Blitzer Has Big Day for Methacton

Sophomore Goalie Jake Blitzer is asked to do a lot for Methacton.  As the team's primary goalie he's played almost every minute of every game this year.  He's asked to be one of the defensive leaders, directing the team's slide packages and team defense.  He's an important part of the clearing game.  On Saturday, he was a goal scorer.  

Methacton, following a rainy week, traveled to Emmaus in what was supposed to be a home contest.  Despite Methacton wearing the home whites, the early part of the game favored the hosts Hornets.  With Methacton struggling in the clearing game early, and not being able to maintain possession on the offensive end, Emmaus translated a commanding lead in possession time into a 3-0 lead on the scoreboard.  Coach Nat Ryan referenced the first quarter saying "We've been having trouble with slow starts.  They were out working us on ground balls, and we had some trouble in the clearing game that led to extra possessions for them and ultimately goals."

The second quarter would see more of the same as the hosts stretched the lead to 4-0.  Methacton was able to find the board for their first of the day on a strong riding effort as a blown clear by the Hornets led to a Luke Herber goal from about 25 yards into an empty net.  The Warriors were not able to maintain the momentum though as Emmaus would score their 5th of the day with just 27 seconds to go in the quarter to take a 5-1 lead at the half. 

The second half would see sloppy play by both teams as possessions were short and often ended in unforced errors.  Methacton would score their second on the day on a strange play on the crease.  Senior Midfielder Kevin Markle was unable to handle a feed to the crease but when the Emmaus defenseman tried to place the ball in the crease for the goalie Markle was able to push the ball into the net.  Methacton's third goal would also be unconventional.  After a save in transition, Goalie Jake Blitzer cleared the ball over midfield himself.  He saw a flashing cut from Attackman Aidan Denecke and fed the crease.  The Emmaus Goalie jumped and checked Denecke's stick as the would be pass ended up in the back of the net.  Denecke would enter the scoring column himself at the end of the third quarter on an individual effort.  Driving from behind the net, Denecke drove the corner and found the back of the net.  

This would be the last tally for the visiting Warriors as the Emmaus defense was able to stymie them for the duration of the game.  Emmaus added an insurance goal late to stretch the lead to the 6-4 final.  Methacton was able to keep Emmaus scoreless for the opening 18 minutes of the second half, largely behind the efforts of Blitzer who finished with 17 saves, and of course, one goal.  Coach Ryan noted "Blitzer was huge for us today.  He was strong in the clearing game, and made save after save in the second half."  Oh, and he did also find the back of the net himself.  

With the loss, Methacton falls to 5-4 overall (5-2 PAC-10).  They return to action on Tuesday as they host OJR in a game rescheduled from Friday 4/11.