PCL SOCCER 2010: FALCONS WILL BE FLYING EVERYWHERE

PRE-SEASON REVIEW: FALCONS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PCL CHAMPIONSHIP

NORTH PLAYERS TO FIGURE ON NEXT PCL CHAMPION

The nightmare became reality this week as pre-season, high school soccer has officially started. It feels surreal that there is no North Catholic Soccer squad contending for another title, dominating pre-season polls and highlighting some of the best soccer talent in the area. But alas, it is true and very sad. In the soccer community, there is much empathy but the reality of our closing has made it easier for other teams to now win and possibly dominate the PCL. The league will never be the same, its reputation is now diminished and its title is diluted than in years past. This decision was never about the boys rather about an institution and vengeance and revenge from two men who have left the area (Thanks Joe and Vince).

Back to the pitch. Falcons will be flying over many fields this fall in attempts to help lead their substitute school to a possible title. Here is an update on where are boys are:

Archbishop Ryan: Senior, All Catholic Dan Venuto will be anchoring the Raider defense this year. Junior Matt Martinez in the back, Senior Eric Crudele in goal and senior midfielder, Brendan Bradley, will join him. Ryan looked strong in their first scrimmage versus Penn Charter, which they won 4-2.

Father Judge: Sophomores Kevin Lockhart and Justine Hiltwine will help the Crusaders defend their PCL title. Both boys were the focus of North’s phenomenal freshman class. Kevin will anchor the left side of Judge’s backline while Justine will control the left side of the midfield. Both were instrumental in Judge’s first scrimmage at Council Rock North playing to a 2-2 tie. Also joining Kevin and Justine is Sophomore Teddy Maciocha.

Roman Catholic: Roman’s hope of competing for a title was enhanced with several Falcons possibly playing a big role this season. Junior, Thomas Kostic, Sophomore Daniel O’Brien, Junior Norman “Boomer” Stiegelman, Senior Kyle McCabe, Senior Tim Zemczak, Sophomore Dylan Rutledge, Junior Ryan Likasienski, Junior Alex McKee, Sophomore Billy Broadbent , Sophomore Chris Furman, Sophomore, Shane Holton will battle to bring Roman its 2nd PLC championship. In addition, Sophomores Jader Espinosa and Michael Flanagan are at Roman but are on the mend from injuries but will add to Roman’s depth next year.

LaSalle: Senior and three times All-Catholic Khristian Hall will help the Explorers to compete for the championship. Khristian just got back from Iowa where his club, PSC Coppa competed in the National Championships.

The odds suggest that one of these teams will be at the top at the end of the season. And you know what, whichever of these teams are successful; they will only have gotten there because of North Catholic.

While no North is a bitter pill to swallow, this fact will again solidify North’s success and its impact on high school soccer in Philadelphia.

Keep on following North soccer on this site and the success of its players and alumni.