District 1 3A semifinal
#3 LOWER MORELAND 1, #2 WC RUSTIN 0 (OT)
The Lions have ensured themselves a spot in program history, earning a spot in Wednesday’s District 1 3A title game against top-seeded Harriton.
And they did it the hard way.
Winning on the road at second-seeded WC Rustin in an overtime thriller.
“This is the first time in my tenure that we’ve been to a district final,” said LM coach Bob Barnhart. “I know that Matt Crouch, who was the coach before I took over, took a team into the state playoffs when they were 2A classification.
“Our boys really have worked hard and battled through some injuries this season, and I am extremely proud of what they’ve accomplished so far this season. I also have to give credit to our coaching staff and athletic department, including our trainer, who have supported us all season.”
Sean Greenleaf earned the clean sheet in goal for the Lions.
Scoring summary
First & second half – No score
Overtime
Lower Moreland goal
Lower Moreland coach Bob Barnhart:
–On the game: “Playing a team like Rustin, who has traditionally been a 4A school, is definitely a test for our program. They had a bunch of kids on their side, who were very physical, strong and had a high soccer IQ.
“The whole game both teams had chances that we both struggled to convert on. Our goalie, Sean Greenleaf, came up with a few timely saves again last night and we were able to put away a chance early in the first overtime.
“We’ve been preaching for the last week that district playoffs are usually one-goal games that go into overtime or penalty kicks. So, when you have your chances, you have to make the goalie work to make a save.”
–Hats off to Rustin: “That’s the first time we’ve ever faced Rustin, and I give Ryan (Castle) and his staff a lot of credit. The Ches-Mont League has good soccer, and it’s tough when you don’t get a chance to see any teams from that league during the season.”
–Moving on: “Now, we got to go back into the Central League and play another team (Harriton) that we have never matched up against for the final.”
Up next: Lower Moreland will face top-seeded Harriton in the District 1 3A final at Upper Merion High School (7pm).
Lower Moreland 0-0-1 1
Harriton 0-0-0 0
About the Author
