PJPII Boys Soccer Team Gets Kicking

The PJPII Panthers boys soccer team showed the Upper Merion Trojans what they're all about in their 2-0 win at the scrimmage Wednesday.

Last year, the Panthers' overall record was 5-9-1, and 5-8 in the league.

Coach Jerry DeLeo expressed some concern about this year's team.

"We are concerned about a lack of veteran leadership," DeLeo said. "Last year, we graduated nine seniors. Overall, we are young in that we had six sophomores with the expectation they make positive contributions to the success of the team. Until now, our current group of four seniors haven't been asked to play leadership roles on their team. So, this year, they will have to step up if we are to have a cohesive group."

Yesterday, the boys played a very good game. The Upper Merion Trojans made some errors; one of them resulted in a goal by a penalty kicked by Pete DeLeo. The second PJPII goal was scored by Ryan Ianovale on a breakaway.

"We had a good defensive effort," DeLeo said. "But we have a lot of work to do. But I'm definitely optimistic."

DeLeo stood on the sideline the entire game cheering for his team, and constantly praising them on their efforts. Going into the season, they have a "potentially very strong back line anchored by senior Pete DeLeo and the potential to develop a dynamic midfield led by senior Victor Rodriquez."

However, DeLeo said there was definitely some notable losses in goalkeeper Nick Gremminger, midfield JD Maguire and midfield Stephen Reilley.

Some key returning players are seniors Pete DeLeo, Victor Rodriguez, Jordan Chesney and Derek Sein-Lwin, and juniors Kevin Winans and Brian McCluskey.

"Overall, I feel very positive about the upcoming season and see a great deal of potential in this team," DeLeo said. "It is important that we continue to develop on and off the field to remain competitive in (the) league."