North's Journey Ends in State Playoffs

Neshaminy Beats North, 2-0 @ Northeast High School

First of all, thanks once again for all the fan support at our games this year, especially the action packed playoffs for the PCL, the City and finally, the PIAA/State tournament. As usual, North soccer fans crowded into Charles Martin Stadium last Tuesday night to watch North battle Neshaminy, the District One Runner-er up with the winner to face Lower Merion High School(ranked in the National Polls).

The night was electric and was underscored by the importance of the day as the USA was electing a new President.

Background

North Catholic was the first Catholic League team to play in the PIAA/State Soccer Tournament for AAA schools. Fitting for the most prolific PCL team to represent the League in this first ever annual event. Its foe was Neshaminy High School, the runner-up from District One and in all likelihood, the toughest region in the State.

The Contest

North came out like a house on fire, dominating the first 10 to 15 minutes of the game. In the seventh minute, junior Juan Pablo Martinez had a chance to put the Falcons in the lead but his header from eight yards out was off the mark. North had several other chances but the ball could not find the frame. Entering the 20 minute of the contest, the game settled down. Both defenses played very well, making the midfield action in all likelihood the decider in this contest. The half ended 0-0.

In the second half, Neshaminy seemed to begin to have an edge. They were very composed and very big. The air battle belonged to the Skins and their central midfield began pressing forward. North's midfield combination of Mark Pugliese and Pat Greer shut most opportunities down, and the back three of junior Tyler Ward, sophomore Mike Zolk and senior Jim Griffen kept Neshaminy at bay. In the 10th minute however, Neshaminy was awarded a free kick at midfield, on the right sideline. Neshaminy deliverd the ball to the opposite side, around the 6 yard line. After a tick or two, the ball wound up on the foot of a Neshaminy midfielder. With his back to goal, he just chipped the ball to keep it hot. Placement, even blind placement always seems to find the net. Junior keeper, John McCarthy moved first toward the player but slipped as he tried in vein to dove across to the far post. The ball deflected off the post and into the goal.

Immediately, North went to three forwards to try to even the score. While Neshaminy kept most of the possession, North had two chances to equalize the game both head balls from Pat Greer. In the 20 minute, Pat missed directing a shot home by a foot as the Neshaminy keeper slipped on the turf. In the 25th minute, he missed another chance on a ball delivered by senior, Carl Essenthier, this time over the bar.

In the 31st minute, Neshaminy countered and scored the second goal to put the contest out of reach. Coach Brindisi made sure the all the seniors, in their last high school game, got into the game to end their careers.

Final Results

Thanks to the players for their hard work, even in the face of adversity. North's overall record for the 2008-9 season was 15 Wins, 2 Losses and 3 Ties. The latest SE Coaches Poll has North ranked 2nd while the Philadelphia Inquirer had us ranked 5th.