May 16, 2009 - In late March, the LMSC U10 RATPACK began its pursuit of the 2009 EPYSA Outdoor State Cup Title. Thirty-one “A” teams from around the state took part in this year’s cup competition. In bracket play, the RATPACK faced 3 strong teams, LDC Italia (Lower Dauphin) a tough U10 competitor, YMS Fury, and Coventry FC. The boys from Lower Merion were well prepared to face each of these challengers, defeating them 5-0, 4-0, and 8-0 respectively. Winning their EPYSA division afforded the RATPACK the opportunity to advance to the cup’s quarterfinal round.

The quarterfinal game took place on April 25th, at Welsh Valley Middle School, against Montgomery United Soccer Club’s U10 Cobras. In classic RATPACK style, Grant Myers’ boys brought their “A” game to the pitch, shutting out MUSC 8-0.

On May 9th, The RATPACK faced defending State Cup Champs, West Chester United SC Predators in the semi-final match, held at WCUSC’s turf field, in West Chester, PA. This game squared-off last year’s two State Finalists in a head-to-head rematch that was certain to be a very competitive, exciting exhibition. But it was one match-up that both coach Myers and his players looked especially forward to playing and winning. At the end of regulation time, the RATPACK decisively defeated the Predators, 4-0 to advance to the State Cup Final.

For the second year in a row, the LMSC RATPACK earned the right to compete in the State Cup Title Match. Their opponent, Panthers Revolution, of York, PA, is a well-coached, very tough competitor and neither Coach Grant Myers nor his RATPACK players were about to take the game lightly. At halftime, the game remained scoreless, but the RATPACK was playing confidently and playing very well. Only minutes into the second half, the RATPACK managed to find the back of the Panther net and within minutes, added two more to cap the match 3-0, and capture the 2009 U10 Championship Title.

William Cypress, Manny Reitano, Billy Coyle, Isaiah Holquist, Matthew Blackman, Konstantinos Tsokas, Cole Gallagher, and Hans Kroschwitz all contributed significantly in the midfield and upfront during this year’s State Cup pursuit. Defenders Matthew Real, Will Marks, and Evan Haas helped to collectively shutout the competition from taking shots at the RATPACK net, while goalkeeper, Mikey Kalpokas, saved every shot taken on his goal the entire spring.

During the 2009 State Cup season, the LMSC RATPACK scored 32 goals, and allowed zero goals against. By every measure, this was an outstanding achievement. Since the team’s inception, the RATPACK has become well known for its success in virtually every major soccer contest in which it has competed. Some of the RATPACK’s greater achievements include:

• 2009 EPYSA Outdoor State Cup CHAMPIONS
• 2009 EPYSA Indoor State Cup CHAMPIONS (back-to-back)
• 2009 Jefferson Cup Participant (undefeated)
• 2008 YMS Columbus Cup CHAMPIONS (back-to-back)
• 2008 Delco Player’s Cup CHAMPIONS
• 2008 EPYSA Outdoor State Cup Finalists
• 2008 EPYSA Indoor State Cup CHAMPIONS
• 2007 DELCO league CHAMPIONS
• 2007 YMS Columbus Cup CHAMPIONS
• 2007 Spirit United Summer Classic CHAMPIONS

Additionally, only a few of the Lower Merion Soccer Club’s teams have ever won the EPYSA Indoor and Outdoor State Titles in the same year. In 2009, the RATPACK has become part of that short list of exceptionally talented teams, which have achieved this. CongRATulations to the Lower Merion Soccer Club, and to RATPACK head coach, Grant Myers. ConRATs also to Matt Schneck and David Marks, assistant coaches of the RATPACK. Last but not least, ConRATulations to the outstanding young players of the LMSC RATPACK, 2009 EPYSA U10 Indoor and Outdoor State CHAMPIONS!