Lower Moreland comes up short in BAL contest against Holy Ghost Prep

Over the past couple of seasons, Lower Moreland has been on the brink of competing with some of the top teams in the Bicentennial Athletic League like Holy Ghost Prep and New Hope Solebury.
The Lions got their second crack at HGP this season and although the Lower Moreland put together one of its best performances of the season they came up just a little shy dropping the Independence division game 2-1.
“This was one of the better games we’ve played all year,” Lower Moreland midfielder Jake Fazio said. “Whether (or not) we came out with a loss, heading into playoffs this is definitely a big step forward to take right now.”
Lower Moreland came ready to play as it controlled play through the first 10 minutes of the game but unfortunately for the Lions all they had to show for it was a 1-0 deficit as Alexander Finney buried a bouncing ball off a corner kick in the ninth minute.
“Even though they went up 1-0 I still thought we were playing better than them,” Fazio said. “We had more possession than them, we had much more chances. It’s the luck of the draw we easily could’ve came out 2-1 on top.”
Lower Moreland’s fast start and the fact it played one of its best games this season can be heavily attributed to the play of Fazio as he was force in the midfield winning 50-50 and jump balls as well as leading some great runs for the Lower Moreland offense.
At times throughout the game, and season, Fazio moves around between forward and midfield and makes his impact felt no matter the position he plays but he feels his most effective play comes from the midfield.
“Sometimes they need me to play up top and distribute much more,” Fazio said. “I think I’m better suited for a midfield kind of player. I think the team plays better when I play midfield but I’m just here to do whatever (the team needs to win).”
Lower Moreland got other great efforts from senior midfielder Josh Lewin, junior forward Derek Mitchell, freshman midfielder Bryce Horn, senior midfielder Dickie Rhoads and sophomore forward Mike McGlaughlin.
It was McGlaughlin’s goal off a pass from Lewin that tied the game at 1-1 midway through the second the swung the momentum to the Lower Moreland but an unfortunate bounce in overtime spoiled the Lions chance at the win.
Lower Moreland will have to take the silver lining of its great play and get over of the sting of the loss as it has another big Bicen game upcoming on Thursday, as it will get paid a visit from New Hope who currently sits at the top of the Independence division.