On Saturday, Lower Merion was scheduled to play the area’s #1 team, La Salle High School, up in Glenside. The team and its fans were disappointed when they awoke to news that the game had been postponed (the reason appeared to be the pending bad weather).
Monday afternoon found the Aces taking out their disappointment on the Penncrest Lions. In a decisive victory, the squad took it to the visiting team, scoring early and often. Aces coach Nico Severini said that the Aces had an especially good practice this weekend, and it showed. Their set plays in particular were razor-sharp, as this 2011 team continues to jell.
IN SHORT
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Lower Merion started the first half with a bang. A Shane Votto throw-in resulted in a shot by Mark Abi-Khattar that was saved, but senior striker Ben Hriscu banged the rebound home. A few minutes later, Votto dribbled down field and put in a screamer of his own in the upper corner. Then, junior Trevor Yu put in another rebound off beleaguered Lions goalkeeper Dan Ardekani.
Toward the end of the half, in the “highlight film” goal of the game, Votto headed in his second goal of the day on a perfect corner kick by Matt Lindheim. Lower Merion had a comfortable 4-0 lead at the half.
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Although Penncrest coach Paul Norris tried to rally his troops for the second half, they just could not contend with the bigger and stronger Aces. Junior Kenny Lassiter sprung out on a break and lofted a goal over the keeper at 2:30. Afterwards, it was just a game of keep-away until junior sub Craig Markman scored on another break as the contest wound down.
Lower Merion’s record now stands at 10-1 (5-1 in the Central League).
ACES OF THE GAME
Big senior Shane Votto left it all out on the field on Monday. He played with purpose and aggression. It is also worth mentioning that with the offense on full display, the Lower Merion defense led by Tyler Niles did a magnificent job at smothering any and all Penncrest scoring chances.
THEY SAID IT
“The kids keep improving, but they have to because the schedule is getting harder." —Coach Nico Severini
UP NEXT
The Aces travel to play Marple Newtown High School on Wednesday (Oct. 5) for a 3:45 p.m. start.