ROYERSFORD >> Spring-Ford’s boys’ soccer team didn’t really expect to be hosting a District playoff game at Coach McNelly Stadium on Tuesday.
“This team exceeded expectations — they weren’t looked at as a team who would win the PAC, or host a playoff game,” said coach Jeremy Sharpe. “They handled adversity.”
The sting of the season-ending loss to No. 17 Haverford, 6-5 in penalty kicks after 110 scoreless minutes, will be eased by the bond forged throughout their PAC championship season — the first in 11 years at Spring-Ford.
“That’s what I take away from this year — the strength, the resolve they’ve found, and what they have in each other,” said Sharpe. “That locker room and that bench always had belief.”
The belief lasted through two overtimes and seven rounds of penalties on Tuesday before Haverford senior Jacob Kantawala batted away the Rams’ final attempt, sending Haverford into round two against No. 1 seed Conestoga.
“You’re looking at where they place their feet, their balance,” Kantawala said in explaining his approach to the shootout.
“You never want the game to come down to penalties,” added Haverford midfielder Jack Lacey.
“But we spent some time specifically on (penalties) yesterday. We were confident we had the guys who’d make their shots.”
The biggest battle of the game occurred between Haverford midfielder Jack Lacey and Spring-Ford defenders including senior Tyler Cervellero and junior Ben Resnick. The Fords, clearly targeting Lacey to generate their best scoring chances, sent Lacey on repeated runs down the left wing.
“No goals, but that was how we wanted to attack,” Lacey acknowledged. “Down the wings and get the ball in space.”
But Cervellero and Resnick were equal to the task more often than not, and when Lacey did manage to generate a shot, SF keeper Andrew Wible (seven saves) was able to keep the visitors at bay.
Spring-Ford’s best chance of regulation saw a Chris Collins corner redirected just wide of the neat post with 12 minutes left in the second half.
Spring-Ford faced a new challenge after two victories in last week’s PAC playoffs — both on penalties — to bring home the first league title in more than a decade.
In the excitement after that victory, players and coaches alike spoke about attaining the team’s primary goal, leaving one to wonder if the Rams would come out with the necessary drive and focus, or look like a team who’s spent the past several days celebrating.
But the Rams played their game, and despite the lack of a decision in the game or overtime, felt good about their chances before the shootout.
“Penalties became our comfort zone this postseason,” said Spring-Ford assistant coach Stan Stralkowski. “I think we felt pretty good about (going to penalties).”
The Rams hung in gamely as keeper Wible turned away Haverford’s first shot, but the Fords stepped up on their six subsequent attempts.
“You never want the game to come down to penalties,” said Haverford midfielder Jack Lacey.
“But we spent some time specifically on (penalties) yesterday. We were confident we had the guys who’d make their shots.”
Haverford’s next opponents from Conestoga need no introduction to followers of Pennsylvania boys’ soccer as defending PIAA champion and winners of four state titles in the past decade. This year’s Pioneers are worthy carriers of their program’s torch, sporting a record of 15-1 and conceding only seven goals over the 2024 season.
That includes a 1-0 win over Haverford in overtime on September 5 this year. But the Fords have no plans to bow to any opponent.
“That first game (against Conestoga) was a heartbreaker,” Lacey acknowledged. “We’re looking for revenge now.”
