College choice awaits N. Catholic's McCarthy

John McCarthy is in no rush to decide where he'll continue playing soccer at the collegiate level.

McCarthy, perhaps the area's best goalkeeper, only just started talking with three schools - Monmouth, American, and Seton Hall.

"They're really interested in me," he said. "I'd like to go visit all three of the schools."

McCarthy, a four-year starter for North Catholic, said he was also looking at Florida Gulf Coast and Stevens Tech .

North Catholic coach Gerry Brindisi said McCarthy was looking for a school where he could see early playing time. That's not a stretch, Brindisi said, because of McCarthy's athleticism and intelligence.

"He plays like a sweeper," Brindisi said. "He's so tall. The stuff that comes across the box, he's so far up and so technically sound. And he's positive with everybody on the field."

In his senior season, McCarthy has five shutouts and made 27 saves in a game at St. Benedict's (N.J.), the fourth-ranked team in the country in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Adidas poll.

Some players like to have the recruiting process over with before the start of the season so there is little interference. Another of the area's best goalies, Pennsbury's Drew Hutchins, committed to Stanford before his senior season started.

McCarthy wasn't as concerned. The signing period begins in February. McCarthy said he would like to make a decision on a college no later than the end of January.

"Before that, the better," he said.

In eight games, the Lansdale Catholic girls had allowed one goal. In the first half Monday night against Archbishop Wood, the Crusaders gave up three.

The Vikings' 4-0 triumph could set the tone for the rest of the season, Wood coach Bill Cappo said.

"We made a statement that we're one of the teams to beat in the Catholic League," Cappo said. "We're putting teams away and we're playing up to our potential."

The Vikings and Crusaders were both undefeated in league play entering the game. Now, Wood looks like the clear favorite and has a ton of confidence.

That wasn't the case early on when the Vikings dropped a 3-0 game to Villa Joseph Marie, one of the area's top-ranked squads. Down by 1-0, Wood had a penalty kick but could not convert it, and the game turned into a rout.

"They expected to do much better," Cappo said of his players. "They were taken by surprise a little bit. It made them work harder."

One time through its Catholic League opponents, the Vikings remain undefeated. Cappo said he had a good feeling about this team.

"I think the girls want it," Cappo said. "They're ready to come and play their best."

Before Pennsbury looks for revenge against Council Rock North on Monday, the Falcons take on small Faith Christian Academy in a game that could be a trap. The Lions, under coach Ryan Clymer, have put up staggering numbers en route to an 8-0 record.

Faith Christian, located in Sellersville, has scored 44 goals and allowed none. As always, the Lions have dominated their Class A competition but have also fared well when moving up.

To open the season, Faith Christian defeated a decent Class AAA Penncrest team, 3-0. Before that, the Lions scrimmaged Upper Perkiomen and Liberty and shut out both.

The Lions haven't faced anyone like Pennsbury yet, but with a senior-laden team, Faith Christian could pose a good test. Since losing to Council Rock North on Sept. 15, Pennsbury has won its last four games by shutout.

"In a strange way, it might have taken the pressure off us," Falcons head coach Tom Stoddart said of the loss to the Indians.