Despite brief schedule, soccer Fords kick into action

Sebastian Perez-Gasiba ’24 works his way through the SCH defense in a 0-1 loss, October 31, 2020 – Tyler Zimmer ’21

The varsity soccer team is ready for a shortened but exciting soccer season. 

     “As a senior and a captain, I want to make the best of our shortened season and do the best I can for my teammates,” Sixth Former Captain Kieran Bradley said. 

     This season will be different, but the team is ready to make the most of what is ahead. 

     The boys are buzzing and are ready to be back in action as they took a tough exit out of the state championship last fall. Due to the pandemic, setbacks delayed the beginning of the season. 

     “I appreciate how Mike Murphy and John Nagl kept the dream alive by fighting for a season in our league,” Varsity Soccer Coach Mr. Keefe said. 

     It won’t be an easy season for the Fords, as games consist of Inter-Ac rivals Episcopal Academy, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Germantown Academy, and Penn Charter. 

     “I am really excited for our game against EA, which is scheduled to be played under the lights at their field,” Bradley said. “This is one of the many games the boys have marked on the calendar and just can’t keep their eyes off of. This is one of those games the team has been looking forward to since the beginning of the school year!”

     With an abundance of good news in such a short amount of time, the boys know they are still living in a cautious world. Restrictions will be enforced during this revised season, such as limited fan attendance, masks for those in attendance, and only league games. Players are disappointed that limited fan attendance will be a rule this year, but they are excited to represent The Haverford School and make everyone proud. 

“Without the ability to find artistry in play on the field or connection with teammates, men at the Haverford school lose a part of themselves.”

Coach Dan Keefe

     Still, the team is grateful to be back and competing with each other. This revised season will look different, but the varsity soccer team is not taking anything for granted.

     “We are a school of scholars, athletes, and artists,” Coach Keefe said. “Without the ability to find artistry in play on the field or connection with teammates, men at the Haverford school lose a part of themselves.”