Coatesville hosts Steel City tournament to “kick off” season.
By Dave Conard Sports Editor, CoatesvilleTimes.com
Coatesville head coach Scott Polk has high expectations of this talented Red raiders team this season.
THORNDALE—Every team faces challenges through out a season, that being said Coatesville head coach Scott Polk is looking forward to seeing what his young Red Raiders can do in the pressure cooker known as the Ches-Mont league.
“We played so well today,” said Polk., who is in his sixth year as the top man at Coatesville. “We got an early goal then led most of the game, I would have like to have seen the kids rewarded for their hard work.”
Coatesville after leading Springfield (Delco) through out the first half on a goal by senior Orville Hernandez, fell short as the Cougars posted two goals is the closing minutes to advance to the championship game of the annual Steel City tournament.
“We look forward to playing in a tournament like this,” said Kennett head coach Dean Temple. “Playing teams of this quality may be the determining factor when it comes down to being on the bubble when district seedings are selected. We want to play strong teams that push us to playing our best game and Coatesville, Spring-Ford and Springfield are all great teams.”
Red Raiders junior Pablo Pulgarin battles through in the first half of the tilt with Kennett.
In the consolation game on Saturday the Blue Demons battles the Red Raiders emerging with a win by a count of 2-1 with Juan Arroyo taking a great pass from Connor Dalphon and putting it past Coatesville net minder Joey Sopko with 24:25 remaining in the first half, posting Kennett to a 1-0 lead.
With 11:30 left in the opening frame, Christian Bedolla scored the second Kennett goal of the game with sophomore middie Griffin Dight recording an assist.
Coatesville’s sniper Zach Grim had an excellent scoring opportunity as time was dwindling prior to the intermission when he ripped a shot destined for the corner of the net before Alex Gairrocco swiped it aside.
The Red Raiders (0-2) continued to pressure the net on the ensuing corner kick, but the Blue Demons were able to narrowly thwart any damage on the scoreboard prior to the break.
Coatesville got on the board in the second half on a highlight reel goal by Steven McFarland, cutting the lead to 2-1, but was unable to get the equalizer, despite great pressure on the Kennett goal.
“I wanted to get a couple more shots before halftime when we were really pressuring their net,” added Polk. “we had some scoring chances and played very well in both games but we need to tighten up some stuff this week as our league schedule starts.”
Next up for the Red Raiders is a match up under the lights Thursday night at Downingtown East in the league opener at 7 pm.
Coatesville junior Juan Calle helps put pressure on the Blue Demons net during the 2-1 loss in the Steel City tournament.
