New Hope-Solebury captures District 1 Class A title

By Matt Breen, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: November 06, 2012

After losing seven seniors to graduation, New Hope-Solebury soccer coach Ollie Hilliker said this season had been a bit of a challenge.

It was only fitting that his current seniors provided the charge on Monday afternoon to lead New Hope-Solebury to a 3-0 win over Plumstead Christian in the District 1 Class A final.

Senior forward John Berne scored twice and Pat Brennan, also a senior forward, added another goal.

"They really stepped up the leadership and took the team forward," said Hilliker, who is in his second year as coach.

Freshman Lucas Ebelinig posted a five-save shutout and was aided by the strong defensive effort of senior Luigi Penza and junior Jack Natale.

Hilliker said the the Lions had "an up-and-down regular season" as they finished 6-6-3. But, in three district playoff games they yielded just one goal.

"They picked it up when it mattered most," said Hilliker.

Tri-County. Max Ardarkwah's three goals were enough to help Phelps to its second-straight league title with a 3-1 win over West-Mont Christian.

Ardarkwah, a junior forward, now has 17 goals on the season.

Phelps fell to West Mont, 1-0, on Oct. 18.

Nick Pember assisted both of Ardarkwah's first half goals and Diaz Yago Novoa had five saves.

The Lions were without their leading goal-scorer, sophomore striker Ganlandau Cisse, who was injured on Friday.

Contact Matt Breen at mbreen@phillynews.com. Follow @matt_breen on Twitter.

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