On Wednesday, October 21, the Harriton boys’ soccer team succeeded in a key game against Academy Park. With the team on pace for a home game in the first round of district playoffs, they could not let a traditionally weak opponent defeat them. A loss would almost certainly force the Rams to play on the road in round 1, which would put them at a major disadvantage.

Aware of the stakes, the boys came out firing on all cylinders. Sophomore midfielder Ethan Rodgers started the game off strong, scoring in the first two minutes of the game with an assist from Herd favorite Serhat Sakarcan. A few minutes later, Sakarcan dished another assist to Felix Serlin. With twenty minutes left in the game, junior midfielder Brian Lorenz found the back of the net for the first time in his career.

The highlight player of the game was senior striker Matt Leff. Leff, despite a record of solid play and a myriad of assists, had yet to score a goal in his career at Harriton. That changed when Noah Danz dribbled down the sideline and made a beautiful pass into the box for Leff to send into the back of the net. In reaction to the goal, Leff said, “It was about time.” This play was also significant for Danz, as the assist was his first career point at the varsity level.

With this game, the Rams finished their regular season with an impressive record of 11-6-1. The season had its highs and lows, but the Rams only look ahead as they anticipate a home playoff game for the first time in three years. The game will likely be on Tuesday, October 27 – get hyped, Harriton, and stay tuned for more news of the boys’ playoff hopes!