Springfield Township was a big winner in Wednesday’s District One 3A Tournament. (Photo provided by Amy Holman/Upper Moreland soccer)
CLASS 3A
#4 SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 5, #5 HOLY GHOST PREP 0
This win was a special one, falling into a category all its own.
The Spartans turned in something close to a flawless performance against a Firebird squad that boasts a proud tradition in soccer, erupting for four second-half goals in a dazzling offensive display on their way to the big win.
“I don’t know that we missed,” Springfield Township coach Dan Meder said of his team’s remarkable second half. “It was awesome for us, and I felt bad for the coach afterwards because I’ve been on the other end of that, and it’s like, ‘What is going on?’
“They’re a quality team, and I know they have a quality goalkeeper, and there wasn’t much he could have done about any of them. It was just one of those nights where our guys finished.”
The Spartans took an early lead when Thomas Bailey turned a Peter Schmidt pass into a goal less than five minutes into the contest. They took that 1-0 lead into halftime.
Thirty seconds into the second half, Grant Williams (Schmidt assist) found the back of the net, setting the stage for the Spartans’ four-goal uprising.
“We were pressing in the first half and had our chances but just didn’t capitalize on some of them,” Meder said.
It was another story entirely in the second half. Three minutes into the half Riley Martin struck for a goal, benefitting from a George Navo assist. That 3-0 lead stood until midway through the half when Schmidt scored with a Martin assist, and five minutes later, Mac Dearnley found the net with an assist from Schmidt.
Schmidt was the ultimate facilitator for the Spartans, assisting on three goals and scoring another.
“He had a big night,” Meder said. “He’s just a great setup man – he’s done it all year for us, and we just capitalized on our opportunities tonight.”
In a contest that saw the Spartans put on an offensive clinic, they also turned in a brilliant defensive effort. Goalkeeper Julian Casabon-Aznar saved a penalty kick.
“They had opportunities,” Meder said. “Julian made a few good saves for us when we needed them.
“Our defense played excellent. Mac Dearnley is our center back, and he was terrific back there. Dan Fitzpatrick was back there and played terrific, and Jackson Weiss. Our midfield – Nick Marino, George Navo and Tommy Bailey – was terrific.”
The loss was the worst of the season for a Holy Ghost squad that plays a tough independent schedule. The Firebirds lost by three goals twice this season in contests against Germantown Academy (4-1) and La Salle (3-0).
“They schedule tough games because they want to be ready for the postseason,” Meder said. “I don’t know. It was just one of those night.
“I told my boys that since I’ve been there – Holy Ghost is the team that’s knocked us out every time we’ve gotten (to districts). This was our first time getting past them. The boys are pretty excited, but they’re grounded. They have done that all season. They have had a lot of wins this year, and they know it’s time to turn around and focus on the next team.”
Springfield Township (14-4-1, 11-4-1 SOL) will travel to top-seeded Radnor for a district semifinal contest on Friday.
Holy Ghost Prep 0-0 0
Springfield Township 1-4 5
#2 LOWER MORELAND 1, #7 PENNCREST 1(2 OT) (LM wins in PKs)
(Game information will be added when it is received.)
#1 RADNOR 2, #8 UPPER MORELAND 0
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