Lower Merion edges ‘Stoga to clinch Central League crown

Ardmore – Through the years, Lower Merion and Conestoga have engaged in some epic boys’ soccer matches, and this fall, on Oct. 10, was no different.

With just over one minute remaining in regulation, Lower Merion held a 2-1 advantage as Conestoga rushed to set up for a corner kick. Conestoga’s Nate Xu struck the ball perfectly toward the head of teammate Patrick Kelly, who then headed the ball into what appeared to be an open net.

Out of nowhere, Lower Merion sophomore keeper Michael O’Gara dove across the net and somehow got a hand on the ball to prevent the tying goal and allow his team to hang on for a 2-1 win. With the victory, Lower Merion secured its first Central League title since 2013.

“That was the most important save of the game,” said Lower Merion senior co-captain Philip Monos. “Our goalies have been making saves for us like that all season. Without them I don’t know if we would have won the league.”

O’Gara said, “I saw the ball come across the net and once it got past me I turned and ran and when I saw the Conestoga player {Kelly] get a head on the ball I just dove and flung my hand out hoping to deflect the ball out of bounds. Fortunately, I was able to make the save and help my team.”

The Lower Merion victory broke a stranglehold that Conestoga held in the Central League for the past five years.

“Today was a great match against a very good team,” said Lower Merion head coach Nico Severini. “The body of work for this season has been developing for the last few months, and commitment to team, philosophy and tactics has continued to push the team forward. Our philosophy is ‘Team Together’ and we don’t stray from this mentality. I’m grateful for the groups of players we have, the support of all the last coaches and alumni, and the legacy of my father, Jorge Severini, who has influenced me over the years.

For the past 13 years now the winner of the [Lower Merion vs. Conestoga] game has gone on to win the Central League, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that this would be a tight match with a lot at stake. We have been the top two teams for more than a decade. I don’t feel that we played our best second half but sometimes that happens because of your opponent.”

Conestoga head coach David Zimmerman added, “We knew it was going to be a tough match. They are undefeated for a reason. You have to tip your hat to the keeper for making a really nice save.”

The win by Lower Merion (15-0-1 as of Oct. 14) was the latest example fo strong defensive play and capitalizing on their scoring opportunities like the Aces have done all season. Sparking the defense has been the back line of juniors Sam Hecht and Will Pitonyak.

“It’s always great to have Will and Sam in front of me,” said O’Gara. “They are big bodies and I am comfortable when they have the ball and are clearing the box.”

The Aces’ strong defense has created many scoring opportunities for Lower Merion. Against Conestoga that was evident, creating set pieces thanks in part to their aggressive offense.

One are in which the Aces have seen success is their scoring efficiency. Early in the second half, Monos put a corner kick into the box that Pitonyak converted for the first score of the match.

Lower Merion pushed the lead to 2-0 when Owen Downey converted another corner kick from Monos.

“All year Phil has been playing solid services and we have been able to score multiple goals,” said O’Gara.

Conestoga drew to within 2-1 when Matt Doble scored on a penalty kick with 6:19 remaining, setting up a thrilling finish.