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Boys' Soccer: PCL Soccer Round-up (Week of 9/19)

By John Knebels, 09/22/16, 5:15PM EDT

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PHILADELPHIA - Catholic League boys’ soccer just keeps getting better.

   Heading into this weekend’s contests, Father Judge, LaSalle, and Roman Catholic have dominated. Archbishop Ryan and Lansdale Catholic are right behind.

   Until the initial three programs compete against each other – Father Judge is scheduled to meet Roman Catholic 7:15 tonight (September 22) – it will be difficult to label anyone a regular-season favorite, and that’s precisely what makes this season so much fun to watch.

   “We did a good job on set pieces both offensively and defensively,” said LaSalle coach Tom McCaffery. “In the first half, Prep made possessing the ball difficult through the middle of the field, so it was very important to get the ball into the wide spaces and test them with crosses.”

   McCaffery was pleased with LaSalle’s defense, particularly in the second half.

   “We did a better job of limiting the time and space they had on the ball,” he said. “All credit to (Prep) for continuing to battle throughout the match and making things difficult for the full 80 minutes.

   “Fortunately, (goalie) Brett Werner was able to control their opportunities from outside the box and through crosses. He has had a great start to the season, and has helped us when we haven't been at our best.”

In Bonner-Prendergast’s 3-1 triumph over Cardinal O’Hara, a quick strike by the Lions failed to hold up.

   “It’s a rivalry game,” said Bonner-Prendergast coach Tom Markopoulos. “The boys knew there was more than just three points at stake.”

   O’Hara stunned the Friars with a goal in the opening minute. B-P, however, regained its composure and tied the game on a tally by Theo Ijeboi, who capitalized on a head-ball pass from Pat Kilker. 

After an outstanding save by goalie Tony Harper, the Friars seized what proved to be the game-winner on Ijeboi’s second goal. After Matt Hope’s penalty kick increased the lead to 3-1, the Friars withstood O’Hara’s aggressive attempt to climb closer.

   “It was a hard-fought game from both teams,” said Markopoulos. “We were happy to come out of it with three points.”

   Roman Catholic stopped Archbishop Carroll, 3-0. A stalwart defensive effort helped minimize difficulty for freshman goalie Kevin Tobin. Goals by Jared Dillon, Junnel Appel, and Kieran Flaherty supplied more than enough offense.

   “Overall, I'm pleased,” said Roman coach Ray DeStephanis “More importantly, I credit Archbishop Carroll for coming out strong in the second half being down by two goals. For us, it was important to come out strong and not only hold the lead, but add to the lead, which we eventually did, albeit in the last minute of play."

DeStephanis said the Cahillites needed a stronger second-half effort than they had exhibited in a Catholic League-opening victory over St. Joseph’s Prep last week.

   “It was important for the boys to overcome Carroll coming out strong and determined in the back 40 and us holding shape and composure,” said DeStephanis. "Do we need to work on some things? Absolutely. But it's a long distance race and again, I'm happy with the win and noticing improvement in our overall make-up of the team on and off the field.”

   In other games, Father Judge defeated Archbishop Ryan, 1-0, and Lansdale Catholic beat Archbishop Wood, 3-1. On Wednesday, Conwell-Egan toppled Bishop McDevitt, 2-1.

Standings through September 20:

4-0 Father Judge

4-0 LaSalle

4-0 Roman Catholic

3-1 Archbishop Ryan

3-1 Lansdale Catholic

2-2 Archbishop Wood

2-2 Bonner-Prendergast

1-3 Archbishop Carroll

1-3 Conwell-Egan

0-4 Bishop McDevitt

0-4 Cardinal O’Hara

0-4 St. Joseph’s Prep