2013 Fall Sports Preview: Varsity Soccer Team
The Sports Information Club previews the 2013 Explorer Soccer Team
JohnsonR@LSCHS.ORG
La Salle Fall Sports Preview: Soccer
By: Chris Jastrzembski '14 and Collin Giongo '15
The Fall Sports Season is quickly approaching as we enter the middle of July. The Sports Information Club is proud to continue into this school year, and will be led by Senior Chris Jastrzembski and Junior Collin Giongo, along with many other contributors throughout the school year. Stay up to date with the club at their blog at www.lschs.org/wexpsports & Twitter @LaSalle_Sports
After a very successful 2012-2013 season in which the Explorers won 10 Catholic League Championships and 2 State Championships, the Fall teams will try to build upon last season's historic success.
Each day, we will preview one Fall team, with key games, key players, and much more.
SOCCER
2012 Record: 15-2-1 (14-1 in PCL)
PCL and District XII Champions (Back-to-Back PCL and District XII Championships)
Lost in PIAA Semi-Finals to Wilson-West Lawn 1-0
Key Returning Players: Matt Lucas, Dave Price, Anthony D'Angelo, Nick Dusing, Alex Marzullo, Ben Fabiszewski, Ryan Weathers, Connor Casey, Tyler Gimbel, Andrew Knowles
Key Departing Players: Mark Grasela (Temple), Mike DeLuca, Sean Cincotta, Jack Dusing (Muhlenberg), Chris McCrea (Saint Joseph's), Billy Lucas, Ben Wild (Franklin & Marshall), Andrew Schieve, Frank Russomano (Villanova), Colin Moran, Nick Higgins, Joe D'Angelo
After an impressive 2011 season, many people thought that the Explorers would not repeat as Catholic League Champs due to the lack of experience at the Varsity level. Well, the opposite happened, and the team also enjoyed quite a ride into the post-season, which included revenge against Archbishop Ryan in the PCL Semifinal in penalty kicks and winning back-to-back PCL and District XII Championships. The final stretch of the season could not have been done without senior goaltender Nick Higgins, who only gave up only one goal in the final ten games of the season, with the only goal coming in the heartbreaking State Semi-Final. This year's team loses a lot of talent, but the Explorers still have impact players from last year's team. Led by Seniors Matt Lucas and goaltender Anthony D'Angelo, the team looks to win its 3rd straight PCL and District XII Championships, but they will have to face tough PCL and non-league schedules to do so.
5 Must See Games:
Away vs. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (September 7th 11:00AM)
Last year at home, the Explorers fed off of the large homecoming crowd and struck a 1-0 win vs. the Vikings. This year will be a tough matchup as they travel across the state to Pittsburgh to take on their fellow Christian Brother school. Both teams had great success last year and each team will look to steal a win against their cross-state rival.
Home vs. Holy Ghost Prep (September 14th 1:00PM)
In last year's biggest loss margin wise, the Explorers were shutout 3-0 by Holy Ghost Prep. Holy Ghost has always been competitive in soccer and this year will be no different. The Explorers will look to take advantage of their home field and score a victory against last year's Bicentennial League champions.
Away vs. Father Judge (September 18th 7:00PM)
A rematch of the 2011 and 2012 PCL Championships, Father Judge will look to score revenge against the team who shattered their championship hopes two years in a row. After defeating Judge 3-0 in an exciting PCL Championship match last year, the Explorers will look to continue their success against Judge.
Away vs. St. Joe's Prep (September 20th 3:45PM)
The classic rivalry of La Salle and St. Joe's Prep, there's no other high school rivalry like it in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Last year, students lined Lower Bartley in anticipation of another classic game between the two teams. The Explorers were able to provide the fans with a thrilling 3-2 win against the Hawks. Look for Prep to bring a larger crowd this year and capitalize on their home-field advantage much like the Explorers did last year.
Away vs. Archbishop Ryan (September 27th 7:00PM)
These two teams provided two classic games last year. The regular season matchup saw La Salle fall 2-1 on a late free kick in the top right of the goal. In last year's most exciting game, which was played at Ryan, the PCL Semi-Final saw a scoreless stalemate after regulation and two halves of extended time which led to penalty kicks. The Explorers were able to win 4-2 in the shootout and advance to the PCL Championship. Look for Archbishop Ryan to be even more competitive this year and give the Explorers a good challenge.
Other Notable Games:
Away vs. West Chester Rustin (October 5th 3:00PM)
Home vs. Conwell-Egan (October 8th 3:45PM)
To see the complete Varsity schedule, as well as more about the Soccer team, visit www.lschs.org/soccer and check out La Salle Sports on Twitter by searching @LaSalle_Sports.