The boys varsity soccer team ended their season with an overwhelming 7-0 defeat over Coatesville at King Field on October 18.
Senior forwards Jacob Wenke, Noah Plunkett, Ben Santee, and senior midfielder Ian Gallagher scored the goals. Wenke, Plukett, and Gallagher all put up two goals.
“It was a nice way to go out,” Gallagher said. “I’ve been playing for 17 years now, so [for] my last game ever, it’s just to make it count.”
The first half ended 4-0 for the Panthers with two goals from Wenke and Plunkett. Coatesville didn’t have many chances on goal due to Haven’s defensive performance in the half.
“It feels great for the seniors and the rest of the team. The last game of the season is exciting,” junior defender Jack Leuthold said.
The Panthers started the second half mostly on defense, still creating stops and providing long balls for the offense to work with.
Towards the end of the second half, the Panthers played more offensively, and Gallagher scored two goals before Santee scored his header to seal the season.
Senior goalkeeper Jacob Jurkech ended the game with many key saves to prevent Coatesville from scoring.
“We started 0-10, but coming back, winning these last games, this close to making playoffs… We weren’t able to make it, but it feels great getting a win, ending the season, and having a good time with this last game,” Jurkech said.
The Panthers had to rely on a loss from Bishop Shanahan to make playoffs. Bishop Shanahan tied to Oxford on October 18, shutting down Haven’s playoff chances.
“It stinks that we’re not playing in playoffs, but it’s an honor to be able to be a part of this program and play for Coach Ryan [O’Neill]. He does a fantastic job in this program,” Gallagher said.
The varsity girls soccer team concluded their regular season on October 18 with a 6-0 home win over Garnet Valley, leaving them positioned for playoffs with a 14-3 record. Their first playoff game will be at home on Thursday, October 24, according to the team’s Instagram account.
