Youth/High School Soccer
Spring-Ford rally from behind to claim PAC boys soccer title
Underdog Spring-Ford rallied back from a 3-1 deficit to become Pioneer Athletic Conference Champions on Thursday night, defeating Phoenixville in penalty kicks 6-5 after a 3-3 draw in regulation.
Defending champions Phoenixville got off to a strong start to the PAC championship game. Sophomore Andrew Illig opened the scoring for the Phantoms, who entered the match undefeated with a 12-0-5 record. In their first meeting of the season, Phoenixville blanked Spring- Ford in a 2-0 victory. This time, Spring-Ford responded with a goal from Sean Kenney to level the scoring. Phoenixville scored once again before halftime to make it 2-1. Noah Desotti claimed the second goal.
The opening minutes of the second half were all Spring Ford. Appearing energized after halftime, the Rams had set piece after set piece, crossing into the box from corners and deep free kicks for most of the half. Despite the many opportunities, they couldn’t cash in. The match looked dead and buried in the 67th minute when a turnover out of the back fell to Phoenixville’s Deylon Santos, who took advantage of the mistake to make it 3-1 with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Spring-Ford were handed a lifeline with seven minutes to go. After failing to clear another set piece, a Spring Ford attacker was brought down in the box. The referee awarded Spring Ford a penalty which was confidently dispatched by captain Miles Cap. Only two minutes later, Spring-Ford took a long free kick into the box. After a bit of a scramble, the ball was fired into the net from close range by forward Connor Irwin, miraculously levelling the score at 3-3. Some late chances for both sides went begging, and the match proceeded to penalties.
Both teams scored each of their first three attempts on goal in the shootout. That came to a stop after Spring Ford junior goalkeeper Brecken Pence made a confident save in the fourth round.
With a chance for Spring Ford to advance, their penalty kick went flying over the bar to keep Phoenixville alive. Both sides scored in round six, and Spring Ford junior Wyatt McCann led off round seven with a successful penalty. However, Phoenixville failed to convert, firing off the crossbar and over the net. Spring Ford celebrated at midfield, claiming the PAC title and denying Phoenixville a chance to repeat.
Spring Ford coach Jeremy Sharpe spoke with Philadelphia Soccer Now after the match about the improbable comeback that led his team to a title. “They’re just like this. They’re resilient and they have fun. And when they’re having fun, they play better,” Sharpe said after the match.
“That’s what happened in the second half. They went out and they earned it like they’ve done all year. They just stuck together as a family.”
Sharpe mentioned the upcoming district playoffs for his team and backed his side going into it.
“I believe in this group. These seniors are my first freshmen I had coming in, and I keep telling them I waited 4 years to coach this team. They have not achieved everything yet, and I know they’re going to go in there and they’re going to take care of business in districts.”
It’s over! Phoenixville’s penalty sails high, and Spring Ford take the PAC title 3-3, 6-5 on penalties! https://t.co/voNKCIp0Vq
— Philadelphia Soccer Now (@phlsoccernow) October 22, 2026
