Boys Soccer: Marple Newtown Wins Fourth Straight vs. Cardinal O'Hara
Hunter Dyson and George Lambritios each scored twice for Marple Newtown Saturday, helping the Tigers win their fourth straight match.
SPRINGFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA – George Lambritios spent the early part of Saturday afternoon on the soccer pitch, kicking two goals in Marple Newtown’s 4-0 victory against Cardinal O’Hara. After being substituted out of the game late in the second half, Lambritios left the field to join the Tigers’ football team. The senior forward kicked three extra points and a 31- yard field goal in Marple Newtown’s 40-0 win over Lower Merion.
Fellow senior Hunter Dyson also scored two goals, including the first of the game. After a Cardinal O’Hara foul in the penalty area, Dyson converted a penalty kick in the third minute to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Dyson has scored five goals in the past two games.
After losing players to suspension, the Tigers struggled, losing three consecutive games. After losing to Conestoga on Sept. 24, Marple Newtown has rebounded to win four consecutive games. For head coach Charlie Dodds, it comes down to the fundamentals.
“We’ve been playing a simple game, making short passes and playing two touch soccer,” Dodds said. “I think when we’re technical enough, that’s when we possess the ball, we’ll do well.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Steven Bradley made three saves in his first shutout of the season. The win improves Marple Newtown’s record to 9-3. On the other hand, Lions coach Kevin Curley is looking for the right lineup combination leading up to O’Hara’s Catholic League game against Bishop McDevitt. With senior defender Mark Switliski out of the lineup with a sprained ankle, Curley has made changes.
“It affects everything. I had to move my starting center mid to center back, move a center forward to center mid, and start a player from the bench. It creates a trickle down effect,” Curley said.
The Lions are looking for an offensive spark, as they have not scored since defeating Bonner in overtime on Sept. 22. Curley explains the upcoming game against McDevitt is crucial for seeding.
“McDevitt doesn’t have any league wins, so if we beat them we can keep them winless and bump ourselves up to try to get a playoff spot,” Curley said. “It is a must win game if we want to make the Catholic League playoffs.”