Coming off a rough-and-tumble one goal victory over Upper Darby on Thursday, the Lower Merion Aces seemed to find another gear Saturday, laying it on the Archbishop Carroll Lions.
The outcome was never in doubt as Lower Merion dominated play for the entire match. The Lions’ passing game could never get started as they lost possession after possession in midfield. The attacking Aces then put multiple shots on beleaguered Carroll goalkeeper Michael Gallagher. The iron wall of a Lower Merion defense—Noah Blodgett, Tyler Niles, Will Podrasky, and Mark Abi-Khatar—played flawlessly, giving the opposing team virtually no offensive chances.
Although the Aces are still short two starters (Joey Gingold returned but Roberto Bonilla is now out), they looked unbeatable. L.M. played an aggressive and confidant match Saturday against coach Kevin Curley’s Lions, a team that is usually very competitive.
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IN SHORT
From the outset, the Aces controlled the pace of the game. Junior Matt Lindheim started another fine all-around game with a true shot off a loose ball in front at 11:00, making it 1-nil. Archbishop Carroll didn’t get a chance until 19 minutes in, with a shot just wide of L.M. keeper Connor Yu. Then at 22:00, a strong Shane Votto throw-in was converted by junior Kenny Lassiter, who fired a laser to the back of the net. The half ended 2-0 Aces.
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In the second half, it was apparent the Aces smelled blood. The shots were numerous and often deadly. Lassiter banged yet another goal in off a well-struck corner kick by Niles at 5:30. Sophomore Daniel Buckman came in as a sub, and followed up a Podrasky shot with a nice goal at 22:00. Almost immediately after, Lindheim put in his second of the day, making it 5-0 Lower Merion.
It could have been even more lopsided. Later in the half, Niles struck a header off a free kick that hit the goalpost. At that point, not wanting to pile on, Aces coach Nico Severini emptied his bench. The game ended with L.M. improving their record to 8-1 (4-1 in the Central League).
“We try to schedule good teams outside the Central League, thereby helping us grow and get to our objective,” said Aces coach Nico Severini. “It is one of the reasons that we are ranked.”
ACES OF THE GAME
In addition to scoring two goals, Matt Lindheim seemed to be all over the field Saturday. Kenny Lassiter not only scored two of his own, but put on multiple clinics with his dribbling skills.
THEY SAID IT
“In the Upper Darby game, the field was in bad condition and there were many fouls committed, so it was tough on us. But we get better every game.”—Coach Nico Severini
UP NEXT
The Aces host Strath Haven High School on Tuesday (Sept. 27th) at 3:45 p.m.
