Check out Andrew Robinson’s recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action. Bensalem/Truman photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. PW/Upper Dublin photos courtesy of Kim Supko, CB East/Souderton photos courtesy of Tracy Valko, and Lower Moreland/Springifled Twp photos courtesy of Greg Zesinger. Check back for galleries of all four games: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/f405978483
SOL Colonial
North Penn 1, Central Bucks South 0
Things are a long way from settled, but there was no denying the value of this win for the Knights.
North Penn, which is trying to parlay a strong surge that started midseason into a playoff bid, got a big boost with a win over the Titans. Although North Penn came out ahead, it was far from an easy or safe-feeling victory.
"We still have two games left and we know the season isn’t over yet, but we know tonight was a big game for us in our pursuit of a playoff spot," Knights coach Mike Rio said. "I couldn’t be happier with the effort of the girls tonight."
It wasn't a great start for the Knights however.
"South is a strong team and they are really fast and dangerous up front," Rio said. "I thought we didn’t come out as strong as we could have, and they had a couple good shots that hit the post, but Sam Ridler did a great job getting the rebounds."
North Penn settled in and was able to see the first half out with a 0-0 scoreline. At half, the Knights talked about stepping up their pressure and defense to take away the Titans' time on the ball.
"We got our goal in the second half by doing just that," Rio said. "Paula Fernandez pressured their back line and was able to win a big tackle and get by their defender who pulled her down in the box.
"Maddy Murphy stepped up for us like she’s done all season and put the PK away."
After the goal, North Penn put in the work to defend as a team while maintaining the high pressure that had helped them get on the board.
"Sam had to make two more big saves off a header on a corner and on a breakaway, but other than that, we limited the quality of chances by playing really high pressure defense," Rio said. "I thought our back line played great, and the outside backs Emily Patkos and Jadyn Sperling really played well.
"They moved one of their faster girls to Jadyn's side and she did a great job containing her."
Rio also gave plaudits to Izzy Kee, who dropped back to center back for the final 20 minutes after an injury.
"I am just so proud of this team and the way they work and fight for everything. They have come such a long way since the start of the season, and it’s been really fun to watch their growth and development," Rio said. "No matter the opponent and no matter the score line, they always play hard and fight from whistle to whistle."
North Penn started the season with a young and inexperienced group. It's a sign of their dedication that those players are now some of the team's most depended-on contributors.
"I’m really proud of the four freshmen who played quality minutes for us tonight - Paula, Jadyn, Paige Gladfelter and Madi Morrow," Rio said. "They’ve been just constantly improving and growing throughout the season and continue to gain more confidence on the field."
Ridler's play in goal has also been an invaluable factor in the Knights' postseason push. The senior, who was a national champion with her club team prior to her junior year, has seized the role of a leader and exudes confidence to her teammates through her play.
"I also can’t say enough good things about Sam. I think she’s one of the best keepers out there and she’s just been so incredibly solid for us," Rio said. "She controls the box and lets our team play more relaxed knowing we have her back there."
North Penn sat No. 25 in the 4A rankings at night's end, with 28 teams getting in. CB South is No. 23 in the rankings.
CB South (8-7-1, 7-6-1) hosts Pennridge at 3:30 on Wednesday. North Penn (8-7-1, 7-6-1 SOL) visits CB East at 3:30 on Wednesday.
NORTH PENN 0 1 - 1
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0 0 - 0
Goals: NP - Maddy Murphy
Pennridge 5, Central Bucks West 0
Pennridge's Class of 2024 already has a remarkable list of accomplishments.
They've been part of the program's first-ever PIAA title, a District 1 title and another state title game appearance. In the SOL, they've been dominant as well and got to add more to that resume on Monday as they were honored on Senior Night.
All five goals came from seniors as the Rams secured the SOL Colonial title, their eighth straight overall division crown and the fourth for this crop of senior players.
"It was a great night tonight celebrating our 12 seniors, and the icing on the cake was a conference championship," Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. "This senior class has accomplished a lot in their time here."
Meredith Blannett started the scoring less than three minutes in off an assist by Casey Malone that saw Malone, the left back, find right back Meredith off her trademark long throw. Anna Croyle headed in a Sophie Craig corner, making it 2-0 before 10 minutes had expired.
Liv Grenda got the first of her two goals, assisted by Hailey Primwhere, in the final seconds of the first half. The Dayton-bound Grenda then started the second half with an assist to Tori Angelo before she capped the scoring off a second assist by Malone.
"That's seven of our 12 seniors getting on the point sheet," Anderson said.
Angelo, Blannett, Croyle, Craig, Grenda, Malone, Hailey and Hannah Primwhere, Ava Kiwak, Lindsey Balmer, Bryn Constanzer and Jenna Gagliardi were honored pregame before adding "four-time conference champion" to their list of accomplishments.
On top of all that, the night ended as the Rams moved to the No. 1 spot in the District 1 4A power rankings.
"It seemed fitting to do it on Senior Night," Anderson said. "It's such a special group."
The Bucks, who have been beset by injuries in recent weeks, gave some other players an opportunity to get extended minutes on the field.
"Mia Menard was brave in the back throughout the game and really established herself as a strong defender tonight. Courtney O'Donnell was great on the outside marking some of Pennridge's very talented attacking players," West coach Bree Benedict said. "Our best attack came from freshman Olivia Barrett down the left side, the keeper made a nice diving save to keep it out.
"Kaia Ward also put in a shift and really represented CB West soccer tonight. She's a relentless worker that plays with her heart, she takes hit after hit and just gets up and keeps moving. Really impressive character."
Pennridge (15-0-1, 13-0-1 SOL) travels to CB South at 3:30 on Wednesday. CB West (10-4-1, 10-4-1) hosts Souderton at 7 on Wednesday.
PENNRIDGE 3 2 - 5
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0 0 - 0
Goals: P - Liv Grenda 2, Anna Croyle, Meredith Blannett, Tori Angelo
Central Bucks East 7, Souderton 0
The Patriots' eight seniors have played pivotal roles in the program's success the last two seasons and they were honored for that on Monday.
Katie Bullard, Grace Craig, Lauren Curry, Sofia Mignon, Olivia Samkavitz, Julia Santanello, Sophie Schorn and Chantal van Dongeren were recognized pregame. Then, they got to go out and show off a little bit.
"Lauren Curry got us started with one of the best header goals I've seen in my time at East," Patriots coach Jake Nesteruk said. "Her sister Courtney finished one on a restart against North Penn a couple of years ago that was top of the list, and I think Lauren might've taken the top spot."
Santanello, who has been a consistent offensive presence this season, scored two goals to lead the way. An unselfish player by nature who would rather make an assist, the senior was still efficient with her opportunities on Monday.
"Julia Santanello just did her thing out wide and created a number of really good chances for others
and herself," Nesteruk said. "This game tonight was a full team effort, and I am proud of what we created and how we did it."
Craig also found the back of the net to round out the senior scorers while juniors Jessie Bernabe and Madelyn Hill, along with freshman Ava Mignon, also tallied for East.
East, which currently sits No. 6 in the Class 4A power rankings, will look to finish the regular season strong.
"Overall, this group of seniors is incredibly special. They are unbelievable kids on and off the field and we are really thankful to have seen them grow up to become young adults," Nesteruk said. "They are so focused on the program and doing things the right way, and each kid has played some part in the past two years and especially this year.
"They may make fun of their coaching staff a lot, but we all just want to keep them playing in an East uniform as long as we possibly can."
Souderton (2-14, 1-14 SOL) treks to CB West at 7 on Wednesday. CB East (12-2-2, 10-2-2) visits North Penn at 3:30 on Wednesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 4 3 - 7
SOUDERTON 0 0 – 0
SOL Patriot
Council Rock South 3, Pennsbury 2
A second half goal lifted the Golden Hawks to a Senior Night win on Monday.
CR South honored its 10 seniors - Cam Blatz, Lily Bross, Abby Rozengarten, Cailey Doyle, Jocelyn Badessa, Taylor Wohl, Gabby Bachmann and Jenna Waterman, along with the injured Zoe Brossman and Gianna Johnson - prior to the game. They also got to all take the field thanks to a kind gesture from the opposing Falcons.
"Our ten seniors all made impacts on the field to help secure a win," South coach Nick Heim said. "Hats off to Jenna Peters and Pennsbury for allowing us to do a ceremonial kick for Gianna Johnson and Zoe Brossman, two seniors who have missed the season due to injury. It was a classy move."
Once the game fully got underway, it didn't take Blatz long to make her mark. The always hard-working senior bagged two first half goals off assists from Bross and Gianna Kirlin, to give the Hawks a 2-0 halftime lead.
Kirlin would come up big again later, but only after Pennsbury had made a new game of it.
"Pennsbury came storming back, scoring two in the first seven minutes before a Teagan Shay goal from Gianna Kirlin was the difference," Heim said. "I thought Kirlin was fantastic for us tonight and is rounding into form with more varsity experience."
In what was likely their last time playing at home, barring some late-week shifting in the District 1 4A standings, the Hawks' seniors put in a performance that summed them up well.
"We’re really proud of this group. The running joke is they always have other extracurriculars before practice because they’re so involved in the school and community. Some are multi-sport athletes, others in student government, and others National Merit students," Heim said. "We always preach academics before sports as a student athlete and to see how involved this group is in our community is a fantastic example for the younger girls in the program to take advantage of every opportunity high school brings."
Pennsbury (3-13-1, 3-11-1 SOL) hosts Council Rock North at 7 on Wednesday. CR South (8-5-3, 7-5-3) visits Harry S Truman at 3:30 on Wednesday.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 2 1 - 3
PENNSBURY 0 2 - 2
Goals: CRS - Cam Blatz 2, Teagan Shay
Neshaminy 2, Council Rock North 0
It was a busy night at Neshaminy, capped off with a big win for the 'Skins as they continued to fight for a spot in the District 1 4A playoffs.
"Tonight was our Pink-out. I want to thank CR North for joining with us in honoring families that have been battling cancer from both our communities. Special thanks to the Barkann Foundation for allowing us to be part of their generosity," Neshaminy coach Josh Van Reed said. "And we were also graced by a special guest tonight. Former US women’s national team player Heather Mitts joined us to honor the families and share with the girls as well."
Once underway, the match played out with a familiar level of intensity and desperation for both sides. While CR North is in good standing to make the 28-team field, the Indians were trying to secure a Patriot division title.
Instead, it was Neshaminy not only getting a needed win as it hovers around the bubble, but also making the division race very interesting going into the final slate of fixtures.
"Tonight was like a playoff game, a game we needed to win. Our team has been building on each game both wins and through losses, but tonight we needed a result," Van Reed said. "I thought we had some really good opportunities to score in the first half, and CR North’s keeper made some fantastic saves all game."
Luckily for the host side, one of those chances did come to fruition before halftime but the lead was anything but safe.
"We got a good opportunity on a corner kick from freshman Anna Axenroth. She found Ava Hood on the six-yard line, who headed it home to put us up 1-0 before half," Van Reed said. "Still just half a game and we knew that North was going to come flying out of the gates to try to even things up quickly."
Instead, it would be Neshaminy grabbing a second goal early in the second half.
"Bri Garyah got behind the defense with the ball and the keeper again made a great save," Van Reed said. "The ball was knocked to the left and Allie Ortman finished convincingly on the rebound."
Both goalkeepers were busy throughout the night.
"Our keeper, freshman Alexis Barnes, made a couple of tricky saves for us to keep the clean sheet and our defense put in a lot of work to stop the final push from North," Van Reed said. "We almost got some breathing room when we were awarded a PK but again North’s keeper came up big for them and stopped the shot."
Neshaminy ended the night holding the 28th and final playoff spot with a lot yet to be decided before week's end.
"I was very proud of my team overall with the way they handheld the push at the end," Van Reed said. "2-0 is a lead that can be erased quickly in soccer so to hold on and finish the game out was good practice for playoffs."
CR North (10-5-2, 8-5-2 SOL) visits Pennsbury at 7 on Wednesday. Neshaminy (9-7-1, 8-6-1) visits Bensalem at 7 on Wednesday.
NESHAMINY 1 1 - 2
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 0 - 0
Goals: N - Allie Ortman, Ava Hood
Bensalem 4, Harry S Truman 0
The Owls came into the week with a goal of three wins and seeing what that got them.
They got the first on Monday as they try to play their way into the District 1 4A playoffs. Monday ended with Bensalem sitting No. 32 and the top 28 getting in, but there's still two matches to play.
"We controlled most of the game. Truman played hard," Owls coach Bob Crawford said. "Mary Beck played really well for us in the midfield."
Sydney McCoy and Michele Rodgers each scored and assisted a goal to lead Bensalem. Danika Roche, and Peyton Miller also scored while Ava Wilson and Vanessa Shay also added assists.
Bensalem (7-8-1, 7-7-1 SOL) will visit Villa Joseph Marie at 5 on Tuesday. Truman (0-15, 0-150 hosts Council Rock South at 3:30 on Wednesday.
BENSALEM - 4
HARRY S TRUMAN – 0
SOL Liberty
Abington 5, Wissahickon 4 (2OT)
Abington and Wissahickon's defensive units had both been playing well of late, so naturally their meeting on Monday turned into a shootout.
A standout effort by Piper McGinley, that included two assists and two goals including the game-winner, made sure Abington had the last say. It turned out to be a big one, as the Ghosts moved into a tie for first in the SOL Liberty after Hatboro-Horsham's draw put the sides level with 37 points heading into Wednesday's final slate of games.
"It was a fun game to watch if you're a soccer fan, a lot of good goals and we were fortunate enough to get the last one in (double) overtime," Abington coach Rick Tompkins said. "We could have won in regulation but gave up a goal with two minutes left."
The tilt was back-and-forth the entire way. Wissahickon burst out to a 2-0 lead, Abington tied it, the Trojans went back in front, then Abington scored two straight before Wiss got the equalizer late in regulation.
"We scored with eight minutes to play and should have been able to hold on, but we didn't and they got one to tie it," Tompkins said.
Fortunately for the Ghosts, McGinley was locked in, and the senior forward linked up with classmate Kara Slavin to deliver the three crucial points in the Liberty division standings.
"Kara Slavin beat the outside back, got her shoulder in, turned her hips and crossed the ball," Tompkins said. "Piper went flying through the box and first-timed it past the keeper. And of course, the girls went nuts.
"Piper was the star for us, she was really good."
Wiss coach Chris McDaniels gave the Ghosts props for finding the pockets of space against his defense and finishing chances.
Although the result snapped a four-game win streak for Wiss, the Trojans are still firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot. Lannah Werynski netted two goals, with Emma Greenberg and Ryan Matt also put one away apiece for the Trojans' scoring.
"Overall, I thought we competed really well. Werynski and Greenberg were dangerous whenever we managed to get them the ball in a good spot," McDaniels said. "Matt’s goal came off of a nice corner kick from Lila Marciniak."
Tompkins also gave props to Wiss keeper Olivia Lore, noting despite the high score that she made some quality saves in key moments.
Abington freshman Addison Doyle scored for the second straight game, while senior Maddie Egan also posted a goal and Slavin bagged a goal to go with her game-winning helper. Egan also earned plaudits for her work in the central midfield.
"She held down the midfield and she had a harder job today because they play a 4-4-2 and the two forwards are pretty good, so the backs had their hands full," Tompkins said. "There was a mismatch in the midfield, but Egan still controlled the play a lot."
Abington knows a win in its regular season finale gets them no worse than a share of the SOL Liberty title, but that only starts by tightening up the defense. The Ghosts know they'll have a home playoff game after that.
Wissahickon seems to be in a good place to get in, but a strong finish in their finale will only help to strengthen that.
"Chris has done a good job with that team, if they get into the playoffs, they're going to be a tough out," Tompkins said. "They play hard and they play smart."
Abington (12-4-1, 12-2-1 SOL) hosts Quakertown at 3:30 on Wednesday. Wissahickon (7-7-2, 7-6-2) hosts Plymouth Whitemarsh at 7 on Wednesday.
ABINGTON - 5
WISSAHICKON - 1
Goals: A - Piper McGinley 2, Maddie Egan, Addison Doyle, Kara Slavin; W - Lannah Werynski 2, Emma Greenberg, Ryan Matt
Hatboro-Horsham 1, Quakertown 1 (2OT
The Panthers aren't going out quietly and it just might be enough to make them a playoff team.
"Our team’s effort tonight was awesome," Quakertown coach Jon Gingrich said. "Going down early 1-0, we knew we had to fight.
"They were playing deep all night, we just kept the ball on their end, and we finally broke through with like six minutes to go in the game."
Senior Sarah Roesing, off an assist by classmate Kitty Randa, had the goal for the Hatters. The result dropped HH into a tie for first in the SOL Liberty with Abington ahead of Wednesday's regular season finale.
Neither team could find the winning goal in overtime, but even getting a result helped Quakertown, which sat No. 26 in the District 1 4A rankings and on the right side of the 28-team bubble
The Panthers could thank Rachel McMonagle, via a Faith Greenday assist, for that as the junior scored off the sophomore's pass for the equalizer.
"Our defense was solid all night, and they really helped us keep the ball on Hatboro’s end in the second half," Gingrich said. "Seniors Lauren Harwick and Gracie Maceri came off the bench and really played well, they gave us the spark we needed to get the goal to tie it up.
"Our team knew all these games have meaning and they came to fight."
Quakertown (6-8-2, 5-7-2 SOL) visits Abington at 3:30 on Wednesday. Hatboro-Horsham (12-4-1, 12-2-1) visits Upper Dublin at 3:30 on Wednesday.
QUAKERTOWN 0 1 0 0 - 1
HATBORO-HORSHAM 1 0 0 0 - 1
Goals; Q- Rachel McMonagle; HH - Sarah Roesing
Plymouth Whitemarsh 1, Upper Dublin 0
Senior Night was just what the Colonials needed to get back on the right track.
After dropping four in a row, PW got a hard-earned and much-needed win while giving their nine seniors their proper due. With the Colonials also battling for a home date
in the first round of the District 1 6A playoffs and hosting a Cardinals team battling to get into the field, there was plenty on the line.
"Before the game, we honored nine outstanding seniors: Abby Boegner, Devyn Cohen, Caitlyn Dinh, Chloe Markus, Haley O’Hara, Brianna Reynolds, Brooke Schoenleber, Emma Vuotto, and Meghan Wendler," PW coach TJ DeLucia said. "We were able to start all nine together which was really cool."
PW only pulled that feat off thanks to a selfless act from one of those nine. Caitlyn Dinh is a superb goalkeeper, but she let her classmate get the start in goal while she donned a red and blue striped jersey to play the field in the first half.
"Our starting keeper, Caitlyn Dinh played in midfield which allowed Chloe Markus to start in net," DeLucia said. "Chloe made a big save in the first 15 minutes to keep the game scoreless."
Senior Night always brings emotions, but as Dinh playing the midfield showed, also some crazy changes and unique challenges.
"Senior Night is always such a special night for the kids with a ton of emotion, but it’s every coach’s fear because we’re out of routine, lineup and rotation is juggled a bit. Upper Dublin came out firing," DeLucia said. "After about 20 minutes, we settled in and played really well to finish the half.
"The second half was back and forth with both teams having great chances."
Late game scenarios haven't been the kindest to the Colonials of late, but they got a bounce back in their favor on Monday.
"With five minutes remaining in regulation, sophomore Marleigh Burton put away a bouncing ball in the
box for her fifth goal of the season," DeLucia said. "Freshman Maddi Lazaroff had the assist on Marleigh Burton’s goal. It was Maddi’s sixth assist of the season, which leads the team.
"Maddi had her best game of the year tonight, but it’s been trending this way over the past few. We intentionally eased her into this season, and she is now really gaining confidence. I’m looking forward to seeing how she finishes this season."
Dinh went back to her usual territory in goal for the second half and came up with a couple saves to help Markus pick up the combined clean sheet.
PW had a host of strong efforts to make sure the night ended the right way.
"Senior midfielder Abby Boegner had a huge clearance off the line to keep the game scoreless. Defenders Brianna Reynolds, Meghan Wendler, Katie Lukens, and Haley O’Hara were terrific all night," DeLucia said. "An unsung hero for us this season has been sophomore midfielder Kaiane Jayo. The improvement she has shown over the course of this season has been really fun to watch.
"We ask her to do a lot both offensively and defensively. Upper Dublin has some really talented players in midfield and out wide and Kai was locked in on her job. She is really playing at a high level right now."
Sunday evening, the Colonials' team Instagram account posted a photo of the team out practicing in the stadium with a rainbow in the background. The reason they were out there to see it was a direct result of the nine players honored pregame on Monday wanting to be out there.
"We needed this win badly. We were on a four-game losing streak, and the last two we have lost in double overtime, and at Hatboro-Horsham in the most heartbreaking of fashions," DeLucia said. "I gave the team off on Friday but credit to the seniors, they wanted to practice Sunday night to prepare for Upper Dublin. So, to have a team that wants to practice at 6 pm on a Sunday night, is inspiring frankly.
"We put a game plan in place and to have it pay off, beating Upper Dublin twice this season, is a big deal for us. We have a ton of respect for that program and the job that John Topper and Chuck Gesing have done over the years. Upper Dublin played really well tonight."
UD (6-8-2, 5-8-2 SOL) hosts Hatboro-Horsham at 3:30 on Wednesday. PW (9-5-2, 8-5-2) visits Wissahickon at 7 on Wednesday.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0 1 - 1
UPPER DUBLIN 0 0 - 0
Goals: PW - Marleigh Burton
SOL Freedom
Lower Moreland 3, Springfield Twp 1
The Lions picked up a needed win behind a team effort on Monday.
While the victory still has Lower Moreland at No. 11 in the District 1 3A rankings with the top 10 teams getting in, every point matters. The Lions showed plenty of fight and
determination in picking them up.
Keira Hubler opened the scoring with a gutsy effort.
"We have been working heading the ball with a purpose recently," LM coach Todd Hill said. "Not only did Keira do a good job distributing the ball today from her headers, but she started our scoring by running through the ball, heading it over the Springfield goalie and into the back of the net."
All three Lions goals came from hard work and a desire to finish.
"Second goal was tenacity and placement by striker Valentina Sellecchia. Morgan Pennisi fought for the ball and after winning it, Valentina created a one-on-one with the goalie placing it in the back of the net," Hill said. "The third goal was some smart play between Amelia Brown and Nikki Sahl that led to a nice cross and finish by Shannon Mahon."
Facing a Spartans team that was ranked ahead of them in 3A, the Lions also had to be wary in the defensive third.
"Springfield has a really strong attack, our defensive line and goalkeeper Sandra Malave worked really hard at containing them," Hill said. "Kenna Rozanski had a great game in the middle, varying our attack and distributing the ball really well."
Springfield Twp (8-6-3, 8-6-3 SOL) hosts Cheltenham at 7 on Wednesday. Lower Moreland (8-7-2, 6-7-2) hosts William Tennent at 7 on Wednesday.
LOWER MORELAND - 3
SPRINGFIELD TWP - 1
William Tennent 5, New Hope-Solebury 1
Tennent had already secured an SOL Freedom title with its win last Thursday, so Monday was all about the seniors.
"This win was a true reflection of our seniors, the way they play with heart and determination. They were able to control the game from start to end," Panthers coach Elise Jara said. "Five of the nine seniors had either an assist or goal in the game."
New Hope-Solebury (2-14, 2-13 SOL) hosts Upper Moreland at 5:30 on Wednesday. William Tennent (13-4, 11-4) visits Lower Moreland at 7 on Wednesday.
WILLIAM TENNENT - 5
NEW HOPE SOLEBURY - 1
Upper Moreland 4, Cheltenham 0
The Golden Bears came out with the win, but the Panthers gave a worthy effort for their 10 seniors on Senior Night.
"We came out strong in the first half, and Cheltenham's goalie did a really nice job in net. We put quite a few dangerous shots on her in the first half, but we weren't able to connect," UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. "Kyra Favors continued to push strong in the first half and was fouled in the box. Brooke Lobban took the PK giving us a 1-0 lead at the half."
Cheltenham coach Leah Matusow has a strong relationship with her seniors, having coached many of them even prior to high school, so it was special for her and the class.
"We had a great environment to celebrate with our 10 seniors. Thank you to Ayne-Alem Arrington, Jade Carr, Addiya Chan, Sydney Holland, Elescha Pelullo, Ciara Rodriguez, Maya Schwartz, Tabitha Sterman, Amaya Washington, and Kennedy Williams for all you have done and given to this program," Matusow said. "I can’t say enough great things about this group of athletes who I have had the honor of knowing and coaching since seventh grade.
"We are all very proud of all they have accomplished and can’t wait to see what is next for each of them."
Getting the chance to play under the lights, the Panthers made it even more special with a nice crowd on hand and having local youth players escort the starters and play a halftime game.
"Upper Moreland is a strong team, and Lisa always has them well prepared for games. I thought we made them work hard for their goals tonight and it was definitely a physical battle," Matusow said. "We competed like we always do and our seniors, and team, left everything they had on the field."
The win was the third straight for Upper Moreland and the Bears are unbeaten in their last five as they battle to secure a first round home game in the upcoming District 1 3A playoff field.
"We re-grouped at half time and made a few changes in our attack, and possession," Benvenuto said. "We were able to pass the ball throughout our system."
UM opened up space with three second half goals.
"Two minutes into the half, Madeline Cox took a throw-in and was able to find Kyra Favors. Kyra turned and created the space needed for her to get off a shot. Kyra is an aggressive striker who works really hard for every shot," Benvenuto said. "In the 51st minute Maggie Brophy was able to find Willow Taylor. Maggie has really stepped up her presence in the middle and in her delivery to our forwards. Willow took a great first touch and was able to net her first of two.
"In the 64th minute, Brooke Lobban found Willow Taylor outside of the 18, Willow struck a rocket of a shot into the side netting."
Cheltenham (2-14, 0-14 SOL) visits Springfield Twp at 7 on Wednesday. Upper Moreland (9-7-1, 7-7-1) visits New Hope-Solebury at 5:30 on Wednesday.
UPPER MORELAND 1 3 - 4
CHELTENHAM 0 0 - 0
Goals: UM - Willow Taylor 2, Kyra Favors, Brooke Lobban
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