Holy Ghost trying to overcome slow start

It seemed like the perfect fit when Michael Kirby, a junior midfielder, transferred to Holy Ghost Prep from Archbishop Ryan.

After all, Kirby would be joining a Firebirds squad that last year won 16 games, including its third straight Bicentennial Athletic League title, and second straight District 1 Class AA crown, and made it to the quarterfinals of the state tournament.

A dynamic playmaker for the Raiders, Kirby was accustomed to scoring big goals. And after two seasons playing in the Catholic League, a conference loaded with talent each year, he also was familiar with playing tough opponents.

Kirby would be the answer for Holy Ghost after the graduation of Colin O'Neill, who scored 12 goals and added 16 assists last year before moving on to Colgate University.

With all those variables, it appeared Holy Ghost was going to start the 2013 campaign the way it had last year, with a lot of success.

Then an unexpected thing happened: The Firebirds lost their first three games.

"We have to work harder in practice," senior midfielder Tim French said after an overtime loss to Father Judge. "We have to get the job done."

"There is a lot of change," French added. "This roster is just as strong as last year's roster. This is a team that wants to win. We have a lot going for us."

One change is that the Firebirds (1-3) have some key members out with injuries. Among them are Matt Crawford, a senior midfielder who plays with Kirby and French on the club team Yardley Makefield Soccer.

Other Firebirds, seniors Ryan Ockford and Pierce Skelly, are on the club team, as well, indicating that a level of comfort in playing with one another is, on some level, already there.

"I think we have a good chance of winning a state championship here," Kirby said. "We have a strong team. We just have to work as one and come out strong."

"It's all going to come together," Kirby added.

On Monday, things started to come together for Holy Ghost, with French and Kirby netting goals as the Firebirds defeated West Chester East, 2-0.

After a rough start to the season, it could be the jump start the team needed.