Warriors Rebound in PAC-10 Action

It didn't start particularly well, and it wasn't all pretty, but Methacton rebounded from an early deficit to run away from Pope John Paull II in a home conference match-up.  Aidan Denecke opened the scoring on the day by pushing around the crease from X and finding net to give the home team a 1-0 advantage.  

Undaunted by the challenge of playing on the road, the young Panthers of PJP II responded by scoring on two individual efforts to take a 2-1 lead.  Methacton drew even on Michael Del Vecchio shot from the right wing that found the upper 90.  However, PJP would regain the lead on a goal from attackman Jack Roury.  

The second quarter began as the first had ended with PJP again finding the net.  Attackmen Matt Eads and Drew Glass both found the cage to extend the visitors lead to 5-2.  Defenseman Andrew DeSana, who had a tremendous day leading the defensive effort.  As the first half was closing down, he took matters into his own hands when he cleared the ball over midfield and pushed in transition.  When the slide didn't come DeSana stopped, planted his feet, and ripped a laser into the top of the goal.  Coach Ryan noted "Andrew really provided a spark for us today.  He is a leader [and captain] and he communicates well on the defensive end and is a great on ball defenseman.  Today he was great in the clearing game and he really set the tone for us with his intensity and work ethic."

While the first half closed with Methacton facing a two goal deficit, the momentum was definitely on the side of the hosts.  The second half would open with Ben Schimpf scoring on a Dom Germano pass.  PJP would respond with another tally from Drew Glass, but the rest of the day would be all Methacton as Keith White scored six straight goals for the hosts.  Most came in unsettled play but the Sophomore attackman had the hot shooting hand and riddled off a career high day with six goals.  Coach Ryan said "Keith was the co-player of the game for us today with DeSana.  He shot the ball extremely well, mixed up his takes, and was the offensive spark we needed to get going.  He's a tough player to stop when he's on and we're excited to see what he can do for us this year."  

Senior midfielder Matt McClay would close the scoring on the day to finish the comeback for Methacton by scoring on an individual effort following a dodge from up top.  Zach Bodek and Dom Germano both led the team in groundballs with five a piece with Germano adding to assists to his numbers.  Sophomore goalie Jake Blitzer made 8 saves while allowing six.  Methacton is averaging a paltry 5.6 goals per game while averaging 10 on the offensive end.  

The Warriors return to action on Friday as they visit Phoenixville in another conference game at 3:45 p.m.