Players to Watch in PA Boys District 1-4A Final

Going into the season Lower Merion wanted a chance at revenge against Conestoga in the District 1-4A final they dropped last year on penalties after a scoreless draw. The Aces will get that chance today after booking their spot with a tight 1-0 win over Henderson and an overtime win for Conestoga over Pennridge in the semifinals.   Lower Merion has the edge on experienced with a lineup full of seniors, but Conestoga has reloaded with a team built for another deep post-season run.   Here's a look at some of the players to watch in today's final at Spring-Ford High School at 5 p.m.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/samnyenka-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62963" width="416" height="277"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='49229' first='Sam' last='Nyenka']</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='49229' first='Sam' last='Nyenka'], Senior, Forward, Lower Merion The West Virginia-bound forward will draw a lot of attention from the Conestoga defense, which could open things up for his teammates. He had to do a lot on his own up top against Henderson but he can still find a way into a game even when not on the scoresheet. Take your eye off him though and you'll be picking the ball out of the back of the net.   Diego Ramirez, Junior, Midfielder, Conestoga Ramirez has had a breakout season this year leading the Conestoga attack. He can score from distance, is dangerous on the ball and on set pieces and can be the X factor for the Pioneers today.   Crosby Johnson, Junior, Goalkeeper, Lower Merion Johnson kept a clean sheet against a Henderson team that had the better attacking chances on the day and will have a lot of work to do to limit Conestoga's swarming attack. Their speciality this season has been goals off set pieces, particularly on the long throw, but they also are unafraid to take shots from long distance and will likely do so early and often to test Johnson.   Cole Frederick, Sophomore, Midfielder, Conestoga Frederick was a standout in last year's state title run playing as a defender and starting in the state final but this year he's moved to his more natural midfield position and has shown a knack for scoring big goals like he did to beat Pennridge in overtime in the semifinal. He was marked heavily on the set piece but was able to score off a great backheel touch. He's also a danger from distance.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/diegoramirez-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62964" width="470" height="313"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diego Ramirez</figcaption></figure>   Elliott Holl, Senior, Midfielder, Lower Merion Holl opens things up for the Aces attack with his ability to slash through defenders with and without the ball. Defenders have to step on him and he's able to exploit defenses in 1v1s.   [player_tooltip player_id='168922' first='Brady' last='Costin'], Junior, Midfielder/Defender, Conestoga Costin delivered the game-winning assist in overtime and did well to limit Pennridge's offense going the other way in the 1-0 win with his two-way play in midfield.   Peter Miller, Senior, Defender, Conestoga Miller is a danger with his long throw and when he's on the other end of a play Conestoga has scored a lot of goals from again this season.   Thanos Daniilidis, Senior, Defender, Lower Merion The Aces have lost just once all year - to Conestoga - and the back four deserves a ton of the credit. Daniilidis was one of the anchors of the back line and was particularly strong winning balls in the air and clearing his lines against a Henderson team that looked poised to score first from the opening whistle in the semifinal.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/justinpoles-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62965" width="397" height="265"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Justin Poles</figcaption></figure>   Ryan Carella, Junior, Goalkeeper, Conestoga Given how little gap there is in talent between the two teams, this game could very well end up in another shootout like last year. First-year starter Carella covers a lot of the goal with his length and could be a challenge to face if it does go to penalties and he makes an early save.   Mori Rothman, Senior, Defender, Lower Merion Rothman will be another key player in trying to slow Conestoga's attack and defend on set pieces. He's also a danger in transition and on set pieces himself.   Justin Poles, Senior, Midfielder, Lower Merion Poles is another experienced player who brings a lot to the Aces on both sides of the ball. He's strong going into duels, can beat players one on one and keeps the team moving in the right direction.   Westin Fryberger, Junior, Forward, Conestoga Fryberger's height and length creates problems for defenses, especially off long throws. Adding to the challenge is that junior Kole Wintersteen is often alongside Fryberger on those pesky throws.

Going into the season Lower Merion wanted a chance at revenge against Conestoga in the District 1-4A final they dropped last year on penalties after a scoreless draw. The Aces will get that chance today after booking their spot with a tight 1-0 win over Henderson and an overtime win for Conestoga over Pennridge in the semifinals.