Neshaminy advances in boys' soccer
The scene at War Memorial Field told a story of celebration . . . and heartbreak. The Neshaminy boys' soccer team laughed, hugged, and was congratulated by fans.
The scene at War Memorial Field told a story of celebration . . . and heartbreak.
The Neshaminy boys' soccer team laughed, hugged, and was congratulated by fans.
On the other side of the scorers' table, Lower Merion players were spread out facedown on the field, crying their hearts out.
Both teams were reacting to what had occurred moments earlier.
After having played 110 minutes to a 2-2 stalemate, the Redskins outpointed the Aces, 4-2, in a shoot-out in yesterday's Class AAA state quarterfinal.
"This is an unbelievable feeling," said Neshaminy senior midfielder Bob Shegda, whose team also outlasted Lower Merion in a shoot-out in the District 1 tourney semifinals. "This is the best feeling."
The victory sent the Redskins (16-6-2) into Tuesday's state semifinal at West Chester East. Neshaminy, the District 1 runner-up, will face District 1 champion Downingtown West, a 4-2 winner over District 3 runner-up Manheim Township.
The Redskins will make their second state semifinal appearance in three seasons.
However, Lower Merion, the District 1 third-place team, finished at 18-3-1.
"This feels like sophomore year all over again," said Neshaminy senior midfielder Kyle Soroka, whose squad is ranked second in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer.
Soroka, Shegda, and goalkeeper Alex Smith all played major roles in the victory.
Smith made 13 spectacular saves during regulation and the two 15-minute sudden-death overtimes.
He then blocked two penalty kicks. The Redskins had a 2-1 shoot-out advantage after his last block.
Neshaminy had a 3-2 cushion after Soroka and Lower Merion's Danny DiLulli made penalty kicks.
Shegda then extended the Redskins' season by drilling the ball into the middle of goal.
Early on, the game had all the signs of a blowout.
The third-ranked Aces had a 2-0 cushion in the 19th minute.
Neshaminy closed the gap to 2-1 when a Lower Merion defender knocked the ball into his own goal in the 38th minute.
Redskins senior forward Dan Foley's goal from eight yards out knotted the score in the 69th minute.
"I'm proud of the way we fought," Lower Merion defender Nick Bibbs said. "We battled to the end. It was just a tough, close game."
Lower Merion 2 0 2
Neshaminy 1 1 2
Neshaminy won, 4-2, on penalty kicks.
Goals: LMGreg Robbins, Danny DiLulli; NZach Turchi, Dan Foley.
Saves: LMJustin Corrado 10; NAlex Smith 15.