One of the fun things about being a faithful reporter is the freedom to put one’s spin on the event he is covering.  Often times these days a search of the internet will assist in adding some insight and humor.  Checking the news this morning, I was saddened to read of the passing of Yogi Berra’s beloved wife Carmen.  They were married on January 26, 1949, a date, which I am willing to guess, was well before 99% of those reading this article were born.  Carmen and Yogi’s marriage was one of the best, and I am sure you will read and see much about it on the news.

After all, it was Carmen who asked Yogi “You are from St. Louis, live in New Jersey and work in New York, where would you like to be buried?”  Of course, Yogi famously replied “Surprise me.” Honoring the Berras, I turned to some famous “Yogisms” to explain what happened last night as St. Andrew’s defeated Pope John Paul II 13-2. “I can understand why Sandy Koufax won twenty-five games.  What I don’t understand is how he lost five.” I understand how St. Andrew’s scored 13.  The Scots were hungry and ready after losing Tuesday night to Boca.  They played with passion the entire game.  They made good decisions.  They were psyched and had something to prove. What I can’t understand is why a team as good as this Pope team only scored 2.  Many of these players were on the Florida Elite team which barely lost to a D1 loaded Sweetlax team in the semi-finals of the Dick’s Tournament of Champions in December.  Florida lax followers know the names of Mikey Urso (Mt. St. Mary’s), Tommy Dunne (St. John’s), Drew Minchew, Chase Caldarano, Chris Castellon, Jake Boyer, Joey Giuffrida, Niko Morfogen, and Alex Reyes among others.  These are fine players coached by top notch coaches.  No question Pope missed the scoring punch of  the injured John McTurk and Graham Kramer, but this team is better than what the score showed.  

Okay, I’ll give you one explanation.  St. Andrew’s catcher (goalie) Connor Poetzinger stopped just about everything which came his way.  In fact, the first goal came on one of those unsettled plays which occur after the goalie has made the initial save and the ball is bouncing around in front of the goal.  Connor’s supporting cast of the St. Andrew’s defense consisting of Thomas Lounsbury, Alex Heatzig, Parker Sargeant and Conlan O’Hara (shown at the top, scoring) was exceptional, and they made it a long night for the Eagles.

  Brandt Guldin was a bull in the middle of the field, assisting in the turnovers and clearing with consistency.  The attack unit appears to be a work in progress.  Senior Zach Schwartz (Amherst) had three goals and two assists.  Freshman Nick Iznaga netted two goals and Keith Mahler spent some time away from midfield scoring one and assisting on another.  Nate Low also contributed with a goal and played well on man up.  SA’s coaches are tinkering with their personnel in a search for the right combination.   So, at the end of the day, “Take it with a grin of salt.”  These two teams will most likely meet again in the district playoffs.  We’ll see what happens then.