Neshaminy, CB West and CB East were winners in non-league girls’ soccer action on Monday.
Non-league
NESHAMINY 2, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1 (2 OT)
The Titans and Redskins found themselves locked in a classic non-league battle, and it was the visiting ‘Skins winning a thriller when Michaela Boyd buried a shot from 20 yards out. The play was set up on a ball from Jackie Ziegler to Deanna Lebotesis in the center of the field that was dropped to Boyd, who finished off the play with the game winner.
The Redskins needed some late-game heroics to send the game to overtime, connecting for the equalizer in the closing seconds of regulation when Gina Sexton scored in a scramble on the goal line after a cross from Ziegler.
“We held them scoreless until 30 seconds left when a scrum occurred in front of the net, and the player poked the ball away from (goalie) Maddie McShane who had her fingertips on the ball,” said South coach Betsy Bullock.
South took a 1-0 lead in the 69th minute when Mackenzie Ehresman scored with an assist from Lauren Ewell. It looked like that lead would hold until Sexton goal in the final minute of regulation.
“We told the girls in the beginning of the game – no matter what happens during the course of the game to not get down on themselves because we can always come back,” Lovelace said. “So our girls kept pressing and didn’t give up.
“Overtime was back and forth – both teams had chances to score. We missed a PK in regular play, which would have helped us.
“This win is just what we needed to carry us into our next two games. To see the girls not give up and fight until literally the last minute of regulation time is something every coach loves to see.”
McShane, who stonewalled a PK at the end of regulation, had nine saves for the Titans. For the Redskins, Victoria Smith and Riley Spangler combined for three saves.
“Both of our keepers were a presence in the back,” Lovelace said. “Victoria Smith had a huge save at the end of the first half that helped keep it tied at 0-0 going into the second half.”
The Redskins’ coach credited the strong play of Michaela Boyd, Deanna Lebotesis, Fiona McDonald, Alyssa Porter, Kristin Curley and Gina Sexton.
Neshaminy (4-3-1, 2-1-1 SOL) will travel to Harry S Truman on Tuesday, and Central Bucks South (4-2-1, 2-1-1) will be on the road at North Penn on Tuesday.
Neshaminy 0-1-0-1 2
Central Bucks South 0-1-0-0 1
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 3, ABINGTON 0
The Patriots found the net with a goal that turned out to be the game winner in the 21st minute when Julie Beedle scored on a breakaway, using slotted ball from Ali Hamilton. They took that 1-0 lead into halftime and added a pair in the second half.
Midway through the second half, it was the Patriots’ second effort off a corner kick assisted by Ashley Balderson that resulted in a goal by Katie Bloom. Beedle put the finishing touches on the win, capitalizing on a through ball from Izzy Hunter to score her second goal in the 79th minute.
“Abington did a really nice job of having us chase the game a bit, but we were finally able to solve their very good back defensive line. (Abington goalkeeper) Olivia Oliphant did a real nice job today,” said East coach Paul Eisold, going on to credit the effort of his back four. “Katie Bloom got stronger as the game went on. Ashley Balderson was able to keep any serious quality opportunities out, Anna Bound and Marissa Place did a super job containing them out wide.”
Kristen Obetz recorded the shutout in goal for the Patriots.
“(We) had no answer for Central Bucks East’s relentless attack,” Abington coach Rick Tompkins said. “Kailey Horton, Issy Mugnier, Emily Friel and Casey Touey all had their moments, but it wasn’t enough.”
Central Bucks East (5-3-2, 2-2-1 SOL) will be on the road at Central Bucks South on Thursday, and Abington (4-6, 2-3) will travel to Bensalem on Thursday.
Abington 0-0 0
Central Bucks East 1-2 3
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 2, BENSALEM 0
The visiting Bucks scored a pair of goals in the second half to earn the non-league win.
It was a very good back and forth game on an extremely hot day,” West coach Chris Fehrle said. “Both teams played exceptionally hard.”
Arianna D’Elia used a pass from Allie Walsh to put the Bucks on the board in the 51st minute. Erin Fitzsimmons added an insurance goal, using an assist from Trish Hauck in the 78th minute.
Bensalem goalkeeper Alayna McSeed recorded 12 saves while Kathleen Rivera had 10 saves.
Central Bucks West (5-4, 1-4 SOL) will host Souderton on Tuesday at 7 p.m., and Bensalem (2-5-1, 1-4) will travel to Council Rock South Tuesday.
Central Bucks West 0-2 2
Bensalem 0-0 0
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