Bartram captures Public League soccer title

Northeast can claim ownership of the Public League when it comes to soccer. With 38 championship appearances under its belt and more than half of them victories, the Vikings are old money.

But, in recent years, John Bartram has become the standard, appearing in five Public League finals, beginning in 1999. New money.

Wednesday night, the two met at Northeast's Charles Martin Memorial Stadium for the Class AAA Public League title. It was the first time the two had met in a championship game. Northeast dominated the pace of play for much of the game, but a mistake in the 40th minute by Vikings goalkeeper Howard Lynn proved costly. Lynn, who doubles as Northeast's punter, used a punch to clear the ball from his 18-yard box. The clearance landed at the foot of Bartram junior Willie Geebli, who chipped past Lynn and a trio of defenders to give Bartram the 1-0 victory and secure its fourth program title in 11 years.

"This feels so good," Geebli said. "We weren't playing our game in the first half, and we were getting dominated because Northeast is very good. But we are a tough team, too, and we proved that here."

The loss meant a bittersweet finale for Northeast coach Sam Feldman, who returned this season after being hit by a car last year and having to undergo shoulder surgery. Feldman guided the Vikings to Public League glory in 2007 with a win over Central.

"Obviously, you can see that it's not the team that dominates, but the team that scores the most goals," Feldman said. "We did dominate play, but we didn't get the goal we wanted. We had our chances, and we just didn't capitalize on them. But I am happy with my guys. They played hard until the very end, but, ultimately ,somebody has to lose, and, unfortunately that was us tonight."

Bartram goalkeeper Jefferson Banto kept his team in the game. He made seven saves, primarily deterring Northeast forward Shavar Shepherd, who ripped four in Banto's direction, the biggest a shot from point-blank range in the 81st minute.

Second-year Bartram coach Ian Turner praised his young team, one he claims lacks the skill of last year's squad, which suffered a 2-0 loss to Washington in the Pub final. Bartram avenged that loss Monday with a 4-2 win over Washington in a semifinal.

Bartram (10-4) will play St. Joseph's Prep for the city title Friday at 7 p.m. at Northeast. The winner will be the PIAA District 12 representative and will play the second seed out of District 3.

"I think the happiest thing for me is that these kids got here on sheer heart this year," Turner said. "We are probably less talented this year than we were last year, but we really emphasized a team mentality here, and the kids took to it. Today wasn't even our best game, I thought it was a pretty ugly game. Northeast dominated us for at least the first 30 minutes, but we capitalized on a big mistake, and it was that chance that sealed it. I am proud of these guys but we have another tough match [tomorrow].

"I know nothing about St. Joe's Prep. I am sure they are a very good team. It'll be tough on just 2 days' rest, but we'll be ready."

Northeast (9-3) is expected to return 14 of its 19 players next season, including most of the starting 11.

"We are no stranger to being in this situation, so I expect us to be back here next year," Feldman said. "Northeast has a great soccer tradition, and we don't intend to stop that now."

IN ANOTHER GAME:

Masterman 3, Prep Charter 0: In an earlier game, the Blue Dragons blanked the Huskies to win the Class A championship. Masterman will play West Catholic for the city title Friday at 3 p.m. *