NORTH ENDS REGULAR SEASON, HAS EYES FOCUSED ON PLAYOFFS

North Defeats Ryan, 2-0 and Avenges Earlier Loss

There is never a game against Ryan that does not mean something.  Even though the playoff seedings were set prior to this game, bragging rights within the league are always at stake. Earlier in the year, Ryan handed North a 3-1 loss to dim any chances of first place in the very difficult Red Division of the PCL.  On top of this, there is a very good chance that North could face Ryan again in the quarter finals next Wednesday if Ryan defeats Carroll on the road on Monday in one of the play-in games.

Foreshadowing the game, the forecast for the game was gloomy as rainfall was intermittent throughout the day.  By kickoff, the rain was steady but not too heavy and thankfully the temperature was in the high 50s.  The field though was in fantastic shape even with this downfall. This field of course, is the "George Todt Field" at Archbishop Ryan.

Pre-game Ceremony

George Todt, head coach of Archbishop Ryan and PCL Coordinator for Soccer took some time before the start of the game to speak to the boys about the traditions of the Catholic League, its sportsmanship, its history and how North and Ryan are intertwined in all of these aspects when one thinks of the Philadelphia Catholic League.  With the decision to close North, the tradition and the history of the league is severely damaged, forever.  The league and its respect it demands will be forever changed because of this decision.  Coach Todt described how he modeled his program after North and that beating North was the litmus test for his success, it took some years but when he did, he knew he was on the right track.  In speaking to Jerry on the sidelines after hearing what Coach Todt  said, he said “that’s really ironic, because in the 90’s North modeled its program and style of play from the Ryan dynasty of 80s and 90s.”  To all those from the Ryan community, thanks for your thoughts, your support and your help.  We have not given up hope, “NO SURRENDER!”

The Game

Under a steady drizzle, the game was hard fought as all North/Ryan games are.  In the first ten minutes, North seemed on and created several offensive thrusts into the Ryan box but with no positive results. At this point, something clicked on the Ryan side and it began to gain control of the ball, especially in the offensive central midfield.  For the next fifteen minutes, Ryan had North on its heels.  In the fifteenth minute, Ryan’s offensive mid-fielder split North’s backs and hit a hard shot ticketed for the near post but McCarthy was there for the save.  A few minutes later, on a Ryan free kick and North’s inability to clear gave Ryan another chance from top of the box but again McCarthy was able to deflect the ball off the crossbar.  Twenty five in, Ryan’s central mid was able to trail a ball back at the twenty-five where a shot forced McCarthy again to make a tough save. As we approached the thirtieth minute, North realized this game was on and Ryan was determined to complete the double.

As halftime approached, North seemed to collect itself and began to spread the balls wide which open up alleys for North mid-fielders and strikers to attack.  Near the final whistle, Pablo Martinez had a great opportunity to put North ahead but missed wide and defensive back Ira Woodruff ran the ball across the top of the box and hit a shot ticketed to the top left corner that a Ryan defender was able to flick over the bar as time was expiring.

As the second half began, the rain let up a bit.  From the opening tap, North seized upon the momentum it created at the end of the first period. Central mid-fielders, Tyler Ward and Matt Martinez were able to control their space and find their outside counterparts for attack.  Senior Dan Micucci, Freshman Justin Hiltwine and Senior Mark Brown were able to get forward into the bottom third.  Forwards Martinez and Hall were able to possess the ball while looking for attacking mid-fielders.  In the fifty second minute, Ward controlled the ball off a pass from Hall about sixteen yards from goal on the left post. As he pushed across the box, he was fouled across the ankles and was awarded a penalty kick.  Ward took the ensuing shot but Ryan’s keeper was equal to the task, however the rebound came right back to Ward who calmly slotted into the open net.  This goal provided the confidence that North needed.  In the sixty fifth minute, Martinez who was creating havoc all night, took a ball diagonally from the left post to the right just outside the box. He punished the ball with a blast from twenty that easily beat the Ryan keeper to up the score to 2-0.  For the final fifteen minutes, North’s back line seemed impenetrable and if there was a slip, McCarthy, as usual was there to take care of any mistake.

North will host its quarter final game on Wednesday, October 28.  It will most likely be played at Lighthouse with time still to be determined.

Keep tuned for more details.