Philly Soccer Notebook: Zandi Retires, McGroarty’s Australian Debut & More

Since I first saw Zach Zandi scrapping around the field in a game for the Philadelphia Union Academy more than a decade ago, I was convinced that the West Chester, Pa. native had what it took to be a professional. He’s done just that as one of the more consistent graduates of the Union’s academy at the professional level, but sadly his fifth concussion last season with Colorado Springs Switchbacks forced him into the difficult decision to hang up the boots.

He’s moved into a head scout role on the technical staff under Alan McCann, who he also played for with Reading United, and will no doubt have a similar work ethic in his new non-playing role as he had on the field with the Union Academy, Union II, Reading United, Villanova and Colorado Springs.

Kelli McGroarty’s Memorable Australian Debut
Life Down Under is going well for Voorhees, N.J. native Kelli McGroarty, who had a brace and an assist to help Essendon Royals SC defeat defending champions Box Hill United in their season opener in Australia.

From the match report: “The go-ahead goal arrived through quality and conviction. Bronte Peel delivered a beautiful ball into the box, and Kelli McGroarty, unmarked centrally, stretched to steer home a superb finish. It was the type of striker’s movement and touch the Royals recruited her for.”

Ashley Lavrich Joining Lancaster Inferno
One of the stars of the past couple summers of amateur ball has been midfielder Ashley Lavrich, who has been on of the leaders of Reading United’s midfield. The Birdsboro, Pa. native who starred with FC Revolution before going to college at Monmouth University player recently signed with Lancaster Inferno for the USL W season.

Summer Signing Announcement Tracker

Penn State to Play Penn in March
Spring schedules for college soccer are still being announced but one date worth marking in the calendar is March 28 when new head coach Rob Dow and Penn State men’s soccer come to town to play Penn. The time and location are TBA.

Harriton Duo Heading to Franklin & Marshall
Two of the stars of the local high school season in the fall are heading to Franklin & Marshall. Harriton teammates Che Rowe and Connor Stein both recently announced their commitments to the Lancaster, Pa. school. The Diplomats are looking to bounce back from a down season in 2025 that saw them post their first losing season since 2003.

College Soccer Signing Tracker

Kyle Tucker Signs with Bray Wanderers
Phoenixville native and former Drexel, West Chester United and Philadelphia Union II midfielder Kyle Tucker is heading abroad to continue his professional career. Tucker recently signed with second division club Bray Wanderers in the Republic of Ireland.

He was an unused sub in the team’s season opener, a 1-1 draw with Longford Town.

Offseason Signing Tracker

Have a news tip or item to share for future columns? Email phlsoccernow@gmail.com. 

Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

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