Lewis lifts LC past Faith
In non-league boys’ soccer action on Tuesday the schedule paired up two teams, Lansdale Catholic and Faith Christian, both dealing with the same early season situation. Both the Crusaders and the Lions have first year goalies and field players in new roles.
While the roster makeover is a challenge, the expectations stay the same. Both Crusaders’ coach Joe Wilson and Lions’ coach Ryan Clymer believe their teams have enough talent to be up for the task of competing for a league title in their respective leagues.
lne aspect that looks to be in good shape for both sides is their strikers. The Lions’ junior Dylan Papiernik put in both goals in the 6-2 loss to the Crusaders. It was junior Michael Lewis’ fourgoal effort that was the difference maker.
“We are still making some silly mistakes,” Wilson said. “But overall the performance was encouraging.”
“They were a wellcoached team,” Clymer said. “They spaced well and I was impressed with the way Lansdale Catholic came out and played today.”
Lewis’ first goal gave the Crusaders their first lead of the afternoon in the 21st minute. Senior Bobby helly’s cross sailed right onto the head of a leaping Lewis. helly finished with three assists. Lewis helped the Crusaders pull away in the second with goals in the 58th, 67th and 71st minutes.
“Michael Lewis is going to be an exciting player,” Wilson said. “He has really found the ability to find the net and if we find a way to get him open, he is going to have a big day, like he did today.”
While Lewis’ goal in the 58th minute gave the Crusaders a cushion, the Lions were not going down without a fight. lnly seconds later Papiernik tallied his second goal of the afternoon to
bring the deficit back to one goal at 3-2. Papiernik also opened up the scoring with a top-right corner smash in the third minute of play.
“We had a forward that was held out because of two yellow cards in the last game,” Clymer said. “So, Dylan kind of had to be the top target today. We had kids come off the bench today and there play was encouraging.”
The Lions tried out multiple formations, but could never find the foot of Papiernik enough as the Crusaders connected with ease in the final 40 minutes. The Lions were without two forwards for the non-league game and the hope is once they are back to full strength they will be back to the style that led them to a 2-0 start to the season prior to Tuesday’s setback. The loss did point out areas the Lions need to be improved prior to Bicentennial League play.
“We are still learning, still gelling,” Clymer said. “We have nine new starters and still trying to figure out what pieces fit where. We found some things that do not work and some things that do. We need to find our rhythm and then we will be lh.”
The Lions goalkeeper Chad Petipren made seven saves in net and senior Alex Downey did enough, making three saves, to secure the win. With Philadelphia Catholic League games right around the corner, coach Wilson is pleased see his team starting to hit their stride.
“They are starting to gel,” Wilson said. “We have been working on a couple different things and it takes a little bit to get it going. They are starting to get a good understanding of the system we put in.”