PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle Explorers defeated the St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks 1-0 in their Philadelphia Catholic League opener at Temple University’s Turf field on Sept. 7. Throughout the entirety of the game, the Explorers and Hawks displayed intense competition proving that each team has a hopeful season ahead.
The beginning of the first half was full of action near the Hawks goal. La Salle attempted to score repeatedly, but senior captain and goalie, Chris Ix, was not letting any ball past him. Joseph Coyle, St. Joe’s Prep first year head coach, praised Ix on his goaltending abilities following the close came.
“Our strengths start in stellar goaltending lead by senior captain Chris Ix, who I think was the MVP of the game, even in the loss.”
St. Joe’s Prep began to pick up the pace during the end of the first half by keeping offensive possession of the ball and taking multiple shots at La Salle’s goal.
The Explorers celebrate after Chris Metzler scores to win the game 1-0 - PSD Photo by Bryan Kelly
When the first half ended, the score was tied 0-0 and it seemed as if neither team was going to be able to get the ball past either goalie. St. Joe’s Prep had 5 saves going into the second half and La Salle had 2 total saves.
The second half commenced with more competitive game play between the two teams. La Salle put pressure on St. Joe’s Prep with constant action by the net. In the middle of the second half, La Salle junior Chris Metzler had the perfect opportunity to score – and succeeded. Metzler scored the sole goal of the game to lead La Salle to a 1-0 victory.
Despite the loss, Coyle remained hopeful of his team, their abilities, and his first season as head coach.
“We have a very young, but extremely talented team that can compete for a PCL Championship,” said Coyle. “La Salle is a skilled, quick, and well-coached team. They are the defending champions. And we lost 1-0 with several chances to tie or win the game. I told our players after the game and I told La Salle's coach, Tom McCaffery, that I firmly believe that these two teams will meet again in late October, deep into the playoffs.”
TODAY: St. Joe’s Prep will play Archbishop Carroll this evening at Temple University at 7 PM while La Salle will travel to play Archbishop Ryan also at 7 PM.
