Excited to be getting started with my second season as assistant coach at Souderton! I will be reporting all of the post-game scores and highlights for Souderton Girls' Soccer this year. If you have any questions or it appears that I have missed anyone on this email please let me know. For each game, I will reply to this email thread with the next game's update. That way all the scores and info are in one place for the whole season.

8/30/19
Souderton - 2
Downingtown West - 1

The Indians started their State Title defense as they hosted Downingtown West in the opening match of the 2019 season.

The first ten minutes of the game was nervy for both teams, as a few mistakes resulted in a number of half chances for either side. Both sides took 15 minutes or so to settle down and find a rhythm to help kick off the season. Souderton eventually found their footing, creating a number of chances off a consistently dangerous corner kick service from senior, Sarah Toche-Manley. The Indians' greatest chance came off a corner with 5 minutes left in the half, as junior Taylor Yoder headed the ball just wide of the post. Souderton ended the half with 3 shots to Downingtown's 1.

Downingtown really found their footing after the half time break, as they created a number of dangerous chances in the first 5 minutes. Souderton responded with a chance of their own, as junior Hannah Alderfer whipped in a dangerous cross into Downingtown's penalty area. The cross deflected off a defender and appeared to cross the line in a scrum of players. However, Downingtown's keeper emerged with the ball and no goal was given.

After Souderton's scoring opportunity, Downingtown pushed even harder to find the game's opening goal. Souderton goalkeeper Morgan Molyneux came up with two crucial saves with about 30 minutes left in the game to keep the Indians' hopes alive. With 21 minutes left in the second half, Downingtown found themselves in a dangerous position again, as they patiently worked the ball around Souderton's penalty area until they finally found the opportunity to smash home the go ahead goal.

From then on the Indians pushed for an equalizer throwing numbers forward. With 10 minutes left to play, junior Averie Doughty created space for herself and slipped a ball in behind Downingtown's defense for Alderfer to run onto. Alderfer, one on one with the keeper, slotted the finish into the corner of the net to tie the game.

Souderton continued to press Downingtown and their efforts paid off with 6 minutes left in the game. Alderfer intercepted a 6 yard kick and streaked towards goal. With a Downingtown defender close on her heels, she was able to slot the ball towards goal and past the goal keeper for Doughty to knock in Souderton's second goal of the match.

After a hectic second half that had a number of scoring opportunities for each team, the Indians were able to hold onto their lead and claim their first win of the season at home.