Family-like atmosphere helps Conestoga through early-season challenges

Whenever you are faced with challenges it is always comforting when you have someone to lean on if assistance is needed. So far this season, the Conestoga boys’ soccer team has seen its share of tests and thanks to key senior leadership the Pioneers have fortunately come through unscathed.

Against Radnor, Conestoga found themselves trailing 1-0 before tying the game in the second half and then winning the game in the second overtime when Chris Donovan volleyed home a cross for the game-winner.

“The Radnor game was a big moment for us,” said Miller. “We were down and we knew we had to come back. That win gave us confidence and it was a great team win.”

Earlier this year, it was Evan Gibbs who scored in overtime in a 2-1 win over West Chester Henderson.

To accompany those tight-rope victories, Conestoga has also posted victories over Central League foes Harriton, Lower Merion and Springfield along with non-league foe Council Rock South.

“We have certainly been tested this year,” said coach Dave Zimmerman. “It’s nice to see them sticking together and coming through undefeated.”

“Our seniors have been great role models for us,” said junior forward Mason Miller. “They lead with compassion and have lead the way for the underclassmen.”

Through it all Conestoga had yet to put together an 80 minute effort but thanks to key senior leadership accompanied by strong play on the defensive third, the Pioneer players felt a complete effort was on the horizon.

The back line has been solid with defensemen Dan Leiser, Zach Brink, Sellig and Gabe Harms doing their job in front of the anchor Will Smith, the senior keeper who has only allowed two goals in the first seven matches.

On Sept. 24, faced with the test of containing the talented Marple Newtown duo of Hunter Dyson and George Lambritios, Conestoga hoped a strong defensive push would lead to opportunities in the offensive third.

The philosophy worked to perfection and the Pioneers went on the attack early nearly tallying three goals in the first 20 minutes of the match.

With 5:46 remaining, the Pioneers finally got on the board when Miller went left to right in the box before firing into the Upper 90. Less than 2 minutes later Donovan found Leiser who fired low line drive from 12 yards out to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

Conestoga put the game away early in the second half tallying two goals in the first 20 minutes to increase the lead to 4-0.

“It was huge,” Sellig said, referring to the man-marking tactic. “It kind of took their heads out of the game and allowed us to attack.”

Senior forward Nick Rechtiene finished out the scoring with a 22-yard laser into the Upper 90 with 13:20 remaining.

“I knew at some point everything would click,” Zimmerman said. “This was our best effort to date and hopefully will give this group confidence going forward.”

With the home stretch quickly approaching and plenty of challenges in front of them, Conestoga hopes the way they tamed the Tigers is a sign of good things.

Sellig said. “We are a close team. We hang out outside of soccer and we are all on the same page in terms of what we want to accomplish.”