PHILADELPHIA – On a cold and misty Friday afternoon, Haverford School’s varsity soccer team traveled to William Penn Charter for the Inter-Ac league season opener. Haverford, as the reigning Inter-Ac champions, looked to open their season on a high note to jumpstart them into the direction of defending their title.
Five minutes into the first half, the ball went from Ethan Cripe to freshman Jude Schorr-Parks who shot the ball into the top left corner to put the Penn Charter Quakers up 1-0.
Shortly after, Penn Charter’s Max Jacobs was tripped up inside the box awarding him with a penalty kick. The ball went just above the crossbar and out of play to keep the score at 1-0.
Haverford’s Carnel Walker tied the game at one a piece at the 23-minute mark, but wouldn’t stop there. Seven minutes later, Walker headed a bouncing ball out of the hands of Quaker goaltender, Jay Jennings, to put Haverford up 2-1. This score would remain the same until the first half came to an end.
The physical game picked up where it left off at the start of the second half. Fouls were called left and right as well as a few yellow cards that were picked up by both teams. But, one foul by Haverford allowed Penn Charter to receive their second penalty kick of the game. This one, however, found its way to the back of the net.
Penn Charter's Andrew Morris scores off a penalty kick
Penn Charter Soccer vs. Haverford School League Opener
Junior Andrew Morris approached the ball with ease and confidence to tie the game up at two by placing the ball in the lower right corner.
“I knew the team needed the goal and I had to step up and just put it in the back of the net.” Morris said of his tying goal.
The score would remain tied all the way until the final whistle which sent the game into overtime. The first five-minute overtime was scoreless, as well as the second, which meant both teams would start their Inter-AC league record as 0-0-1.
“This was a big game for us because they are such big rivals and have been for a long time,” Quakers’ sophomore, Billy Melnick, said.
Haverford’s goalkeeper, Will Baltrus, made five saves during the game. At the other side of the field, Penn Charter’s keeper, Jay Jennings, who is returning from his third concussion, made four saves.
“It definitely is hard,” Jennings said in reference to returning after his concussion. “But I couldn’t quit during my senior season.”
Penn Charter will now visit Episcopal Academy on Tuesday, October 4th at 4PM. Haverford will also travel to play Springside Chestnut Hill on Tuesday at 4PM.