NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA –Things were quite unpredictable when the undefeated Episcopal Academy Churchmen hosted defending champion Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Blue Devils in Inter-Ac League soccer action Friday, October 12, 2018. As it turned out, senior midfielder Harrison Malone accounted for a goal on a free kick just three minutes in to the action paving the way to a 1-0 shutout for EA.
That was all it took.
Going in to this crucially tough match with a plan undoubtedly came in handy.
“Our goal before the game started was to come out and get an early lead,” said Malone. “Getting a goal in the first three minutes was awesome. It was something we wanted to do. It was a great start for us as a team.”
Photo Gallery by EA Jr. Reporter Alexandra Conroy
EA vs. SCHA
“That was the deciding goal,” said Episcopal Academy head coach David Knox. “We hung on. We found a way to get it.”
EA improved its overall record to 12-0-1 overall and 4-0-0 in the Inter Ac League. SCHA dropped to 9-3 on the season.
“It was a tough Inter Ac game,” said Knox. “They are the defending champ. That was a big marker for our program.”
After Malone’s moment in the sun, the game simply flew by with no additional scoring on either side. The Blue Devils fought very hard to find the net but junior goalkeeper Trevor Manion played a great defensive game for the Churchmen without allowing a single goal.
“We seem to really work as a defense,” said Manion. “We had a game plan. Center backs played insane and so my saves didn’t have to be that much.”
Senior goalkeeper Owen Elliott kept the defense in check for SCHA making three huge saves.
“We had about 60-65 percent possession,” said Elliott. “We outplayed them the entire game. They only had three more chances.”
SCHA senior goalie Owen Elliott lauds his young defenders:
EA senior Harrison Malone gives credit to SCHA's tough defense:
Inter Ac League action resumes Friday, October 19, 2018. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy hits the road to take on William Penn Charter School at 4:00 PM. Episcopal Academy hosts Germantown Academy (7:00 PM) under the lights.