Mount Carmel trips up Key School

Our Lady of Mount Carmel boys’ soccer coach Andrew Ganzzemiller said he’s excited about having to play at home in the second cycle of MIAA C Conference soccer competition. 

The Cougars took advantage Tuesday afternoon, defeating Key School, 1-0, on Old Eastern Avenue. Stefan Esanowicz scored the game’s only goal in the 62nd minute as Mount Carmel improved to 11-4-2 overall and 6-2-1 in C play. 

Key is now 7-4-1 overall and 7-1 in league. 

“It was one of the hardest fought games we’ve had in a while,” said Ganzzemiller. “Playing on our smaller field gives us an advantage.”

Senior defender Alex Wildberger won a 50-50 ball just over midfield and found Esanowicz, who put the ball in the net. Senior goalie Mike Kranebitter stopped three shots for Mount Carmel.

Ganzzenmiller has a nucleus of 10 seniors he hopes will take Mount Carmel deep into the postseason. The Cougars, who are unbeaten in their last eight decisions, return to action Thursday at Baltimore Lutheran.

“I think we’re going to play better in October than in September,” said Ganzzemiller. “The second time around, everybody is coming to us. Anytime you can get on your home field, you have to take advantage.”