McNulty, Shanahan defense dominant in win over D-East

DOWNINGTOWN — Ryan McNulty is aware what the Bishop Shanahan defense is capable of on a game-by-game basis.

Heading into its season opener, Shanahan was projected to be a strong defensive team. They put it on display for 48 minutes, frustrating Downingtown East throughout the entire game.

“We were so excited coming out,’ McNulty said. “Obviously we were pumped up for the first game and were ready to go. Despite having a big ego coming into this one, we wanted to keep humble and play. I think we did that.’

Ego aside, McNulty and the Shanahan defense came to play holding Downingtown East to just seven shots as the Eagles never trailed in a 5-1 win over the Cougars in a Ches-Mont League game at DiSerafino Stadium on a chilly Tuesday afternoon.

Alex Wagner scored twice for Shanahan (1-0 league, 1-0 overall), which got off to a jump start in what is projected to be a three team race for the Ches-Mont title between them, Downingtown East and Avon Grove.

The Cougars (0-1 league, 0-1 overall) fall a game behind Shanahan in the Ches-Mont standings.

Shanahan controlled the pace of play throughout the game as its defense, led by McNulty and Jimmie Walsh, forced turnovers and held East to quick possessions. The Eagles took advantage of the time of possession, resulting in 14 shots on the afternoon.

“Our defense played extraordinary well,’ said Shanahan coach Jon Heisman. “Overall, we did everything very well. When you hold a team like that to one goal, you know you’re doing something right. That’s unbelievable.’

East’s only tally came off the stick of Mike Risser, who fired a blast past Jason Yoquinto on the man-up to put the Cougars within 2-1 with 11:50 left in the second quarter.

That’s the closest East got, while being the only blemish Yoquinto made. He stopped six of seven shots faced in net on the afternoon.

“He did great and stepped up for us again,’ Walsh said. “Jason bounced back from that goal, just the same as he did last year. It’s awesome playing with him.’

Despite controlling the first half, Shanahan only led 2-1 at the break. The Eagles used the same strategy in the second half, but had an advantage entering the third.

With a late afternoon sunset, the Eagles shot on the south side of the stadium with the sun at their backs, giving them an advantage on offense.

“We just made a few adjustments after halftime in a one-goal game,’ Heisman said. “Our offensive coordinator, coach Poke, polished some stuff up for us and helped build our lead. After that, we just ball possessed from there.’

Pat Corcoran extended Shanahan’s lead with a one-timer to put the Eagles up 3-1 with 9:16 left in the third. Later in the quarter, Sam Goforth made a sensational move on East’s Adam Behrandt at midfield and found Alex Wagner for a goal to put the Eagles up 4-1 at the 1:22 mark.

Wagner sealed the win with a blast past Brody Wilson to make it 5-1 midway through the fourth quarter.

Wilson finished with nine saves for East.

Shanahan outshot East 14-7 in the game while the Cougars had nine penalties to the Eagles’ four.

The defending Ches-Mont champions are off to another strong start with a win over their crosstown rivals.

As for a statement win? Corcoran and McNulty believe one was made.

“I would say yes we did,’ Corcoran said. “We got a long way to go, but we have to keep on working.’

“This win really sets the tone for the rest of the season,’ McNulty said. “It’s huge.’