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| Boys Soccer Secures Win over MFS to Head for Championships
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| October 31, 2009 GFS 2, Moorestown Friends 0 The GFS boys varsity soccer team met Moorestown Friends on a wet and spongy field, saturated after days of rain, for the Friends Schools League semifinal game. The conditions were extremely sloppy, but as both teams had to contend with the situation, neither side had an advantage. "It made for a very messy game, but we played pretty well and won 2-0," said GFS coach Matt Zipin.. "This advances us to the league finals for the 4th year in a row."
"Our 4-year run coincides with the tenure of Manolo Sanchez, arguably the best player ever at GFS," said Zipin. "He scored both goals today and in the process broke the career goal scoring record formerly held by Mbizo Mzamane '06. Mbizo, the only other player in recent years comparable to Manolo, scored 57 goals in 4 years. Manolo now has 59."
GFS started out aggressively, pushing Moorestown back into their defensive half consistently. "We looked dangerous, but the Moorestown attacked quickly and nearly put home a goal, shooting just wide of goalie Jay Query. The coaches all looked at each other and let out a deep breath. They hadn't scored but they had shown they could be dangerous as well."
"In the 15th minute, Marcelo Osorio-Soto drove a corner kick from the left corner that found Manolo about 10 yards out, opposite the far post. He faked turning right and instead turned left and hit a quick shot that beat the goalie to the far post for a 1-0 lead. How he got that wide open in the middle of the goal mouth is a mystery, but his finish was no mystery, and we were happy to go ahead."
The game stayed 1-0 for a long time. Fullbacks Nick Marini, Brendan Turner, Hank Goldenberg, Evan Miller and Mike Pinover tightened up and gave up very few plays. "We have figured out how to pressure the ball and support the initial defender, so we are not exposed at the back very often. Today's shutout was our 7th of the season, and we've only given up 14 goals in 15 games, an outstanding defensive record. The fullback crew and Jay in goal are largely responsible for this level of success."
In the second half GFS continued pounding away. " The Moorestown keeper made some outstanding saves, the best on Manolo's bullet of a shot from 15 yards that had goal written all over it. Somehow, the keeper parried it to his left. Then a few minutes later, Manolo's shot went off of the crossbar and came straight back to Sam Hill-Cristol, who had a 12 yard shot with the goalie out of position. He hit it over and Moorestown stayed alive. On another play, Manolo took a ball from the corner and dribbled towards goal, firing a ball across the goal mouth that we somehow didn't knock home. And on another play, Manolo had a clear, open volley from about 15 yards out that he hit over."
Finally GFS scored again. "Sam Conant, whose hustle and toughness inspire his teammates, took a corner kick and sent a perfect ball to the far post. Manolo timed his leap perfectly and headed the ball past the goalie into the near corner for a 2-0 lead. We all exhaled and felt confident that the game was ours."
"Sam Mercuris threw his body around all game, winning ball after ball, making some wonderful plays along the way. Ibz Kamara displayed his toughness and grit all day. Nick Miller and Henry Bushnell gave us quality minutes at midfield as well with their clever play and deft passing."
"Our record is now 10-4-1. We have scored 41 goals and given up 14. We seem to be peaking at the right time--just in time for the finals." The FSL Boys Soccer Championship has been RE-RESCHEDULED and will now take place on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 4:55 p.m. at Radnor High School.
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