Check out the comprehensive preview capsules for SOL girls’ soccer teams who will be in action in the District One Tournament this week.
For five straight years, the highest classification in the District I girls' soccer tournament has ended with a Suburban One League team as champion.
Neshaminy (2013), Pennsbury (2014), Central Bucks East (2015), Neshaminy again (2016) and finally Pennsbury again (2017) have give the league a half-decade's worth of trophies that's parlayed into several long runs in the following state tournament. Last year, for the second season in a row, three of the five District I 4A entrants into states came from the SOL.
Owen J Roberts earned the top seed this fall, ending a two-year run of SOL teams with the No. 1 seed. Still, the three SOL conferences have combined for 11 of the 24 4A teams, a 3A entrant and a 2A qualifier. In the 4A bracket, Pennridge, CB West, Pennsbury, Abington and Souderton all earned first round byes.
CLASS 4A
No. 3 Pennridge Rams (first round bye)
Once again, the Rams find themselves as one of the top seeds in the District I bracket. Last year, they saw their season come to a shocking end in the second round but returned nine of 11 starters plus plenty more key reserves off that side. A third straight SOL Continental title was nice, but the squad's eight seniors have visions of more.
- 15-2-1 overall
- 9-2-1 SOL Continental (conference champion)
- Regular season wins over District I 4A No. 5 Abington (5-2 Oct. 12), District I 4A No. 7 Souderton (1-0 Sept. 17), District I 4A No. 22 Central Bucks South (2-0 Sept. 14, 2-0 Oct. 9), District I 4A No. 11 Council Rock South (2-1 Sept. 28), District I 4A No. 13 Hatboro-Horsham (2-0 Oct. 5), District I 4A No. 14 North Penn (3-2 Sept. 25, 2-0 Oct. 18)
- Strong and deep midfield unit led by seniors Ashley Groeber and Nicolette Harrison and juniors Chance Hendricks and Maddie Anderson can control flow of game in both directions. Defensively sound and offensively capable group.
- Senior keeper Mary Kate Levush directs speedy back line featuring Sarah Williams, Molly Groff, Maddie Angelo, Holly Harbeck and Lauren McIntyre.
- Forward unit led by Abby Groff and Lindsey DeHaven with Leah Malone and McIntyre filling in as needed.
- Will face winner of No. 14 North Penn and No. 19 Avon Grove
No. 4 Central Bucks West Bucks (first round bye)
While a late-season surge wasn't quite enough to get the Bucks into the postseason last year, the returning veterans, supplemented by a strong cast of newcomers, left no doubt this fall. West not only earned a first round bye, but it contended for an SOL Continental title and played an entertaining brand of attacking soccer.
- 13-4-0 overall
- 8-4-0 SOL Continental (Second place)
- Regular season wins over District I 4A No. 3 Pennridge (1-0 Sept. 12, 1-0 Oct. 4), District I 4A No. 12 Spring-Ford (3-1 Sept. 8), District I 4A No. 13 Hatboro-Horsham (3-0 Sept. 15), District I 4A No. 14 North Penn (3-1 Sept. 17), District I 4A No. 22 Central Bucks South (3-2 Oct. 18, 2-0 Sept. 24), District I 4A No. 23 Perkiomen Valley (4-1 Oct. 1)
- Senior captain Trish Hauck is as versatile as they come, able to play as a defensive stopper or attacking threat up top or high in midfield.
- Twins Ryan and Erin Fitzsimmons have been catalysts in attack, as has freshman Taylor Moyer in the midfield. Senior Alex Craine is the team's steady presence up top while Tori Albrecht has been a threat with shooting and restart services.
- Megan Gallagher, Keely McGlone and Arianna D'Elia hold down the back in front of keeper Jenna Abaza
- Will face winner of No. 13 Hatboro-Horsham and No. 20 Avon Grove in second round.
No. 6 Abington Galloping Ghosts (First round bye)
The move to the SOL American really benefitted the Ghosts, who won the conference title behind a high-output offense that showed it can score with anyone. The defensive unit was a work in progress, but made some good strides throughout the year. Back in the postseason for the first time since a first round loss in 2015, the Ghosts are aiming for a longer stay.
- 15-3-0 overall
- 13-1-0 SOL American (conference champions)
- Regular season wins over No. 16 Upper Dublin (4-3 Sept. 12, 5-2 Oct. 4), No. 10 Neshaminy (2-1 Oct. 19), No. 13 Hatboro-Horsham (3-2 Sept. 20)
- Senior Camryn Lexow, a University of Virginia recruit, is team's catalyst in central midfield, capbable of scoring, set pieces and assisting. Abby Bautista has been solid as holding mid and senior Kaleigh Serianni has seen role increase later in season.
- Attack paced by speedster sophomore Casey Touey at striker and dynamic senior Kailey Horton at outside forward. Elizabeth Tracey is a threat from other outside forward spot.
- Keepers Liv Oliphant and Ashley Hopper have split time and success behind back line led by Arianna Mancini, Riley Crabtree, Emily Friel and Caroline Hughes.
- Will face winner of No. 11 Council Rock South and No. 22 Central Bucks South
No. 7 Pennsbury Falcons (First round bye)
The Falcons are the defending District I 4A champions and have two titles during the SOL's five-year streak. They've also won the SOL National the last five seasons, keeping up a run of consistency despite graduating some key contributors. A solid all-around team, Pennsbury knows quite a bit about winning in October.
- 15-2-1 overall
- 10-1-1 SOL National (Conference champion)
- Regular season wins over District I 4A No. 22 Central Bucks South (2-0 Oct. 19), District I 4A No. 10 Neshaminy (3-2 Oct. 18), District I 4A No. 11 Council Rock South (2-1 Oct. 15, 2-1 Sept. 17), District I 4A No. 22 Boyertown (2-1 Aug. 31), District I 4A No. 9 Unionville (1-0 Sept. 8)
- Christine Cataldo-Smith has been extremely effective in front of goal, leading the Falcons in scoring since the first game of the season. Evie Ciaccia has played a strong supporting role at the forward position.
- Keeper Alyssa O'Driscoll backs up a solid defensive unit – led by Ella Palmieri, Gianna Durle, Taylor Muller and Ashley Conlow – that has posted nine shutouts this season.
- Midfield has plenty of contributors including Rosie Bostian, Darrien Furiness and Gabby Zalot that work both offensively and defensively in a number of supporting roles.
- Will face winner of No. 10 Neshaminy and No. 23 Perkiomen Valley.
No. 8 Souderton Indians (first round bye)
Defending has been this team's calling card all season, as Souderton ended up with six draws and another win in overtime. The experience is in the midfield and back line, with a number of seniors and multi-year varsity starters in those spaces while a talented but inexperienced group has found some confidence up top.
- 10-2-6 overall
- 5-2-5 SOL Continental (tie-third place)
- Regular season wins over District I 4A No. 22 Boyertown (1-0 Oct. 12), District I 4A No. 4 Central Bucks West (3-0 Sept. 7, 3-0 Oct. 2), No. 22 Central Bucks South (1-0 Sept. 13), Philadelphia Catholic League No. 2 Lansdale Catholic (4-0 Sept. 22), draws with District I 4A No. 3 Pennridge (0-0 Oct. 11), District I 4A No. 14 North Penn (1-1 Sept. 10, 0-0 Sept. 27), District I 4A No. 17 Haverford (0-0 Sept. 29)
- Back line led by seniors Sam and Kailee Harwick, senior Miranda Kullman and junior Darby Kramer plus senior keeper Lindsey Pazdziorkio has allowed just eight goals all season.
- Midfield paced by senior duo Campbell Power and Sara Readinger. Both are skilled in winning the ball but also providing attacking threats and goals.
- Forward unit anchored by sophomore Averie Doughty, sophomore Taylor Yoder, senior Erin O'Keefe and sophomore Hannah Alderfer.
- Will face winner of No. 9 Unionville and No. 24 Harriton in second round.
No. 22 Central Bucks South at No. 11 Council Rock South
–Winner faces No. 6 Abington.
Council Rock South Golden Hawks
A state playoff team from last year, the Golden Hawks had a slow start to the season as weather and field issues played havoc on their schedule. Once they got matches to their name, the Hawks hit a stride and go into the postseason playing good team soccer with a confidence they can hang with anyone.
- 13-4-1 overall
- 8-3-1 SOL National (third place)
- Regular season wins over District I 4A No. 5 Downingtown East (2-0 Sept. 4), District I 3A No. 2 Villa Joseph Marie (2-1 Oct. 5), District I 4A No. 10 Neshaminy (3-0 Oct. 2)
- Balanced offense led by Sammy Jones, Allie Jones and Aubrey Hondros. Erin McStravock and Claudia Steinmetz have added depth up top.
- Solid midfield unit is technically sound and helps generate offense while winning ball defensively. Group is anchored by Karly Wunder, Madison McDowell, Kimmie Herritt, Sierra Tarantino, Lauren Smith, Dana DeDominicis and Maddie Ellershaw.
- Back line led by senior co-captains Carly Hickey and Emily Kavash at center back. Seniors Emily Helmich and Chelsea Jamison are both capable goalkeepers.
Central Bucks South Titans
The Titans have dealt with their own share of injury woes this season but have relied on a typically solid defense and unselfish attacking play. South does come in on a four-match losing streak, but played a very difficult nonleague slate to go with the SOL Continental schedule.
- 9-7-1 overall
- 5-6-1 SOL Continental (fifth place)
- Regular season wins over District I 4A No. 10 Neshaminy (2-0 Oct. 5), District I 4A No. 8 Souderton (3-1 Oct. 4), District I 4A No. 15 Great Valley (5-0 Sept. 17)
- Midfield is led by Mackenzie Edwards, Grace Tecce, Lauren Farrell and Meem Edwards.
- Emily Radawanski, Chelsea Nicholls and Caroline Serban have been some of South's top scoring threats throughout the season.
- Defensive unit of Dori McMenamin Kari Jim, Lauren Ewell, Amanda Krysko, Izzie Manella and Bridget Curtis Shannon Snyder has played majority of time in goal but Sarah Letizia has also seen time.
No. 17 Haverford at No. 16 Upper Dublin
-Winner faces No. 1 Owen J Roberts in second round
Upper Dublin Cardinals
Injuries plagued UD throughout the season, but the Cardinals got healthy right at the end and enter the postseason winners of three straight. UD has a nice group of seniors who are no strangers to the postseason scene either and their late-season surge gave them the edge in home field.
- 11-6-1 overall
- 9-4-1 SOL American (third place)
- Regular season wins over District I 3A No. 1 Strath Haven (2-1 Sept. 24), District I 4A No. 12 Hatboro-Horsham (2-0 Sept. 27)
- Veteran center midfield led by seniors Tina Haig and Lexie Moss along with junior Laura Pendleton sets tone on both sides of ball.
- Attack paced by forward Emily Booth and emerging wingers Anna Desch and Julia Eustace.
- Experienced back line anchored by Sascha Keitz, Maddie Sanders, Katie King and Kaitlyn Brown is solid in front of freshman keeper Rachel Adelman.
Haverford Fords
A first-year coaching staff has helped the Fords back to the postseason. A solid group all around, the Fords have a staunch defense and earlier this season played Souderton to a scoreless draw.
- 10-7-1 overall
- Annalena O'Reilly is a potent midfielder and part of an experienced group including Niamh Boyle, Lauren Hempel and Anna Mefford
- Britt Riegler and Rebekah Cunningham anchor back line in front of keeper Alison Durfree
No. 23 Perkiomen Valley at No. 10 Neshaminy
-Winner will play No. 7 Pennsbury
Neshaminy Redskins
The state runner-up a year ago, Neshaminy has played the whole season with the goal of getting back to Hershey and finishing business. An extremely well-rounded team, Neshaminy has adjusted to first-year head coach Renny Papendick and has shown signs it intends to be a factor deep into the postseason.
- 12-5-0 overall
- 9-3-0 SOL National (second place)
- Regular season wins over District 3 4A No. 2 Cumberland Valley (2-1 Oct. 16), District I 4A No. 8 Pennsbury (1-0 Oct. 8), District I No. 11 Council Rock South (2-1 Sept. 7), District I No. 9 Unionville (2-1 Sept. 1)
- Brooke Mullin and Kristin Curley lead the attack for Neshaminy.
- Mel Prinos, Gina Sexton, Michaela Boyd and Deanna Lebotesis have been stalwarts in the midfield with Carly Gross adding a spark as a utility player.
- Senior keeper Riley Spingler supports a tough back line that features Hannah Stonkos, Kelli Kowalick, Jess Deirolf and Alex Ziegler.
Perkiomen Valley Vikings
The Vikings have earned a much-deserved reputation as a defensively stout squad that doesn't give up many goals. This year's side just missed out on a PAC playoff berth, but they've again been solid in the back and won't be broken down easily after going through a tough PAC Liberty schedule.
- 9-6-1 overall
- 6-3-1 PAC Liberty (third place)
- Regular season wins over District I 4A No. 22 Boyertown (2-0 Oct. 9), No. 12 Spring-Ford (2-1 Sept. 24)
- Riley Hill has been stellar in goal all season for the Vikings
- Kat Kelley, Joanna Gorrell and Alison Devers are leaders on PV's tough back line.
- Pitt recruit Sydney Marasco is PV's primary scoring threat up top.
No. 20 Penncrest at No. 13 Hatboro-Horsham
-Winner will play No. 4 Central Bucks West.
Hatboro-Horsham Hatters
A new coaching staff and a talented group of underclassmen helped the Hatters make their first postseason appearance in six years. A core of juniors, sophomores and a few freshmen adopted a gritty mentality that's started with tenacious defense and opportunistic scoring. The Hatters made their mark by holding their own in every match.
- 13-5-0 overall
- 11-3-0 SOL American (Second place)
- Regular season wins over District I 4A No. 5 Abington (1-0 Oct. 16), No. 16 Upper Dublin (1-0 Sept. 5)
- Junior Cam Ryan sets the tone at defensive midfielder with Sophia Liott and Gabby Liott adding plenty of support. A tough tackler, Ryan is a wall in front of the back line.
- Defensive unit of Izzy de la Torre, Peighton Toale, Rachel Petrowski and Taliah DeLuca has been tough in front of freshman keeper Martine Royds.
- Kara Thomas, Emily Thomas, Mads Falcione and Maggie O'Neill lead an offensive unit that's adept at attacking from a multitude of directions with plenty of pressure.
Penncrest Lions
The Lions were a power in 3A, making states the past two seasons but bumped up a class with the re-set this summer. It hasn't stopped them from being a competitive side in the Central League and they're looking to parlay the last two years of long playoff runs against a new level of competition.
- 7-5-4 overall
- Sarah Hughes, Logan Morris and Kenna Kaut lead the Lions back line. Fullbacks Morris and Kaut are also very good at getting forward in the attack and on set pieces.
- Amber Wolfe, Julia Mullaney, Kara Mullaney and Gabby DiAntonio are among the notable scoring options for Penncrest.
No. 19 Avon Grove at No. 14 North Penn
-Winner will play No. 3 Pennridge
North Penn Knights
The Knights had a tremendous second half of the season and they rode that momentum all the way to a home playoff game in their first postseason appearance in three seasons. North Penn adopted a high-tempo system that sends waves of pressure at opponents. An extremely fit side, the Knights are ready to see what they can do in the playoffs.
- 9-6-3 overall
- 6-4-2 SOL Continental (tie-third place)
- Regular season wins over District I 4A No. 4 Central Bucks West (5-2) Oct. 11, Philadelphia Catholic League No. 1 Archbishop Ryan (1-0 Oct. 13), District I 4A
- Senior Lauren Ruth, a transfer from Archbishop Wood, has added more scoring punch to a opportunistic group that includes Liv Urban, Zoei Baines and Grace Sacchetti.
- Aggressive midfield unit led by Liv Jerome, Marissa Werner and Tia Sheehy
- Senior keeper Ashley Schmidt is a solid shot-stopper behind a quick backline paced by Josie Ruzek and Emily Schurr.
Avon Grove Red Devils
The Devils are snapping their own long playoff drought, making districts for the first time since 2005. A balanced offensive team, AG has played District I 3A qualifiers Strath Haven and Bishop Shanahan to draws this season.
- 11-3-4 overall
- 6-3-3 Chest-Mont National
- Jamie Perkins is a solid threat on free kicks
- Katelyn Enache, Annika Francke and Grace Puffenberger are threats in the attack.
CLASS 3A
No. 10 Gwynedd Mercy Academy at No. 7 Upper Moreland
– Winner plays No. 2 Villa Joseph Marie
Upper Moreland Golden Bears
The Golden Bears are back in the postseason but will have to contend with AACA side Gwynedd Mercy in a first-round game. UM's played good, determined soccer this season and used a team-oriented style to work its way back to the playoff picture.
- 10-8-0 overall
- 6-8-0 SOL American (fifth place)
- Regular season wins over District I 2A No. 1 New Hope-Solebury (2-1 Aug 31), District I A No. 1 Dock Mennonite (1-0 Oct. 5)
- Jaclyn Martino is a rock-solid keeper for the Bears, commanding her defense and also coming up with several clutch saves in every match.
- Attacking trio of Grace Burns, Emma Meakim and Kathryn Morrow have developed good chemistry throughout the course of the season. Sarah Veneziale and Madison Zachwieja have also shown a knack for scoring and setting up chances.
- Kaiya Herb, Megan O'Donnell, Maddie Gerlach and Chloe Leiter compose a tough-minded defensive unit.
Gwynedd Mercy Academy Monarchs
A junior-heavy bunch that got off to a 6-0-2 start, the Monarchs struggled in the second half of the season and come into the postseason on a four-match skid.
- 7-9-2 overall
- Midfielder Mollie Hanson is a presence in center of field but also an efficient scoring threat, especially on set pieces
- Cailin Panacek and Sarah White anchor the back line in front of sophomore keeper Grace Galbreath
- Attack led by Emily Meenan, Sam Berish and Grace Hirschman and supplemented by midfielders Maddie Mele and Peyton Palazzo
Class 2A
No. 3 Springfield Township at No. 2 Saint Basil Academy
– Winner plays No. 1 New Hope Solebury
Springfield Township Spartans
Thanks to an expansion in the District I brackets, the Spartans will get a chance to play in the postseason. Their opponent is a familiar one, as St. Basil claimed a 3-2 win over ST in the season opener, but that was nearly two months ago.
- 5-12-0 overall
- 3-11-0 SOL American (seventh place)
- Regular season win over District I 4A No. 16 Upper Dublin (3-1 Sept. 26)
- Samantha Wynne, Emily Smith and Annie Giampetro are hard-working key players for the Spartans.
St. Basil Academy Panthers
A state finalist in 2A last year, the Panthers lost a lot of seniors but have again held their own as the smallest team in the AACA. With a handful of key players back from last season's playoff run and now a full season playing together to their name, that experience will be put to use.
- 9-7-1 overall
- Forward Sophia Mahoney paces the attack for St. Basil as one of just two returning starters from last season. Liz Deal, Shannon Remolde, Delaney Gayton and Cara Hughes have stepped into larger roles after playing as key reserves last season.
- Aggressive defense led by Maria Storck, Tess White and Anne Marie Coates.
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