Aces coach Nico Severini keeps reminding us that there are no easy wins in the Central League. Boys’ varsity soccer is indeed played at a very high level among these schools—and looking at Arnold Field on Tuesday proved his point.
Strath Haven came in with lots of talent and even more attitude—and the game was about as physical as it gets. I spoke to one of the refs after it was all over and he told me that having just two officials in a game like this (cut from three officials in previous seasons) does present a real challenge.
Another wild card was the 40-minute delay at the start of the second half due to lightning. At that point, the game was tied up at 2-2. For the Lower Merion fans who hung around however, it was worth the wait. Our local boys got the best of the feisty Panthers by scoring the last two goals for a 4-2 victory. The Aces are now rounding into mid-season form, and while still missing starter Marcelo Pernot, they are playing exceptional team ball.
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IN SHORT
Lower Merion started the first half like they were in a continuation of the Carroll game, taking the play to the Panthers for the first 15:00. Then, Strath Haven’s Dennis Preston made a nice pass to a charging Jerry Oetzel and Lower Merion found themselves behind. But it did not take long for the Aces to get on the board.
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First, a throw-in by senior Tyler Niles to junior Matt Lindheim evened up the game. Then another throw-in by senior Shane Votto found Niles on the receiving end this time and he headed it home. Unfortunately, a foul close to the goal at the end of the half resulted in a Strath Haven free kick by Thomas Shiiban. It went in just off the fingertips of Aces goalkeeper Connor Yu. The score was tied at the half, two goals apiece.
The second half started with both teams rather tentative, and then lightning and thunder gave the crowd a little show. A short while later, the teams reappeared and play resumed. The ever-athletic junior Kenny Lassiter took a ball in midfield, deked his way to the Panthers goal, and put a money-pass right on the foot of Lindheim.
The Aces had a lead they would not relinquish. And with just seconds on the clock and the Panthers pressing to tie the game, Lassiter swooped in again, took the ball to the net, and followed up his own shot with the Aces' fourth goal. The team then exploded in celebration for a job well done.
Lower Merion goes into October with an excellent 8-1 record (5-1 in the Central League).
ACES OF THE GAME
In a replay of the Archbishop Carroll game, Kenny Lassiter scored twice and was great fun to watch. Matt Lindheim continued his fine season with a goal and a bushel of strong plays. Tyler Niles scored a goal and his defense is as tough as they come.
THEY SAID IT
“With half the regular season over, our team is strong and confident. But it is a long season." - Coach Nico Severini
UP NEXT
The Aces travel to the home of the area’s top-rated LaSalle High School on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m.
