Haverford School, Shipley get their kicks at Talen Energy Stadium
Chester – A few minutes after Haverford School’s 2-0 win against Shipley at Talen Energy Stadium Sunday evening, the Fords’ Nick Pippis described the feeling of scoring at the Talen venue (he tallied both goals):
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Pippis. “When I saw the ball go in the net, me first thought was a little disbelief, I’m like, ‘Did that just happen?’ I’m just very blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to come out here and give it my best.”
Pippis’ first goal was a tap-in on a rebound in the 39th minute. His second goal, six minutes later, took a little more work.
“[On the second goal] I was waiting at the top to look for any pop-up balls, and the ball kind of popped out from the [Shipley] goalkeeper perfectly,” said Pippis. “I took the opportunity and struck it as best as I could.
“This win was a team effort – I just happened to be at the right place at the right time.”
Haverford School defeats Shipley 2-0 at Talen Energy Stadium @ShipleySoccer @ShipleySoccer @PaPrepLive @HaverfordSchool pic.twitter.com/GDpu24ddtT
— Main Line Sports (@MLineSports) October 22, 2018
The victory improved Haverford School’s record to 11-1-2.
For the Shipley players, the night was memorable too.
“It was like a dream being out here tonight, because I used to come to Union games every week with my Dad and my Mom and my brothers,” said Shipley center mid Johnny Lenart. “Watching them play on this very field is crazy to me, because now I’m playing on it. I got the chance to play here because we have such great coaches and a great program. I’m just honored to be here and honored to play here.”
Last fall, Lenart was a member of the Shipley squad that played to a scoreless tie at Talen Energy Stadium against Friends’ Central.
Likewise, Haverford School played at Talen Energy Stadium last fall. The Fords faced Episcopal Academy and played to a 1-1 tie. This time, the outcome was more favorable for the Fords.
“It was fun out there, Shipley and us are rivals of sorts,” said Haverford School’s Griffin Wada. “Everyone was flying around tonight, the cold weather go everyone moving around out there. The game got a little chippy out there, but it was good to come away with a win.”
Haverford School senior striker Will Micheletti said, “We controlled play, we were more in control of the ball than we were against EA last year down here. The whole team played well tonight, and I was glad to see that everyone got in.”
The Fords’ first-year head coach Dan Keefe said, “What a special night. We had a chance to play in this beautiful stadium and I had a chance to play all my boys tonight, so every single one of them can say later, ‘I played at Talen Energy Stadium.'”
