BOYS SOCCER: Conestoga advances to district semis, clinches PIAA berth with win over Phoenixville

BERWYN — At this point, it would be understandable if there was only one goal for Conestoga’s boys’ soccer team.

The Pioneers, defending PIAA champions and owners of four state titles in the past decade, have established themselves as perennial contenders, if not frontrunners, for state gold.

Yet head coach David Zimmerman knows each season is a journey unto itself, so he took time to celebrate with his top-seeded team after Saturday’s 5-1 win over No. 9 Phoenixville sent Conestoga onto Tuesday’s District 1-4A semifinals and sealed their spot in the state tournament starting in two weeks, where they’ll look to defend their 2023 state crown.

“You can’t take anything for granted,” Zimmerman said. “This is huge for this group of players especially. We had a state championship team, and there was some doubt about this group.

“Everything we accomplish proves that this is a strong group of players as well.”

The Pioneers’ uneven finish to Thursday’s 3-2 win over Haverford on Thursday made a fast start on Saturday an even greater point of emphasis.

“We thought about getting back and going full speed the whole time,” said Ian Navarro, who led Saturday’s effort with a goal in each half.

Navarro, a senior, is emerging as a leader for the Pioneers in 2024 and hopes to continue his soccer career at the next level.

“I’ve always been an attacking player, able to use my talents well in the middle or on the wing,” he said.

It’s hard to start much faster than a two-goal lead within seven minutes but that’s exactly what Conestoga was able to compile, as Navarro’s header snuck inside the far post off a feed from Michael Bedwick just four minutes into the contest.

A little over two minutes later, the Pioneers generated their fourth corner in the early going, and their work paid off when Zuwa Abhulimen settled a feed from Evan Cross and found Derek Boyer to double the early advantage.

In all, ‘Stoga would generate eight first half corners and dominate early possession. Davi Sampaio subbed in for Phoenixville around in the midway point and generated some quality runs with fresh legs, but a stout Conestoga defense commanded by Luuk Stewart stood tall and kept keeper Mason Levine clean.

Phoenixville’s Connor Northcott was first to challenge Levine with about six minutes to play before halftime, but the senior keeper slid to make his first save and maintain the 2-0 lead.

But Conestoga would expand the lead to 3-0 when Ryan Max catapulted a throw into the goalmouth just a couple minutes before halftime. Players from both sides jockeyed for possession before ‘Stoga sophomore Daniel Poltaraus smacked the ball into the corner.

Down 3-0, Phoenixville came out aggressively after the half, finding immediate reward as Ryan O’Neil finished a great individual effort down the right wing, beating Levine with a low shot to the far post.

But just as quickly, Conestoga reopened the three-goal difference on Navarro’s second of the day on an assist from Max.

Conestoga’s ability to shuffle almost two full rotations of players kept players fresh while preserving the lead. The depth promises to serve the Pioneers well throughout their postseason run.

“It’s a program philosophy,” explained Zimmerman. “We’re fortunate to have the depth, so it would be foolish not to use it. There’s no limit on substitutions, and the whole point of being part of a team is to play the game.”

Ian Choi closed out the scoring for ‘Stoga, burying a rebound after Justin Maxwell hit the post with two minutes to play.

Phoenixville keeper Ryan Lang (six saves) and his defense held up admirably against the Pioneers’ attack after the early start, competing and contesting repeated forays into the box.

The Phantoms’ aggression and quality of offensive chances improved throughout the match, but they were unable to solve Levine outside O’Neil’s early second-half effort. The Pioneers keeper finished with four saves.

“Box to box, I felt we were competing in this game,” said Phoenixville head coach Michael Cesarski. “But as you saw, we struggled on corners and deep throws. Physically, size-wise, we had some disadvantages.”

Next up for ‘Stoga is No. 4 CB South, a winner over No. 12 Neshaminy on Saturday. The game will take place back at Conestoga’s Teamer Field on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

For Phoenixville, now 16-4-2, the journey continues with a playback game against Neshaminy. The Phantoms will host the game at Washington Field.

With District One sending six teams onto the PIAA Tournament, it’s the Phantoms’ opportunity to extend their season at least one more week and qualify for states for only the second time in program history and first time since moving to 4A.

In 2022, Phoenixville made the state semifinals before falling to Springfield Township. Now, they enter a do-or-die situation where a win means a trip to states and a loss the end to their 2024 campaign.

“This wasn’t a performance where our heads are down,” said Cesarski. “We weren’t manhandled, but we struggled in a very key area. We know exactly what we need to address.”