Moorestown Friends School’s boys soccer team defeated George School on September 20, in a commanding 4-0 win in the Friends School League home opener.
The Foxes’ first goal came midway through the first half, when Astin Galanis (’21) gave the Foxes a 1-0 lead. With four minutes left in the half, Galanis found Evan Schlotterbeck (’21), one of the team’s captains, to send a corner kick into the back of the net. The Foxes finished the first half with a 2-0 lead.
The Foxes scored two more times in the second half. Both goals were scored by Matt D’Ottavi (’21), another team captain. His quick back-to-back goals delivered the one-two punch needed to seal the win.
In addition to his goal, Galanis had two assists. Others who contributed to scoring goals were Wesley Simpson (’22) and Danya Weinstock (’22) who each had an assist. Mikey Paznokas (’21) and Brent Cohen (’21) split time in the net, sharing today’s shutout with perfect performances. Cohen ended the day with three saves, and Paznokas with a save as well.
While the Foxes displayed dominance in today’s game and proved to be a dangerous threat, some players said there is still room for improvement.
“I think coming off Tuesday, 3-0 win in Abington, we got the 3-0 win, but I don’t think we played our best,” said Evan Schlotterbeck. “Coming out here against a better team, a more physical team, and then dominating 4-0 is a confidence booster and chemistry booster.”
D’Ottavi said he sees such an outstanding win as a great way to enter Tuesday’s Friends League match up against the league’s reigning champion, the Germantown Friends team.
“This gives us some good confidence going into Tuesday’s game against Germantown. I think we all realize it is going to be a big challenge going up there. But, I think we are on a good track this year and we just need to keep proving [ourselves] everyday,” said D’Ottavi.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead for the Foxes, Head Coach Mike Schlotterbeck has faith that his boys can deliver. “I think we really have the talent and capabilities to have success, but the guys have to do it themselves. It’s their team,” commented Coach Schlotterbeck.
The coach said he is just as excited as the fans at MFS to see how the rest of the season pans out: “Every season’s a journey, and that’s what makes it so fun. I think the possibilities are there, but every year is a different journey, so we will see how it plays out.”
The Foxes look to secure another win in their next game as the boys take on league rival Germantown Friends at Germantown at 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday.
