Youth/High School Soccer
Father Judge silencing doubters with postseason run
Father Judge broke a 13-year draught when they beat Holy Ghost a couple Mondays ago in the Philadelphia Catholic League final at Saint Joseph’s University and after a rare three days off regrouped to collect the second of three trophies they are aiming for this season.
They followed up their PCL and District XII trophies on Tuesday night with a hard fought 1-0 win over Lower Merion in the first round of the PIAA Class 4A state tournament at Northeast High School, taking the upper hand on a goal from Eric Cavanugh in the first half and riding it to an impressive win over the Central League champions.
It was the Crusaders first state tournament win since they beat West Chester Henderson on their home field in 2022.
“A lot of people have a lot of things to say about us and are down on us,” Cavanaugh said post-game. “I don’t think that’s right. You don’t win the PCL by accident, you don’t win District XII by accident.”
Cavanaugh credited playmaker Luke McGonigle – who he considers the best player in the state – setting up his goal with a lovely through ball and the back line for their performance.
“Our back line’s been fantastic,” Cavanaugh said. “They came up strong tonight.”
Tuesday’s win was the fifth straight clean sheet senior goalkeeper Jake O’Neill and hias back line have combined on in the postseason.
Head coach John Dunlop said one of the keys to the team this year has been how much they get along.
“They really like each other,” Dunlop said. “And they’re coachable.”
Four 10-goal scorers in the attack also makes them difficult to game-plan for.
“You can’t mark one guy,” Dunlop said.
Judge’s trophy case has one PIAA state title, which they won in 2009. To continue their state run in 2026, they’ll have to avenge a second round loss back in 2022 to Parkland. The two teams meet at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Quakertown High School.
