Check out the preview capsules for SOL girls’ soccer teams competing in the District One Tournament. Check back for recaps.
CLASS 4A
No. 5 Central Bucks East Patriots
The Patriots are back in the postseason on the heels of a stellar regular season that saw them claim a share of their first conference title since 2015. With a large senior class leading the way, East has been good in every third of the field and is determined to make a long stay in the playoffs.
- 15-3-0 record
- 13-3-0 SOL Colonial, conference co-champions
- Notable wins over Pennridge (1-0 Oct. 11), Central Bucks West (2-1 Sept 20), Council Rock South (3-0 Sept 24), Villa Joseph Marie (3-2 Oct 18), Neshaminy (2-1 Oct. 8) and Abington (3-0 Sept 3)
- Senior Elise Duffy has been excellent as the focal point offensively, with 15 goals and several more assists. She gets plenty of help from Cam Williams, Ashley Macomber and Chloe Strawn setting up and finishing goals.
- Strong midfield led by senior Eliot Forney, sophomore Sofia Mignon and junior Brooke Roumy can handle both sides of the ball from winning tackles to ripping shots to making the final pass for a goal. Gwyn Krystkiewicz, Issie Reid and Morgan Kelly have given good depth minutes off the bench.
- Defense is stout in front of senior keeper Skylar Gash. Center backs Courtney Curry and Olivia Kallelis are strong ball-winners and senior Meredith Black can get involved in the attack. Sophomore Chantal Van Dongeren is the only non-senior in the back but fits right in with the group.
No. 6 Wissahickon Trojans
The Trojans won their first conference title since 2012 and have performed at a high level after back-to-back losses out of the gate. A prolific offense has been the team’s calling card and the extra days off should benefit with some extra rest before facing a familiar foe in the second round.
- 14-3-1 record
- 13-2-1 SOL Liberty, conference champion
- Notable wins over Abington (3-2 Sept 14, 3-2 Oct 13), Hatboro-Horsham (3-2 Oct 11), Quakertown (2-0 Sept 27, 1-0 Oct 15), draw with Upper Dublin (1-1 Sept 20)
- Highly productive attack led by senior Pitt recruit Margaret Wilde, junior Kylie Friedman and senior Emma Baker has pocketed three or more goals on 12 occasions.
- Defense led by center backs Margo Kasenchar and Serena Harris and flanked by Natalie Ryan and Sage Stelzer, who also contribute a lot going forward in attack. Freshman Olivia Lore has been solid in goal.
- Midfield is hard-working, led by senior Anna May in the holding role. Lucy Greenstein, Alexis Hobson and Lannah Werynski provide ball-winning and connective passing.
No. 24 Council Rock South at No. 9 Pennridge Rams
It’s a rematch of a regular season meeting between the teams, which the Rams took 5-0 but the Hawks have been in form since then, winning seven of eight to close the season. Pennridge was knocked out of a bye on the last day of the regular season but is still the team to beat as last year’s District 1 and PIAA champions while CR South is hoping to make its late season surge continue.
Winner faces: No. 8 West Chester Henderson
Pennridge Rams
- 15-3-0 record
- 12-3-0 SOL Colonial, conference co-champions
- Notable wins over CB East (2-1 Sept 9), Quakertown (5-0 Sept 11), Neshaminy (5-0 Sept 30), CB West (3-0 Oct 1), CR South (5-0 Oct 4)
- Forward brings plenty of pace and experience led by seniors Leah Malone and Emily Kriney. Sophomore Tori Angelo provides energy while junior Joey Tomlinson is a spark off the bench.
- Midfield is a strength when fully healthy. Sophomore Liv Grenda is a game-changer, while senior Riley Hepler is a dynamic threat, sophomore Sophie Craig fills many roles and sophomores Hannah and Haley Primwhere have provided depth all season.
- Young but stout defense led by sophomores Anna Croyle, Lindsey Balmer and Casey Malone plus freshman Lauren Murphy has yet to allow more than one goal in a game. Senior keeper Sierra Shaeffer has 12 shutouts on the season.
Council Rock South Golden Hawks
- 10-6-1 record
- 9-6-1 SOL Patriot
- Notable wins over Council Rock North (2-1 Sept 15), Neshaminy (1-0 Oct 11) and Hatboro-Horsham (3-0 Oct 22)
- Defense has solidified behind Kim Speiser, Emily Davis, Dana DeDominicis, Jenna Waterman and Kennedy Kuechler. First-year goalkeeper Karissa Smedley is a great athlete and has kept the Hawks in many games.
- Solid midfield group led by sophomores Lily Bross and Zoe Brossman also includes Kylee Bamberger, Skyler Scarborough, Reghan Mudie and Maddie Deal. Group is adept at putting the ball in the net or in the right place for a teammate to do the same.
- Cam Blatz and Kathryn O’Kane have played extremely well off each other up top. Blatz, a sophomore, has raised her level of play during the final stretch of the season.
No. 22 Hatboro-Horsham at No. 11 Upper Dublin
The Cardinals swept the Hatters in the regular season, but both games were one-goal outcomes that could have gone the other way. It’s a familiar route in this part of the bracket, with the winner moving on to play SOL Liberty winner Wissahickon in the second round. UD has experienced a bounce-back season behind a robust defense while the Hatters are looking to recover from some late-season inconsistency.
Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals
- 12-3-3 record
- 12-2-2 SOL Liberty
- Notable wins over Wissahickon (3-2 Oct 18), Hatboro-Horsham (1-0 Sept 22, 3-2 Oct 21), Abington (1-0 Oct 11) and draws with Wissahickon (1-1 Sept 20), Methacton (0-0 Sept 3) and Quakertown (0-0 Sept 13)
- Stalwart defensive group has allowed multiple goals on just six occasions. Senior keeper Rachel Adelman is a four-year starter behind a strong group of seniors Bliss Brenner and Maddie Amoia, freshman Erin Seabrook and junior Emeline Bell. Freshman Abby O’Meara also featured in the back.
- Strong midfield led by junior holding mid Alaina Sanders and junior attacker Regan Rubin, who has more than a dozen assists on the season. Berkley Harmon, Geena Sarnoski and Olivia Hoffman provide width on the flanks.
- Front line is dynamic, paced by junior Alex Devers’ 16 goals and speedster junior Lili Kleiman, who has multiple hat tricks. Seniors Ava Constanzo and Katie English give good minutes off the bench.
Hatboro-Horsham Hatters
- 10-7-1 record
- 10-5-1 SOL Liberty
- Notable wins over Wissahickon (1-0 Sept 9) and Abington (2-1 Oct 15)
- Sophomore Emma Levin established herself as a top player in the conference with a breakout season in midfield. A capable scorer from the run of play and set pieces, Levin makes the Hatters go. Sophia Liott covers plenty of ground behind her as the holding mid.
- Senior Emily Thomas is a proven scorer while Mia Malofiy and Caroline Shegogue have come into their own offensively at the top of a formation that always seems to have somebody around the ball in the final third.
- Sam Hollish and Martine Royds have shared keeper duties while Abby Waeltz, Marissa Rapino, Bridget McFadden and Gracynne Smith have solidified the back line.
No. 21 Quakertown at No. 12 Central Bucks West
The Panthers closed the season strong to earn their spot at the postseason table and with it a trip to an old conference foe. It’s familiar ground for the Bucks but for their senior class, it’s the last chance to get through the district grind and grab that elusive state tournament bid. Two stout defenses clash in what should be a hard-fought contest.
Winner faces: No. 5 Central Bucks East
Quakertown Panthers
- 10-6-2 record
- 9-5-2 SOL Liberty
- Notable wins over Hatboro-Horsham (2-1 Oct 19), Upper Dublin (4-2 Oct 13) and draws with Hatboro-Horsham (1-1 Sept 20) and Upper Dublin (0-0 Sept 13)
- Strong defensive team led by defenders Lauren Harwick, Carol Sipprell, Angela Calvanese, Mackenna Calabria and senior keeper Madison Peacher
- Midfield does plenty of hard work on both sides of the ball. Madelyn LaBonge is a ball-winner while Kyla Frederick and Callie Abel have been a consistent source of creation on the flank and contributed to plenty of goals.
- Freshman Rachel McMonagle has settled in as a confident scorer at forward.
Central Bucks West Bucks
- 14-4-0 record
- 12-4-0 SOL Colonial
- Notable wins over Neshaminy (2-1 Sept 24), Council Rock South (3-0 Sept 28), Pennridge (1-0 Oct 15), CB East (1-0 Oct 19), Wilson (3-1 Sept 11)
- Veteran attacking core led by senior trio Taylor Moyer, Riley Corona and Shea Lubin has thrived all season playing off each other and putting away goals off each other’s set-up plays.
- Defense has been excellent in front of junior keeper Jules Broskey, who had a six-match shutout streak prior to regular season finale. Courtney Moylan, Ava Longo, Kate Weyer, Mariella Neri and Kaitlyn Dougherty aren’t afraid to mix it up on the back line.
- Midfield does a lot of hard work with Maeve Shiffler, Taylor Madden, Alexis Castro and Eva Wierzbowski taking a bulk of the minutes.
No. 20 Ridley at No. 13 Abington
The Ghosts emerged from the rugged SOL Liberty to a familiar position, hosting a home playoff game on the opening night of the district playoffs. The Ghosts had some ups and downs during the season, but when they play as a group, they’re a dangerous team. Ridley comes out of the Central League, which is always a gauntlet of league competition.
Winner faces: No. 4 Downingtown East
Abington Ghosts
- 13-5-0 record
- 12-4-0 SOL Liberty
- Notable wins over Lower Merion (2-1 Oct 1), Upper Dublin (1-0 Sept 9), Hatboro-Horsham (3-0 Sept 17), Quakertown (5-0 Sept 22, 2-1 Oct 21)
- Midfield trio of juniors Maura Day and Carley Slavin and senior Mei Mei Cheng is team’s engine. Trio all excel at winning the ball, moving it around and creating chances. Day and Slavin are team’s top two scorers.
- Defense has experience with seniors Caroline Hughes, Ashley Reilly and Lanae Wilson-Mattison and junior Anna Cleary with freshman Madison Oldham also featuring. Seniors Lannan Lare and Alexis Ditri share goalkeeping duties.
- Forward group is young but works hard led by sophomore twins Harper and Piper McGinley and junior Lily Gray.
Ridley Raiders
- 12-5-1 record
- Notable win over Avon Grove (1-0 Sept 7), draw with Springfield Delco (0-0 Sept 23)
No. 19 Spring-Ford at No. 14 Council Rock North
Two programs used to the postseason clash in the first round with just one moving on. CR North had a slow start to the season for several reasons but sent a message with a 5-1 run through the SOL Colonial and parlayed it into a share of the SOL Patriot title. Spring-Ford hasn’t replicated last year’s success, but the Rams still have Liv Curry, one of the best players in the state.
Winner faces: No. 3 Conestoga
Council Rock North Indians
- 13-5-0 record
- 12-4-0 SOL Patriot, conference co-champions
- Notable wins over Pennridge (1-0 Oct. 8), Villa Joseph Marie (1-0 Sept 18), CB East (1-0 Sept 30), CR South (4-0 Oct 13)
- Danielle Eden has been terrific in goal all season and she is supported by a stout back line, including Sara Tyler, Riley Hamilton, Morgan McCaffery, Kate Thomson and Lexi Fischer.
- Marlena Ries and Ella Needham are stalwart defensive midfielders for a solid group including Jayne Bogle, Taylor Fischer, Shannon Liedl, Julia Puckett, Julianna Lanigan and Alyssa Tyler.
- Mia Cairone and Taylor Brennan are both proven scoring threats, making it difficult for opponents to focus on just one to try and stop. Both have scored important goals this fall and have come through when their team needed them to.
Spring-Ford Rams
- 11-6-1 record
- 6-4-0 PAC Liberty
- Notable win over WC Rustin (2-0 Sept 3)
- Team led by Liv Curry, a senior standout at center back heading to the University of Wisconsin.
- Reese Kershner and Raven Wellington are experienced holdovers from last year’s district finalists, but the Rams have many new faces in their lineup. Claire Lanzisera, Sierra Miller, Regan Cleary and Molly Kennedy also are also featured for S-F.
- Olivia Neild has stepped up in goal during the season.
No. 17 Methacton at No. 16 Neshaminy
Neshaminy’s regular season went in three phases with a strong start, some bumps in the middle and a rebound into a strong finish to capture a second straight SOL Patriot title. The Redskins have good senior leaders, but also a lot of depth and contributors from all four grade levels and are embracing an underdog mindset. Methacton comes out of the always rugged PAC Liberty and veteran coach Brett Smith always has a sound group.
Winner plays: No. 1 Lower Merion in second round
Neshaminy Redskins
- 13-4-0 record
- 11-4-0 SOL Patriot, conference co-champions
- Notable regular season wins over Council Rock North (1-0 Sept 20, 2-0 Oct 19), Council Rock South (4-1 Sept 9)
- Deep midfield led by co-captain Carly Fox features playmakers like Paige Borkowski, Avery Papendick, Abby Collins and Mackenzie Metcalf. Group is versatile, changing positions as a game needs and gets some help from defenders pushing up in holding roles.
- Attack, paced by freshman Kylie Maxwell and junior co-captain Mercedez Paino, generates plenty of scores off set pieces.
- Strong defense led by senior co-captains Kira Bradley and Jordyn Fregia. Junior Alexis Ocasio is team’s set piece specialist and freshman Taylor Maxwell rounds out the unit. Keeper Hannah Labadie has been solid in goal to complete the group.
Methacton Warriors
- 11-5-2 record
- 5-5 PAC Liberty
- Notable wins over Springfield Delco (2-0 Sept 11), Spring-Ford (1-0 Sept 17, 1-0 Oct 12), draw with Upper Dublin (0-0 Sept 3)
- Twins Kristen and Shannon O’Brien are key players in the attack as scorers and facilitators.
- Sophomore Aubrey Beugard has shown a knack for clutch goals
- Goalkeeper Mairi Smith blends good size and athleticism between the posts
CLASS 3A
No. 9 Lower Moreland at No. 8 Gwynedd Mercy Academy
The Lions program has plenty of history with the Monarchs as a district playoff opponent, but this isn’t the same Lower Moreland roster from those BAL-AACA battles. Fresh off a conference title and without a senior on the roster, it’s an open opportunity for the Lions to make noise against a GMA team that’s battle tested from an always-tough league.
Winner faces: No. 1 Radnor
Lower Moreland Lions
- 11-7-0 record
- 10-6-0 SOL Freedom, conference champions
- Notable wins over Quakertown (1-0 Oct 6) and Upper Moreland (2-0 Oct 11)
- Sophomore Morgan Pennisi and freshman Nikki Sahl have grown into a dynamic forward pairing at the top of the formation
- Juniors Demmi Fox and Payton Lenno and freshman Kenna Rozanski control the midfield for the Lions.
- Sophomore Alesandra Malave has been solid in goal while sophomores Abbie Wasserstrom and Amelia Brown have anchored the back line
Gwynedd Mercy Academy Monarchs
- 8-6-3 record
- Keira Cassidy, Sabrina Beniquez and Caroline Drakeley pace the attack up top.
- Solid midfield led by Hannah Griffin, Kat Pluck and Halle Coller
- Ellie Verrill anchors defense in goal helped by Riley Morris, Alexandra Berish
No. 10 Upper Moreland at No. 7 West Chester East
The Golden Bears are making their second straight postseason appearance and third in the last four years. Opponents tend to figure out quickly the Bears bring a lot of energy and are relentless in pressuring the ball. WC East comes out of a Ches-Mont that had quite a few teams qualify for the Class 4A tournament.
Winner faces: No. 2 Villa Joseph Marie
Upper Moreland Golden Bears
- 10-6-2 record
- 8-6-2 SOL Freedom
- Skye Kramer, Molly Meakim and Annalise Messina anchor the backline in front of Natalie Walton.
- Willow Taylor and Kyra Favors have been a highly productive duo in the attacking third. Brooke Lobban has come on late in the season as a clutch goal-scorer.
- Mallory Roedig, Abby Engart, and Katie Slear commanded the middle. Reva Naik, Angelena Martino, Kylie Gaul and Mikel Lancit give UM plenty of energy on the flanks.
West Chester East Vikings
- 9-7-2 record
- Brynn Mullen and Molly Smeins have scored some clutch goals for WCE this fall.
- Sydney Slusser is a solid and experienced goalkeeper
CLASS 2A
No. 2 Springfield Township at No. 1 MaST Charter
The Spartans’ record may not show it, but they were a group few teams were eager to play against with how hard and relentless they are on the field. A smaller 2A field means Springfield will have to win just one game to move on in the playoffs.
Springfield Township Spartans
- 3-15-1 record
- 3-13-0 SOL Freedom
- Kaleigh Evans has been a consistent threat, with double-digit goals on the season. Alana Decker and Marlo Williams have played as solid complementary pieces in the attack.
- Tess Talbot, Shannon Meder, Maddie McDevitt and Sophie Williamson have controlled the back.
- Paige Robinson and Emily Smith along with Kalei Noonan fill plenty of different roles for the Spartans.
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