Explorers advance to PCL semifinals
Members of the La Salle boys’ soccer team leaped into each other's arms after what seemed to be an endless Philadelphia Catholic League quarterfinal. Ten or so yards away, tears poured from the eyes of some St. Joseph’s Prep players. Other Hawks just stared in disbelief. After the archrivals had played 110 minutes to a scoreless stalemate, the Explorers outpointed the Hawks, 4-3, in a shoot-out by penalty kicks today in Fairmount Park.
After the archrivals had played 110 minutes to a scoreless stalemate, the Explorers outpointed the Hawks, 4-3, in a shoot-out by penalty kicks today in Fairmount Park.
Kelly's practice paid off — and not just during the shoot-out. The standout played a major role in the victory.
Kelly had 10 spectacular saves during regulation and the two 15-minute sudden-death overtimes. He followed that up by blocking two penalty kicks. His last save extended the Explorers' season.
But Kelly made a diving stop on Andrew McLane's attempt to the lower left corner of the goal.
"I saw him glance at this corner," Kelly said of the left corner. "So I kind of stutter-stepped to [the right] corner. Then I came over here.
"I saw the team coming at me afterward. It just felt great."
Mike Brennan, Kyle Mullen and Tolani Ibikunle converted the Prep's PKs.
Early on, St. Joe's Prep dominated play. The Hawks had a commanding 6-2 advantage in shots on goal in the first half. Battling back, the Explorers closed the gap to 10-7 by the end of regulation.
NOTE: The Judge vs. La Salle semifinal is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Archbishop Ryan. Afterward, North Catholic will face Archbishop Wood in the other semi at the same site. Admission is $5.
-- Keith Pompey