La Salle by identical 2-0 victories in Wednesday night’s Philadelphia Catholic League semifinals, the two rivals secured an invitation to the PCL championship 3:30 PM Saturday at the Northeast Supersite.
This marks Father Judge’s seventh visit to the PCL final in 15 years and third since 2013, including last fall. The Crusaders have won four titles, the last occurring in 2013. Archbishop Ryan has snared 13 championships, none since 2003. Ryan’s last two championship appearances occurred in 2009 and 2007 – both losses to Father Judge. The Raiders have never defeated Father Judge in the final.
On September 17, Father Judge outlasted Archbishop Ryan, 2-1, in double overtime.
“Words can’t describe how it feels,” said Father Judge junior Abou Cherif. “This is what we've been working toward since August, and now that we're here, there's no going back.
“The team is more than prepared, and everyone is on the same page. Additionally, knowing that we go against Ryan has given us even more motivation to go out and win.”
Cherif set up senior Hugh Nungesser for the eventual game winner about eight minutes into the game. Sophomore Joey Kennedy doubled the Crusaders’ lead 15 minutes later.
Father Judge vs. Conwell-Egan - PSD PCL Semifinal Gallery by Donna Eckert
Junior goaltender Jim Shensky notched top-seed Father Judge’s ninth straight win and seventh league shutout over a seven-seed Conwell-Egan team coming off a stunning 1-0 win over two-seed Archbishop Wood in the quarterfinals.
“We knew coming into the game we would have a ton of pressure on us because Egan is a very good team,” said Shensky. “It felt great seeing that first goal go in, knowing the pressure was off of our chest a little bit more. But we knew we had to keep fighting and finish the game stronger than we started.
“Once I saw the second goal go in, I felt confident in my defense that we would be able to hold them to less than two goals. I knew all we had to do was keep our composure and we would be moving onto the championship.”
Father Judge vs. Conwell-Egan - PSD PCL Semifinal Highlights by Zack Beavers
FJ senior John Wood #6 talks about what it's going to take to win the PCL title - PSD Video by Zack Beavers
As a five-seed that upended four-seed Roman Catholic, 1-0, Archbishop Ryan’s victory over La Salle echoed loudly throughout local soccer circles. The three-seed Explorers had won the past two titles and four of the past five.
About 10 minutes into the second half, Ryan senior Roy Hevener supplied a 1-0 lead. Nine minutes later, senior Jarrett Lalli turned a pass from Hevener into a 2-0 Raiders lead.
Ryan senior goalie Joey Phillips remained on high alert despite having a two-goal edge.
“It was definitely a big relief but I am definitely not going to say I felt safe,” said Phillips. “La Salle is a strong team with a lot of great athletes and we knew that anything could happen.
“It was a dream come true. We knew the task at hand and we did not stand down. This game meant a lot to me and the other seniors because La Salle was the only team that we as a team had not beaten in our four years. This was another step in our journey, and we know that there is one challenge left. We are looking forward to Saturday.”
Archbishop Ryan vs. La Salle - PSD PCL Semifinal Highlights by Zack Beavers
Added Lalli:
“It was super important scoring that second goal because we knew going into it that La Salle has experience, and 1-0 game is so easy to come back from. But I knew we needed a second goal so as soon as I saw Roy get the ball, I sprinted in between the two (center backs) hoping he could play me through.
“I think it’s great for the program. It’s been a while since Ryan has been in it. I know people wrote us off going into the playoffs, so we came in with the underdog mentality and embraced it. We are an experienced team with a lot of seniors who been waiting four years to win this plaque. We know the job is not finished and we gotta stay focused.”
Both winning coaches mirrored similar sentiments.
Judge’s John Dunlop said it is “always an accomplishment when you’ve reached the final in this league” and that his players “are excited to have this opportunity again.”
Ryan’s Ryan Haney said advancing to the championship is “very special. I am so proud of my guys. I love how they are representing the school and program. We are very excited for Saturday and thankful for the opportunity and school support.”
As for bragger’s rights . . .
“Every time we play Ryan it’s like a championship game,” said Judge’s Cherif. “It’s the thought of being able to come to school next day and get high-fives all day in school and the teachers telling you ‘good win.’ It feels great.”
That’s been teammate Shensky’s experience, too.
Ryan senior Jarrett Lalli could not be more excited to make it to the PCL final - PSD video by Zack Beavers
Archbishop Ryan vs. La Salle - PSD PCL Semifinal Gallery by Donna Eckert
“You could say it’s like a domino effect,” said Shenksy. “Once you talk smack to one person and their friends get involved, over the years it creates a rivalry between us. The rivalry between us and Ryan isn’t just school versus school. It’s a neighborhood versus neighborhood.
“Ryan kids live near Judge and Judge kids live near Ryan, so when you see Ryan kids around your neighborhood after a big win, you want to say something and talk a little smack.”
(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)