BOYS SOCCER: Lots Could Change with Two Games Left in PCL Regular Season

By John Knebels

PHILADELPHIA – Though “only” a regular-season win, the timing proved impeccable.

“We needed it,” said Archbishop Ryan coach Ryan Haney. “The whole group was amazing tonight. They all bought in and stayed disciplined to the game plan.”

A bit earlier on Tuesday night, the Raiders had defeated defending champion La Salle, 1-0, behind stellar goaltending by junior Naz Clark, a steady defense, and a huge second-half goal by junior Jaden Perez.

Despite having their 17-game PCL winning streak dating back to last year snapped, the Explorers remained in first place with a 9-1 record. Ryan (8-2), meanwhile, climbed into a third-place tie with Father Judge. The two will meet in the regular-season finale tonight

Although they had defeated LaSalle, 2-0, in the 2022 Philadelphia Catholic League semifinals, the Raiders had not beaten the Explorers during the regular season since early in 2012. Came close lots of times, but LaSalle maintained control of the series.

“Tonight’s win was a huge victory for us,” said Clark. “Getting those three points really helped our team mentally while shocking the league. It was a really, really satisfying and overall great moment for us. To beat a team like them, we couldn’t have done it without everyone doing their job.”

In second place at 8-1-1, Conwell-Egan could capture its first-ever regular-season title with a win at La Salle on Monday. The Eagles have surrendered a miserly five goals in their last eight games.

Archbishop Ryan vs. La Salle - PSD Photos by Carlos Otero

Archbishop Ryan vs. La Salle - PSD Game Highlights by Carlos Otero

“So far, I would have to say the season has been what I’ve always wanted the four years I’ve been here,” said Conwell-Egan senior Tyler Schmitt. “We are finally getting the respect we deserve as a team, and I couldn’t be happier to accomplish what we have so far with such a great group of friends.

“I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied yet, only because the job isn’t finished and we plan on taking home a PCL championship this season. But we all know anything can happen once playoffs start.”

C-E coach Mike Rigney opined likewise.

“We feel the season is going well, but we also believe that we can still do more with our group and program,” said Rigney. “The coaching staff and the players have all put in the work over the past three seasons, and hopefully this is something we continue to build on for our program.”

Conwell-Egan vs. Archbishop Ryan - PSD Photos By Donna Eckert

Now back in their typical groove, Father Judge (8-2) has corralled seven straight wins, including a recent 2-0 shutout of Archbishop Wood behind two goals by senior Mike Regan, which followed a tight 2-1, double-overtime victory over Roman Catholic and a 3-2 decision at Devon Prep.

As mentioned earlier, the Crusaders’ Monday battle with neighborhood rival Archbishop Ryan would determine their seed, which for the first time in three seasons won’t be first.

“As the season goes on, we’re getting closer,” said Judge senior Gavin Dunlop. “The league has been tight.”

Dunlop raved about the importance of senior goalie Justin Kennish.

“Justin keeps us in the game with big saves,” said Dunlop. “Defending corners and on side kicks, he’s been solid all year for us. It’s very important to have great goaltending, and it’s something not every team has. Justin doesn’t get a lot of credit, but he’s keeping us in these close games and it’s a key piece to our team.”

Another red-hot squad with a most-recent 5-0-1 mark, fifth-place St. Joseph’s Prep (7-2-1) hasn’t allowed a goal since September 14. After a 4-0 loss to La Salle in a season opener, the Hawks have given up just two goals in nine games. They fought second-place Conwell-Egan to a scoreless draw last week.

With home wins over final opponents Archbishop Wood and Roman Catholic, the Prep could still finish as high as third place.

“The defensive line is organized, and everyone is on the same page as far as what they should be doing,” said Prep senior Matt Reeves. “We’re winning headers, not getting turned, and holding guys up to allow the midfield to get back.”

With four wins in their last five, Roman Catholic is stationed in sixth place with a 6-3-1 record. Last week’s 2-0 victory over Archbishop Wood big-time aided the Cahillites pursuit of avoiding a preliminary playoff, as the top six teams relax while the next four duke it out for the final two spots.

That said, the Cahillites take on tough opponents in Devon Prep and St. Joseph’s Prep down the final stretch.

“Wood is always one of the annual matches that’s a lot of fun to prepare for,” said Roman Catholic coach Ray DeStephanis. “There are good quality players and coaches over there.

“As for the match, I couldn’t have asked more from the team. For the most part, the game was evenly played, but our defense was stellar and, honestly, spurred the transition for both our goals. Really pleased with the effort.”

A trio bunches seventh through ninth. After three straight wins, Lansdale Catholic (5-4-1) is 2-4-1 in its last seven. Archbishop Wood (5-5) is enduring a five-game losing streak during which they’ve been outscored by 13-3. After starting the season with five straight losses, Devon Prep (4-7) has rebounded to win four of its last six, with both losses (1-0 to St. Joseph’s Prep and 3-2 to Father Judge) coming quite close to producing points.

Roman Catholic vs. Archbishop Wood - PSD Photos by Donna Eckert

Vincenzo Harwood scored both goals in Roman's 2-0 victory vs. Wood - PSD Video by Donna Eckert

The 10th and final spot will go to Monday’s winner between Cardinal O’Hara (2-8) and host Archbishop Carroll (1-8). Currently winless and scoreless after 10 games apiece, Bonner-Prendergast and Neumann-Goretti both have some incentive heading into their Monday meeting.

Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.)