Catamounts trio helps lead West Chester United to victory over Christos FC

Ryan Zellefrow joined fellow Vermont Catamounts Zach Barrett and Lou Liedtka at part 2 of West Chester United’s Pro Combine with Christos FC on Saturday and he had himself a day in weather more suitable for The Green Mountain State than Pennsylvania.

Zellefrow, who won a national championship as a freshman with grad students Liedtka and Barrett, had four goals on the day from the right back spot and like he was in the NCAA final against Marshall and through the tournament was dangerous practically whenever he had the ball at his feet.

Liedtka started in goal and dealt well with the danger when it came from the Christos FC attack and Barrett put in another textbook drama-free shift from the left center back spot.

Mason Miller also added a goal to finish off some classy combination play and Funsia Donza added a goal. Donza, a junior at Phelps and high school senior Ryan Noel (son of assistant coach Anthony Noel) both put in solid shifts for the Predators while all three McDaid brothers – Brian and twins Joe and Jack – entered together for the third 30-minute period of the day.

With state cups starting in Maryland the next day, Christos FC made several changes to their young squad but showed well despite the scoreline.

“It’s such a great event,” Christos FC head coach Larry Sancomb said. “It’s fantastic for young guys to get out here and have an opportunity to play pro. It’s special for me because I get to come here and hang out with Blaise (Santangelo) and a lot of the guys I’ve gotten to know through playing over the years.”

Several players who played over the two games at YSC Sports near King of Prussia, Pa. are heading out on trials as preseason camps begin. Others are taking advantage of the opportunity to improve and to better position themselves for college soccer and beyond.

“Hopefully some of these kids we won’t ever see in a West Chester kit again because they’ll be playing pro,” Santangelo said. “It’s something Larry and I work on for six months so it’s good to get to the dates and get done. Good results, both teams played well so hopefully we get kids out on some pro contracts.”