By Bradley Schlegel
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/27/15
Adam Goldner says Malvern Prep made a statement Friday. He called the team’s 11-8 non-league victory over visiting La Salle the first step in rebuilding its reputation.
“We took care of our business,” said Goldner, a junior attackman. “We showed what we’re made of.”
Goldner scored a team-high four goals for the Friars (1-4), who utilized a dominant first-half performance to post their first win of the season.
“Adam is a real good scorer,” said his coach, John McEvoy. “We need to get him as many quality looks at the cage as possible.”
Mike Fay added three goals and an assist, while Billy Coyle contributed one goal and one assist for the Friars.
“This is a feeling I’ve missed,” said Goldner, a contributor on the team that went 24-0 in 2014. “It’s good for our younger players to understand what winning feels like.”
Cody Mazurek scored three goals and Zachary Drake added two goals and an assist for the Explorers (1-1).
“We ran into a buzzsaw today,” said Bill Leahy, La Salle’s head coach. “Malvern Prep played like it has something to prove.”
According to Goldner, four consecutive losses to open the season created a degree of tension amongst Malvern Prep’s players. He called Friday’s outcome a relief.
“This team hates losing more than it likes winning,” Goldner said.
According to McEvoy, the Friars focused on building success by stringing together quality offensive series and defensive stands.
“We weren’t stressed about the possibility of being 0-5,” McAvoy said. “The key is working to improve.”
The Friars took control early, building a 6-0 lead midway through the second quarter on two goals and an assist by Fay.
“We started the game angry,” Goldner said.
Malvern Prep dominated play in the first half, registering 17 shots on goal. Charles Kelly won seven of 11 face offs and 12 of 22 overall against another standout at the X, Anthony Giuliani. According to McEvoy, the team’s offensive players forced the Explorers defenders into several turnovers that led to second chance opportunities.
“We did a real good job getting to ground balls in the first half,” said the coach, whose team led 7-2 at halftime.
Two games into its season, La Salle – the defending Philadelphia Catholic League and District 12 champion – is still figuring out who fits where in the lineup, according to Leahy.
“We’re very inexperienced,” the coach said. “We’ve got a whole lot of new faces.”
La Salle College 0 2 2 4 – 8
Malvern Prep 3 4 2 2 – 11
La Salle College – Cody Mazurek 3g, Zachary Drake 2g, 1a, Anthony Giuliani 1g, Austin Clibanoff 1g, Kevin Lacon 1g, Brett Baskin 1a, Kohler Setley 1a.
Malvern Prep – Adam Goldner 4g; Mike Fay 3g, 1a; A.J. Traynor 1g, 1a; Billy Coyle 1g, 1a; Addison Mueller 1g; Jarrett Donaghy 2a; Drew Schantz 2a.
Saves:
LaSalle College – Conor Scafidi 10.
Malvern Prep – Andrew Clark 3, James Rodgers 6.
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