Pennsbury defeated Central Bucks East to capture the District One AAA title on Saturday night at Council Rock North.
By Ben Winderman
“Their defense was very good,” smiled Pennsbury junior Jadyn Peto, “but after the first goal we started to relax,” she paused, “and play Falcon’s Soccer.”
Falcons’ Soccer – begs the question…What exactly does Peto mean? We could ponder the process, but that might interrupt their celebration or, worse, surrender their secret.
Since it’s late and the season’s been grueling and both district finalists have battled through their share of tough competition, conditions, and even criticisms, let’s skip right to congratulations: Compliments to the coaches and their assistants, praise to the parents and their parents, and cheers to the students and staff of the schools represented.
To play for a district title is an unforgettable honor and to win a district crown is a thrill beyond explanation.
The Pennsbury Falcons are 2014 are District One champs, thanks to a hard earned 2-0 victory over Central Bucks East, who not only defend very well but represent the Continental Conference and clubs like Buckingham, PA Rush, Montgomery, Warrington, the Ukies, VE, and UGH (apologies to any unmentioned) with great class and courage. Does Cenbucko still have a squad?
In the 51st minute of play, Pennsbury keeper Kayla Kunde made a spectacular one-handed save on East junior Emma Loving’s shot that would have given the Patriots a one-goal advantage.
It was a familiar looking play during which Loving outmaneuvered three Pennsbury defenders and drove a shot low and far post, like she has done so often this season, like she’s been coached, and like she will do again on this stage and much bigger ones, but on this occasion, Kunde’s stop defined the 2014 championship. Falcons’ Soccer finds a way.
Minutes later and still scoreless, Pennsbury’s Uche Onuoha’s broke in on East keeper Katie Dolf, and the Patriots’ keeper did well to limit Uche’s angle, causing the striker’s shot to skid wide.
Both teams saw their best opportunity come and go, and the zeroes on the scoreboard at Walt Snyder Stadium shined with confidence. But this Falcons’ team: skilled, savvy, studly, and selfless was ready to ramp it up.
Amy Blazejewski struck a restart from 40 out that carried just over the heads of East’s defenders and just inside the far post. Just like that Pennsbury had the lead and just like Jadyn Peto said, the goal seemed to lift the Falcons’ trajectory.
Creative possession-oriented play coupled with brilliant marking by Pennsbury’s Meredith Webber on East’s #8 (Loving) started to define what Peto meant by “Falcons’ Soccer.” Rotating Webber and Abby Wick with great intelligence, Pennsbury coach Kaitlyn Battiste’s approach was working.
When sophomores Mary Webb and Caroline Foley connected on a corner kick with under 20 to play, the Pennsbury coronation was underway.
Like they had done in the semis, Rachel Beri, Karina Raykova, and Amy Blazejewski protected the shutout admirably, and more and more, Jadyn Peto found Webb, Engeland, and Onuoha in positive positions.
"It's a very different feeling,” explained Battiste about her champs. “They've spent a lot of time as the underdogs, playing an uphill battle. It was very different. I didn't know how the girls would respond. We said we didn't really want to go into anything with a target on our backs, but they have played with such confidence and such poise that it's been incredible. We've had so many different people step up.
“Jadyn (Peto) was out with a concussion and puts that away for us in overtime Thursday (against CB West). Amy Blaze – a defender – just ripping that shot. It's just awesome. So many girls to be proud of, and they play for each other. They love coming out here. It's been awesome. I'm so proud."
Ironically, Battiste’s last comment rang familiar to me. I had heard it recently from my colleague and friend, Patriot coach Paul Eisold, as he talked about his wonderful players: Abby Brown, Hannah Zach, Emily Horn, Page Weiss, Kristen Murphy, Danielle DeMichael, and Emma Loving (apologies to those unmentioned).
It is the mantra of many coaches and the essence of “Patriots Soccer” and of “Bucks Soccer,” (Congratulations to the third place CB West girls and their fans and coaches).
Play for each other– It is for all who coach, cheer, wash uniforms, cook pasta, drive busses, brave walls, referee (Nicky Z, Danny W, and Mustafa-my-man), train, contain, mark, grimace, groan, grow and give. It’s for folks at YMS, Pheonix, and The Fairless Hills (Pennsbury) Falcons – 2014 Girls District One Champs!
EXTRA SHOTS: The district title was the first for Pennsbury since 1999…Central Bucks West edged Council Rock North 2-1 in the battle for third place. The Bucks' got on the scoreboard on an own goal with Taylor Burke getting the assist. Jill Nolan (Mary Kate Vinkler assist) also connected to send the Bucks into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
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