Barile powers New Hope-Solebury to a repeat title

HERSHEY, Pa. - New Hope-Solebury's reign as the Class A boys' soccer king will endure for another year.

The Lions defended their state crown with a 3-2 victory over District 10 champion Mercyhurst Prep in a rematch of the 2010 title game Saturday at Hersheypark Stadium.

Sophomore striker Matt Barile propelled the Lions with two perfect strikes, one in each half, to give New Hope-Solebury its second state title in as many years - and first two in program history. They defeated the Lakers on both occasions.

"Matt Barile is an unbelievable player," first-year Lions coach Ollie Hilliker said. "He has so much to bring still, so much potential. He brings it when it matters. . . .

"He doesn't score average goals. He scores wonder goals."

The Lions (13-5-2) outplayed the Lakers (21-2) in the first half, peppering Mercyhurst goalie Mario Perez with seven shots on goal and dominating possession in the middle of the field and in the attacking third.

The New Hope-Solebury defense was staunch, too, holding the Lakers to two shots, both errant.

Barile, who missed three weeks of the season because of a calf injury, finally put the Lions ahead with a laser of a shot from about 30 yards that nipped Perez's hand and went into the upper-left corner of the net with 3 minutes, 22 seconds remaining in the first half.

Mercyhurst elevated its play early in the second half, getting the equalizer on a Jose Abdala header 10 minutes in to draw even at 1-1.

Nine minutes later, Barile came up big yet again. This time, he drove the ball on the ground from about 20 yards. The shot went inside the far post for a 2-1 lead.

"It was crazy. I don't even know what to feel," an elated Barile said. "It's just indescribable. Never thought it would happen. Never thought it'd be a chance. Now that it did, it's great."

Junior Patrick Brennan iced it with a goal 10 minutes later for a 3-1 lead.

Abdala added his second goal with less than three minutes to go as part of a feverish Mercyhurst rally that fell just short.

The Lions were the better side throughout, save for a few moments in the second half. They put a robust 15 shots on goal, they attacked without relent, and their defense deflected countless balls in the box.

The Lions surrendered just four goals in the state tournament on the way to the championship. It was their third straight one-goal win. They finished the season on a seven-game winning streak, not losing since Oct. 13.

Barile's goals were his 11th and 12th of the season. He is one of 13 players who will return in 2012 in search of what would be the school's first three-peat.

Mercyhurst Prep 0 2 – 2

New Hope-Solebury 1 2 – 3

Goals: MP–Jose Abdala 2; NHS–Matt Barile 2, Patrick Brennan.

Saves: MP–Mario Perez 12; NHS–Jaxon Vallely 5.