Soccer Round 5: North vs. Ryan

North travelled to Ryan to host the Raiders last night. Yes, you read that correctly, we played at Ryan but it was our home game. I can imagine your question is "Why?" There are several answers to this question. The first one, the fields that we have used to practice and play over the last quarter century (Lighthouse, Scanlon and Torresdale/Devereaux) have deteriorated and decayed to the point where the risk of injury is great and these neighborhoods have shifted dramatically away from Catholic strongholds and soccer enthusiasts. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jerry Brindisi, the team has played most of its home games at night under the lights. This allows the team to be showcased to college scouts, let proud parents come and see their sons play and have rabid North Alums gather to support and critique the team(s). As North has gone so has many of the marquee teams in the PCL. There usually is not a week that goes by that other teams are not playing under the lights for the same reasons. This year, we are hosting 4 home games at Archbishop Ryan. Why Ryan you might ask? Well, in our opinion, it is the best, natural grass field in the City. Coach George Todt has created and maintained a truly unique field for a City Catholic High School. Coach Todt, often known for his exploits as head coach of Ryan also is the soccer moderator for the PCL. One of his primary missions is the showcase the league for its competitiveness, enthusiasm, following and sportsmanship. Coach Todt volunteered his field to North for several matches and Coach Brindisi welcomed this opportunity (and it gives Ryan two home games vs. North). We are grateful and thankful for his generosity.

I also just want to take a moment and relay to you the value of Mike Ferris to the North community. Mike is the brainchild behind this idea and operation. He is involved with many of North's athletic programs. His motive is simple, share in the joy of what is North and get the Alumni involved to support and remember what the school did for many of us. North sorely needs more support and it's not just money (but we can use money). It's coming to games, supporting the kids and opening your wallets (okay, it is about money somewhat). Thanks Mike!

The Game:
It was a great night at Ryan. The weather was about 65 degrees and the field was in fantastic shape. It was a usual soccer crowd, rather small at kickoff and much bigger at the end. Ryan wasted little time in banging in the first goal. About 13 minutes in the game, a low crossing ball from the right sideline seem to freeze North's keeper, John McCarthy and his defenders. The ball bounced at the far post and was run onto by a Ryan midfielder for the goal.

One of the toughest moments in any sport is not letting down after a score. In soccer, we usually stress the next two minutes to keep your concentration. Well, off the tap, North knocked a couple of passes forward and Juan Pablo Martinez was able to slot a ball to Freshman Kristian Hall (of Bridesburg fame) between Ryan's last two defenders. Kristian calmly took a couple of strides with the ball and flicked a low shot into the lower right hand corner of the goal passed the on rushing Ryan keeper. This was Kristian's 5th goal of the campaign and is the leading goal scorer in the Red Division. Sensing some momentum, North struck again, about three minutes later to take the lead 2-1. A bouncing ball sent into Ryan's penalty area failed to be cleared. Mike Zolk, All Catholic Baseball and Soccer player, was able to control the ball in the middle of the 18 and sent another low, hard shot to the far right corner for the tally and North's lead. Score at half, North 2, Ryan 1.

From this point on, North seemed to control the play and the pace of the game. In the second half, North dominated possession and opportunities to score. With about 20 minutes left, Jr. Ira Woodruff took a pass from Carl Essenthier and hammered a ball from 22 yards into the upper right corner of the goal to make the score 3-1. The game remained that way until the final whistle.

On the defensive side of the ball, Defenders Pat Greer, Jim Griffen and Mark Pugliese shut down Ryan's attack time and time again. Sr. midfielder, Carl Essenthier was dominant in midfield and allowed North to control the game. Behind these boys, stands arguably the best goalie in the division, John McCarthy. John stopped 11 shots last night. North remains undefeated after 6 games with a record of 3 wins 0 losses and 2 draws.

Next up for North is a Red Division showdown with St. Joe's Prep on Friday, 9/19 at 5 PM at, yep, you guessed it, Archbishop Ryan.

Faces in the Crowd
Superfans were cited at the game. Superfan #1, Mr. Ed White was seen and has been an avid soccer follower. I did not see Superfan #2, Mr. Tim Murphy but I had to think he was there (tell me so Tim). And how about this crew, most of the North Soccer Alumni Board were there, hovering behind the team. They were: Joe Steffa, Dennis McDonough, Chris McKenna and Eddie Blaney (a Hall of Fame Inductee). The word was that they had a meeting planned at a local watering hole when someone advised about the game. Ironic don't you think that the Soccer Alumni were unaware of the varsity soccer game, hmm makes you wonder doesn't it.

Soccer Alumni Game
The group did mention to remind all soccer alums and junkies that the Annual Alumni Game is scheduled for 9/27 at Danubia Soccer Club starting at 4 PM. Right after the game, there is a beef n' beer in the club and there are showers available for the players. Donations for the game are $50 and include the keepsake Alumni soccer shirt (as seen on Ebay), refreshments and the beef n' beer. For those who can only make the beef n' beer the cost is $25. Don't let money be the reason not to come and join the fun, it's the memories that really count. Call Joe Steffa for more information at 215-783-8020, you can email me at tcrosset@northcatholicsoccer.com or you can respond to this entry.