RAT PACK REPEAT AS INDOOR STATE CUP CHAMPIONS



February 14, 2009 - On Saturday, February 14th, 2009, YSC Sports of Wayne, PA hosted the annual EPYSA boys’ U10 Indoor State Cup Tournament. The Lower Merion Soccer Club’s U10 A-team, the RATPACK, arrived ready to compete for the State’s top indoor title. The RATPACK, last year’s PAE Indoor State Cup Champion, expected a highly competitive tournament and the teams comprising this year’s top bracket afforded the RATPACK nothing less than that.

The RATPACK faced four very strong teams in their ‘A’ division. This division included other top state-title contenders as LDC United, Panthers USA, Warrington BK’s and North Union Utd. Each team put forth a significant challenge, but the RATPACK battled hard in the trademark style for which they have become known and prevailed to win the division, clinching a berth in the finals.

The RATPACK went into the playoff game focused on winning the top spot and securing a back-to-back State Championship. The players delivered an outstanding performance in the championship game, outscoring Southampton Stingrays 6-0.

Noteworthy RATPACK players include, Billy Coyle. Although new to the team this winter, he is now a fully seasoned RATPACKer. His tough outside-mid attack role pressured the opposition and afforded RATPACK teammates valuable scoring opportunities with his crosses into the box. Matthew Blackman and Isaiah Holquist both contributed greatly with their quick touches and powerful shots on goal. Evan Haas, Matthew Real, and Will ‘Marko’ Marks shored up the RATPACK defensive blockade, and shut down most offensive challenges, while William Cypress and Hans Kroschwitz took control of the midfield and distributed nice through balls to teammates making overlapping runs. Many of those balls were poked into the opposition’s net. Konstantinos Tsokas and Manny Reitano both delivered a dangerous scoring threat up top, and Cole Gallagher, though unable to play due to an illness, supported his team in classic RATPACK style. Last, but not least, goalkeeper Mikey Kalpokas protected the RATPACK net with many great saves on the day.

Congratulations to the LMSC RATPACK, back-to-back EPYSA Indoor State Cup Champions!

*The RATPACK extends a special word of thanks to assistant coaches, Matt Schneck, and David Marks, who filled in for head coach, Grant Myers. Coach Myers was unable to attend the indoor state cups due to a previous commitment with his coaching role at FC Delco. Thank you, coaches Schneck and Marks.





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