La Salle players proudly show the number three moments after winning their third straight Philadelphia Catholic League boys’ soccer championship with a 2-0 win over Father Judge Oct. 25 at St. Joseph’s University. (Photo by John Knebels)

By John Knebels • Posted November 18, 2025

Winning begets winning for La Salle College High School soccer.

The Explorers made program history this fall by capturing their third straight Philadelphia Catholic League boys’ championship. It was the program’s seventh PCL title in the last 10 seasons under head coach Tom McCaffery, a decade of dominance capped by a 2-0 win over Father Judge Oct. 25 at St. Joseph’s University.

A District 12 title soon followed with a 2-1 victory over Northeast, before La Salle’s season ended Nov. 4 in a 1-0 loss to Emmaus in the opening round of the PIAA Class 4A tournament.

While La Salle’s dominance was evident on the score sheet, one player’s evolution became one of the defining stories. Junior Brady Donovan entered the season as a winger – an attacking role he’d played for most of his career – before changing positions. To say he made the most of it is an understatement.

“Brady is amazing,” McCaffery said. “Coming into this year he was battling for a starting spot, and when the opportunity presented itself in the back line he took control of the outside-back role. For a player who has primarily played on the attacking wing, it was a bit of an adjustment, but he took it in stride and did everything we asked. It really shows his commitment to the team and his mentality to help the team be successful no matter what it takes.”

The coaching staff wasn’t the only group to notice Donovan’s impact.

Senior Shea Crawford, a first-team All-Catholic selection and one of the program’s all-around leaders, praised Donovan’s edge and drive.

“Brady is the teammate you want to have on your team,” Crawford said. “He’s an absolute dog and someone who plays the game right. The passion and heart he plays with is something I find very admirable. He’s one of those guys who would run through a brick wall. He’s an amazing leader who is going to be a great future captain for the group next year.”

Brady Donovan, center, joins teammates Aidan Scollin, left, and Sean McCook after winning the PCL boys’ soccer championship. (Courtesy Photo)

Donovan, a product of Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School in Maple Glen, said the Explorers entered the year with something to prove.

“We had a chip on our shoulder because people thought it was a rebuilding year for us,” he said. “We used that as motivation every day. Our goal was to win a third PCL championship and to retake the district championship. To accomplish both is an incredible feeling.”

Donovan, who joined varsity midway through his freshman year and helped secure the first of those three consecutive titles, knows how hard it is to stay on top.

“The PCL is one of the most competitive leagues around,” he said. “To be the team at the top of the mountain three years in a row, we are very proud of that.”

Even with an early state-tournament exit, Donovan said the team’s achievements remained meaningful – and the outlook for next year remains clear.

“It was a very accomplished year,” he said. “Next year the goal remains the same: win the league and protect our district championship. Once we reach that point, that’s when we start thinking about chasing a state title. But it’s important to take it step by step, goal by goal.”

Wherever he lines up on the field next fall – winger, outside back, or wing-back – Donovan says his mentality won’t change.

“I can play wherever coach needs me,” he said. “Wherever I can help the team win games, I’m down for it. Whether it (is) off the bench or in a starting position.”

With leadership endorsements from teammates, trust from coaches, and a proven ability to adapt, Donovan enters his senior year poised to help La Salle chase yet another layer of history.

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Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.