By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/6/15
It was the perfect ending to the summer lacrosse tournament season for six Philly boys.
Haverford School’s Forry Smith (attackman), Alex deMarco (goalie), and Luke Desperito (midfielder), Bishop Shanahan’s Ryan McNulty (LSM), Radnor’s Jack Wilson (midfielder) and Salesianum School’s Patrick Lyons (LSM) teamed to help FCA National defeat Sweet Lax National, 7-6, for the 2016-17 Gold (top division) championship Wednesday at the 26th annual Lake Placid Summit.
Christian Ford (California, committed to Michigan) tallied the game-winner. Smith had a goal and three assists McNulty had an assist while deMarco split time in goal with Boys’ Latin’s Jack Pezzula.
“We started off a little slowly and they went up 3-1 before we took a timeout,” said Smith, who helped Haverford School finish 26-0 and claim the mythical national championship and is committed to Johns Hopkins. “Coming out of the timeout we regained our composure and started playing our game. The rest of the game was back and forth and we were lucky enough to get the last one.”
Smith said the camaraderie on the FCA team, as always, was a key to success and a worthwhile experience.
“It was awesome; me, Luke, Alex, Ryan and Patrick all played together on Mesa and we had Jack Wilson (NXT) so to be able to play with those guys in a setting like Lake Placid is a dream come true,” said Smith. “And to come out victorious is the perfect ending
“Throughout the weekend we spent a lot of time together as a team hanging out and getting to know everybody. By the end of the game today it seemed like we had been playing together for years. It was awesome to hang out with guys I’ve already played with and meet some new guys.”
McNulty, who helped Bishop Shanahan win the Ches-Mont League title and reach the PIAA tourney, agreed:
“The Philly guys always have a connection with each other so it was like playing with my club team,” said McNulty, who also play for Team Man Up. “Meeting new kids is always a great experience due to the fact that we can bond and share who we know and what we like.
“It’s also great because we have all heard of each other and fitting a face is a great time. Every single one of those guys are amazing.”
McNulty said his mentor, Man Up coach Jim Schorn, has had an impact on a perfect ending of his club career.
“I could not have achieved these goals without my Coach From Man Up, Coach Jim Schorn,” he said. “He teaches me everything from life lessons to little lacrosse tips.
“This summer was amazing lacrosse wise. Winning as a team is second to none.”
Note – Four Philly boys – Devin Gilligan (Shipley, Big 4), Caton Johnson (Manheim Township, Duke’s), Matt Lane (Lancaster Country Day School, Big 4) & Quinn McCahon (Malvern Prep, Big 4)- helped Sweet Lax win the 2018-19 Gold Division crown; that story and photo will appear later today
