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BOYS' SOCCER: William Penn Charter Stuns Top Ranked Episcopal Academy

By Dan Marks, 10/29/18, 7:45PM EDT

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Penn Charter boys’ soccer wins physical rematch versus Episcopal Academy, 1-0.

By: Dan Marks

PHILADELPHIA- On a brisk fall day, tucked way back in a secluded corner of William Penn Charter’s campus, Penn Charter boys’ soccer was tasked with taking on Episcopal Academy.  The two teams played for the second time this season, however this time Penn Charter pulled off the upset versus one of the top-10 ranked teams in the state.

The entire eighty minute match was a battle. The majority of the game consisted of missed opportunities, fouls, free kicks, solid defense, and a whole lot of contact. In the 32’, WPC striker Jude Shorr-Parks was hit hard by Episcopal Academy goalie Trevor Manion, resulting in a no-call. Ironically, that would not be the last time that those two met during the match. 

“There are some days you have to play physical, and there are some days you have to play finesse. This league is like that most days, it’s very physical. Today, we answered the call,” said Penn Charter head coach Bob DiBenedetto.

William Penn Charter answered that call when Shorr-Parks slipped past Manion and connected on a tap-in goal in the sixty-fifth minute, the first and only score of the game. 

Post Game Interview with WPC's Billy Melnick:

“Well, as I was running to the goalie, I was a little worried he was going to clock me again like earlier in the game, but you know, no fear, I had to go in, had to make sure we secured the game,” said Shorr-Parks.

Penn Charter coach Bob DiBenedetto was relieved that his team’s preparation had propelled them to victory. 

Penn Charter vs. Episcopal Academy Game Highlights:

“We prepare by going to goal all week. Last time we played them, we outnumbered their chances probably two to one and we couldn't finish. They're tough, they're physical, we knew that if we put one away, we could keep them off the board, at least we thought we could, and it worked out that way today. So we worked on finishing all week, to be honest with you,” said coach DiBenedetto.

Second time is the charm for William Penn Charter. After an improbable win like that, the only thing left for them to do is celebrate.