Lock-down defense powers Conestoga into state quarterfinal
TREDYFFRIN >> Every single day of practice these days, the Conestoga boys’ soccer squad sets a chunk of time aside to work on penalty kicks.
And for a program led by a legendary head coach like Dave Zimmerman, who’s to question that strategy? The Pioneers have captured four state titles since 2011 – including a perfect run a year ago – and Zimmerman knows that his ’22 squad is not as explosive as some of the others. But ’Stoga can certainly defend.
A case in point was Tuesday in round one of the PIAA 4A Playoffs at Teamer Field against District 2 power Hempfield. The Pioneers edged the visiting Black Knights 1-0 in a defense-heavy tilt that was competitive for the full 80 minutes.
“We’ve been spoiled in recent years where we’ve been able to score more easily,” Zimmerman said. “We recognize that this season it doesn’t come as easily.
“Defense wins championships, right? We practice PK’s every single practice because it’s just a matter of time, I think, before we will find ourselves there. You know, sometimes you can win even if you don’t score.”
Now 19-3 overall, Conestoga – the District 1 runner-up — advances to the state quarterfinals, where it will face the Pine-Richland/Warwick winner on Saturday at a time and location to be determined. The shutout was the Pioneers’ 13th this season, and fifth in six playoff outings.
“All season, and even last season, we barely allow any shots per game,” said junior goaltender Ryan Carella. “It all starts with our center backs and outside fullbacks. And if something gets through, I am there.”
Zimmerman agreed: “I credit our two center backs Brady Costin – perhaps our best player – and Tommy Barausky. They are as good as it gets. Defense has been the backbone of our program.”
The third place finisher from District 2, Hempfield’s season ends with a 14-5-2 mark.
“Hempfield’s been in the (PIAA) players seven of the last 11 years and have won a state championship,” Zimmerman reported. “This is the type of opponent that scares me more than anything because they know what they are doing.”
Not surprisingly, the scoring chances were few and far between in the opening 40 minutes, but ’Stoga finally broke through at the 30-minute mark. Junior Diego Ramirez eventually collected a throw-in from Barausky, and his low drive found the back of the net.
“I went up for the first header on the throw-in and one of the opposing players hit it back out,” Ramirez explained. “I took the touch in the air and it was all in front of me. I took the shot and it went in.”
Barausky filled in admirably for Peter Miller on throw-ins. The junior suffered a foot injury in a 1-0 loss to Lower Merion in the district final, but Zimmerman said he expects Miller will be able to play on Saturday.
The first half was razor close, but ’Stoga came close to adding another goal a number of times in the second, culminating in a near-goal when a header by Luke Nevins, off a Costin corner kick, was just wide. Moments later, with 17 minutes on the clock, Hempfield notched its first shot on goal following eight straight by the Pioneers.
“Our motto is defense and set pieces. And it’s carried us far,” Zimmerman said.
“Our strategy was to put pressure on (Hempfield) and disrupt their possession game. I do think that pressure got to them a little bit.”
The Knights proceeded to put on a big scoring push the rest of the way, but never really had much in the way of prime scoring chances. In all, Carella finished with six saves, which meant that there was a lot of downtime back there.
“I’m big on communication,” Carella said. “When you are talking and organizing everyone, it helps keep you locked in.
“In games like this – where we are only up a goal, or it’s tied – we are experienced and are good at keeping our cool.”
The Pioneers had a slight edge in corner kicks (3-2), but the margin was much more substantial in shots on goal (13-6). Conestoga, however, has managed to score just two goals in its last three outings.
“We are a defense-first team. The goals will come, but for now, you can’t lose if you don’t let up a goal,” Carella said.
“It is a problem if we aren’t scoring goals, but we trust each other to create chances,” added Ramirez. “It doesn’t matter who scores, it’s about having the mentality of just keep on going no matter what. And we know the chances are going to come.
“There are going to be ups and downs. (Hempfield) is obviously a really good team. But we kept our head, kept on working and the result came.”
Conestoga 1, Hempfield 0
Hempfield 0 0 — 0
Conestoga 1 0 — 1
Conestoga goal: Ramirez.
Goalie saves: Roth (H) 12; Carella (C) 6.
