Lewis lifts LC past Faith Christian
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 DQG WKH LLRQs KDvH fiUsW yHDU JRDOLHs DQG fiHOG SODyHUs LQ 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.
One 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.”
LHwLs’ fiUsW JRDO JDvH WKH CUusDGHUs WKHLU fiUsW OHDG of the afternoon in the 21st minute. Senior Bobby helly’s cross sailed right onto the head of a leaping Lewis. .HOOy fiQLsKHG wLWK WKUHH Dssists. 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 IRuQG WKH DbLOLWy WR fiQG WKH QHW DQG LI wH fiQG D wDy WR 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 withRuW D fiJKW. 2QOy sHFRQGs ODWer Papiernik tallied his second goal of the afternoon to bULQJ WKH GHfiFLW bDFN WR RQH 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 QHvHU fiQG WKH IRRW RI 3Dpiernik enough as the Crusaders connected with ease LQ WKH fiQDO 40 PLQuWHs. 7KH 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 WKDW OHG WKHP WR D 2-0 sWDUW WR the season prior to Tuesday’s setback. The loss did point out areas the Lions need to be improved prior to Bicentennial League play.
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.”