Neshaminy's deadly Kyle Soroka
Kyle Soroka is the subject of several love/hate relationships. Opposing coaches hate to play against the Neshaminy standout. But they would love to have him on their teams.
Kyle Soroka is the subject of several love/hate relationships.
Opposing coaches hate to play against the Neshaminy standout. But they would love to have him on their teams.
"He is just deadly around" 18 yards out, Lower Merion coach Jon Fadely said. "He is the one who can put the ball literally anywhere he wants."
Fadely would know.
After the teams had played 110 minutes to a 1-1 stalemate, the Redskins outpointed the Aces, 3-1, in a shoot-out by penalty kicks in the PIAA District 1 Class AAA semifinals.
Soroka, a senior defender/midfielder, scored one of those penalty kicks.
While the setback is still fresh in Lower Merion's memory, it will look to avenge that loss at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
That's when the squads will meet in a state quarterfinal at Central Bucks West's War Memorial Field.
Like in the previous meeting, the Aces (17-2-1) must account for Soroka at all times.
He is a major reason why Neshaminy (15-6-2) is The Inquirer's second-ranked team in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Villanova recruit is also a major reason why the Redskins are legitimate state title contenders.
"He can do multiple things," said Fadely, whose squad is ranked third in the area.
Soroka was switched from the defender position to the midfield after the seventh game of the season. Since then, the Redskins have gone 13-3-1. The 17-year-old scored all seven of his goals after the move.
He brings toughness and good tackling and frequently beats his opponents to the ball.
"He's sees the field very well," Neshaminy coach Rich Reice said. "He gets the ball to the right guy. He's kind of like the quarterback of the offense, basically."
A four-year starter, Soroka was a 2007 second-team all-Southeastern Pennsylvania selection by The Inquirer.
"I just want to do whatever helps the team out," he said. "I'm hoping for a [state championship appearance]. We can do it if we come ready to play."
Whippets crack rankings.
After one week's absence, Downingtown West is back in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Adidas national rankings.
The Whippets are ranked 12th in the poll that was released Tuesday. The Inquirer's top-ranked area team was ranked 10th nationally in the poll Oct. 21.
While they resurfaced in the rankings, Lower Merion dropped out.
The Aces were ranked 12th before their loss to Neshaminy in the district semifinals.
Downingtown West (second) and Lower Merion (fifth) are also among the organization's top squads in the Region III (Pennsylvania and New Jersey) rankings.
North Catholic (eighth), and Central Bucks East (11th) are the other area teams that are ranked regionally.
The Inquirer TOP 10
BOYS' SOCCER
Team Record
Records through yesterday.
Last week's rankings are in parentheses.
1. Downingtown West (2) 23-1
The Whippets have outscored their opponents by 52-2 since a Sept. 29 loss to West Chester Henderson.
2. Neshaminy (6) 15-6-2
Don't let the Redskins' record fool you. As Lower Merion and North Catholic learned, they are lethal.
3. Lower Merion (1) 18-2-1
The Aces get a chance to avenge last week's loss to Neshaminy in Saturday's Class AAA state quarterfinal.
4. Central Bucks East (3) 18-4-1
There's a great chance that the Patriots will be in Hershey at season's end playing for the Class AAA state title.
5. North Catholic (5) 16-2-3
The Falcons are the Philadelphia Catholic League and District 12 Class AAA champions.
6. Father Judge (7) 15-3-1
The PCL Red Division champion Crusaders have won 37 games since the start of the 2007 season.
7. Strath Haven (8) 15-3-2
Quick, athletic and always attacking, the Panthers created matchup problems for opponents.
8. Pennsbury (9) 14-5-1
The Falcons were the champions of a very competitive Suburban One National Conference.
9. Haverford School (NR) 11-1-2
The Fords clinched the Inter-Ac League title Tuesday.
10. Pottsgrove (NR) 16-3
It continues to be a season of firsts for the Falcons.
First District 1 Class AA title. First Class AA state playoff appearance. First state playoff win. What's next?
Under consideration (listed alphabetically):
Archbishop Wood (19-2-1), Council Rock North (13-6-2), Holy Ghost Prep (15-3-1), West Chester Henderson (13-5).
- Keith Pompey