Birthday boy Metzler propels La Salle boys' soccer past Judge, 2-1
It's one of those games you circle on the calendar. One of the contests you really look forward to because you know the caliber of the competition in store. A rivalry. A revenge match. A cross-town clash.
It's one of those games you circle on the calendar.
One of the contests you really look forward to because you know the caliber of the competition in store. A rivalry. A revenge match. A cross-town clash.
For the La Salle boys' soccer team, there are a few of those games over the course of the season. One is against Father Judge.
Zach Hogan and Spencer Patton said as much. Considering the history between the teams, it isn't surprising.
For Chris Metzler, Sept. 27 is circled on the calendar for a different reason. It's his birthday.
On the day he turned 16, the sophomore midfielder scored the eventual game winner for the Explorers as the senior class celebrated its first victory over the Crusaders, 2-1.
"It was a big moment for me and the rest of the seniors," Patton said. "It's revenge. It feels good to come out and play and lead La Salle to a win against a really tough side."
After Hogan put a rebound in the back of the net for the Explorers (10-0, 6-0 Catholic League), La Salle was high energy as Patton created chance after chance from the flank.
He helped put his team up two goals with about 25 minutes to play when he dribbled up the left side and sent the ball across the box, where he found Metzler.
The birthday boy put it away.
"It was just pure joy," Metzler said. "I couldn't have been happier, playing against Judge especially. And to put us up 2-0, it was great."
The Crusaders (6-3-1, 4-1-1) responded with a goal of their own by Pat Kiley in the 71st minute, but it wasn't enough.
"It's not us who are going to have to adapt to teams now. Other teams are going to have to adapt to us," Patton said. "Being 10-0, being the leader in the PCL is definitely a statement, not only in the league but also in the state."
Hogan said there were two games he had circled at the start of the season.
The first was Judge. The second? Roman Catholic.
The Explorers host the Cahilites Friday. Maybe the squad should have just highlighted the entire week.
Father Judge 0 1 - 1
LaSalle 0 2 - 2
Goals: FJ - Pat Kiley; LS - Zach Hogan, Chris Metzler
Saves: FJ - TJ Corcoran 6; LS - Brett Werner 3
@ka_harman