Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Friday. Wissahickon/Springfield Twp photos provided courtesy of Josh Stelzer. Hatboro-Horsham/Cheltenham photo courtesy of Diane Waeltz.
SOL Patriot/Colonial crossover
Neshaminy 1, Central Bucks West 0
Going to War Memorial Field and getting a win is a tough ask, doing it under the lights only amplifies the task.
“West came out very aggressive from the tap and played lots of balls into dangerous areas one after another at our defense,” Neshaminy coach Josh Van Reed said. “Again, the defense did a great job tonight of absorbing the attack and minimizing the opportunities throughout the game.”
The Bucks certainly gave Neshaminy a lot to think about as they tried to defend their home turf and send the visitors home with their first loss of the season.
“It was a really good game. Neshaminy is a good team,” Bucks coach Mike Moyer said. “We played really well. The first 15 minutes were pretty even.”
Interestingly, it would be a substitute player from each team that would have a role in their side’s best scoring chances.
For West, it was a mixture of some bad luck and rugged defending from Neshaminy that kept the host team from putting one away.
“We made a sub, and every time I bring Rian Detweiler off the bench, she seems to spark us a little bit. She had a great individual play right when she got in – created a chance for herself and missed an empty net,” Moyer said. “A couple minutes later, she got a ball at the 22 and hit a rocket that hit off the crossbar. We were knocking on the door all first half.”
On the opposite side, it was sophomore Bryn Taylor who came off the bench and found herself right in the mix with a chance to help her team.
“Bryn was playing up top in the middle and Paige Borkowski had advanced the ball up the left side of the field and played a ball over top behind the defense just inside the 18. Bryn arrived just before the keeper and made a really nice touch with the outside of her foot to put the ball over the keeper and into the net,” Van Reed said. “Bryn has good ball skills and sees the field real well and if she gets the opportunity she knows how to score.”
It was the only slip-up the Bucks made in the first half, but in a duel between two good teams, that’s often all it takes.
“We had a little bit of a defensive mixup that allowed one of their forwards to get in behind us. She made us pay, and we were down 1-0, but I thought we had some better chances,” Moyer said. “Jules (Broskey) made a couple of great saves for us, and we went in the half down 1-0.”
The Bucks got even more aggressive after halftime and put the pressure on Neshaminy.
“In the second half, we made a couple of changes. I was able to get Kate (Weyer) up in the play a little bit, and out of the 40 minutes, I think we were in their half 35 of them. We dominated the second half,” Moyer said. “For the last 14 minutes of the game, we played with four up top and only three in the back. We played really well. I was really proud of this effort, but hats off to Neshaminy. They got the win, they did what they had to do.”
For Neshaminy, that meant leaning heavily on a defense that’s allowed just five goals all year. Carly Hock-Smith, Alexis Ocasio, Taylor Maxwell, Paige Borkowski have formed a robust backline that’s helped post eight shutouts in 11 tries in front of Hannah Labadie.
“Hannah Labadie had been solid and stepping up when called upon each game and had to make a couple of very good saves to keep the clean sheet tonight,” Van Reed said. “The defenders have been so consistent, they communicate well, cover back for each other and continue to improve. We’ve seen very fast and aggressive play from a lot of teams lately and the girls have done an amazing job.”
Neshaminy went a perfect 6-0 against the SOL Colonial and allowed just one goal in crossover play.
CB West (8-5, 7-5 SOL) hosts Central Bucks East in the annual Kick For Pink Game at 7pm on Monday. Neshaminy (10-0-1, 9-0-1) travels to Unionville at 4pm on Oct. 6.
NESHAMINY 1 0 – 1
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0 0 – 0
Goals; N – Bryn Taylor
Central Bucks East 1, Council Rock North 0
After seeing their four-match win streak snapped by Neshaminy on Wednesday, the Patriots were eager to get back on the pitch.
East had to adjust to playing on grass, but that wasn’t enough to slow down Cam Williams. The senior’s early goal was enough thanks to a strong effort from the Patriots’ defense.
“Beyond proud of our kids for how they handled this game and the level of intensity and maturity they brought into it. We left our game against Neshaminy with a bit of frustration, and this was such a positive response,” East coach Jake Nesteruk said. “We knew this game was going to be a tough one. Gavin (Flannigan) is one of the best coaches around, so they are prepared incredibly well and his kids are dangerous, so we knew we had to start this game on the right foot.”
Williams, a Seton Hall commit, has been a fulcrum on the attacking end all season whether it’s scoring goals or setting them up with a keen passing eye. On Friday, it was her clinical finishing on display.
“Goal came early in the first half off of a great ball in behind from Mikayla Gray into Camryn Williams. Cam was able to get to the endline to the left of the goal, cut back, and ripped a ball to the right side netting,” Nesteruk said. “When you are fortunate to get a lead early, it makes the game a bit easier. The intensity we started with set the standard for the remaining portion of the game.”
CR North is a difficult team to defend, with speed, skill and strength all over the field. For East, which doesn’t play many matches on grass, turned to a back line that’s surrendered just one goal in the last five outings and is coming together as a unit.
“It wasn’t the prettiest of games from us, but our group had such a bite to how we pressed, found ways to create a few really good opportunities, and defended a very good attacking side with a real level of focus,” Nesteruk said. “Chantal van Dongeren and Grace Craig were lights out today. Two of the best games I’ve ever seen from those positions against incredibly dangerous wide players and Brooke Roumy and Sophie Schorn anchored us so well. Really thrilled for that group to earn the shutout.”
East posted a 4-2 record in crossover play but won’t have much time to dwell on it with a quick turnaround for its biggest game of the season.
“The season moves so quickly and credit to our seniors, they have driven the group to balance having a short-term memory and moving on from tough moments and addressing the areas we need to improve, and made it happen. That’s the best thing you can ask for as a coach. Our eyes are towards a very tough West game.”
CB East (9-4, 7-4 SOL) visits Central Bucks West in the annual Kick for Pink Game at 7pm on Monday. CR North (7-4-1, 6-4-1) hosts Villa Joseph Marie at 7 on Monday.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 1 0 – 1
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 0 – 0
Goals; CBE – Camryn Williams
Central Bucks South 2, Pennsbury 1
The Titans have found their confidence in front of goal and it’s starting to spread throughout the entire formation.
South won its third straight on Friday, having out-scored opponents 14-1 since a four-game streak of shutout losses. The contest against the Falcons tested that newfound confidence however.
“As a team, we didn’t give up or panic when we got scored on. That was huge for us because we’ve been focusing on that all season,” South coach Gabbie Nolan said. “The leadership showed today from our captains Kristen Conway, Gab Coulon, Holly Joseph, Mary Nangleand Allison Sauers.”
Joseph helped set the pace, opening the scoring about five minutes in with an assist from freshman Riley Karpinski.
“It was a cross from the right side and Holly headed it in,” Nolan said. “It was a really great finish.”
Taking the 1-0 lead to the half, the Titans returned the favor to Pennsbury early in the second half with the visitors leveling the score at 1-1.
Karpinski was a catalyst in the attack and scored what proved to be the game-winner on a tremendous individual effort when she struck a corner kick that curled in over the keeper.
“She found a way to beat her defender to give us opportunities- both crosses and shots,” Nolan said. “She works very hard to create offensive chances for us.”
South’s defense has been solid throughout the season, even in the losses so given a second chance to protect a lead on Friday, the Titans didn’t let it go to waste.
“Today’s game was really good for us because we have been in so many close games and haven’t gotten the results we wanted,” Nolan said. “Today was a close game and we found a way to come out on top.”
CB South (6-6, 5-6 SOL) will host Gwynedd Mercy Academy at 7pm on Monday. Pennsbury (3-7-2, 3-7-0) visits Neshaminy at 3:30 on Oct. 7.
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1 1 – 2
PENNSBURY 0 1 – 1
Goals: CBS – Holly Joseph, Riley Karpinski
North Penn 7, Harry S Truman 0
The Knights have seen a lot of different players putting in positive work without it reflecting on the scoreboard.
Friday, some of that work was rewarded with an all-around solid team win over the visiting Tigers.
“It was a great team effort and we were able to get a lot of good contributions from a bunch of different girls,” Knights coach Mike Rio said.
Andie Salmon led the way with a hat trick, scoring one in the first half off an assist from Izzy Kee. Kee also had an assist on Maddy Murphy’s first half goal and Lily McGee added the third with an assist from Kayla Balislisa for a 3-0 halftime advantage.
“The second half started strong with Abby Plaugher scoring on a great shot that went into the top right corner on another assist from Kayla,” Rio said. “We then had a great effort by Reyna Doherty who after receiving the ball from Kylie Holmes was able to touch it around there keeper on a breakaway and play it into the net.”
Salmon completed her hat trick after halftime and her second goal came with extra reason to celebrate.
“She got a pass from her sister Emmie Salmon which was a really cool moment between the two sisters,” Rio said. “Her final goal was assisted by Ellie Kriebel.”
Julia Kile picked up the shutout win in goal.
Rio also gave props to Truman keeper Carmela St. Hilaire.
“Truman’s goalie had a really strong game even though the score line doesn’t necessarily reflect that, she made a lot of really great saves and was super aggressive and made our girls work for everything,” Rio said.
Truman (0-10 SOL) will travel to Souderton for a make-up game at 3:15 on Tuesday. North Penn (3-8-1, 3-7-1) visits Pennridge at 3:30 on Oct. 7.
NORTH PENN 3 4 – 7
HARRY S TRUMAN 0 0 – 0
Goals: NP – Andie Salmon 3, Maddy Murphy, Abby Plaugher, Reyna Doherty, Lily McGee
Pennridge 1, Bensalem 0
Try as they might, the Rams couldn’t figure out a way to put a ball in the back of the net for 80-plus minutes on Friday.
Sophie Craig had a rocket of a shot saved, Joey Tomlinson and Liv Grenda nearly found one but everything Pennridge had either couldn’t find the target or was turned away by the Owls.
With two minutes left in overtime, Grenda finally got one to go, closing out crossover play with a win.
Bensalem (4-8-1, 2-8-1 SOL) visits Council Rock South at 3:30 on Oct. 7. Pennridge (11-1, 10-1) visits Quakertown at 7 on Monday.
PENNRIDGE 0 0 1 – 1
BENSALEM 0 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Liv Grenda
Souderton @ Council Rock South – Postponed
Due to a shortage of officials, the Indians and Golden Hawks were not able to play on Friday.
Souderton will host Harry S Truman in a make-up game at 3:15 on Tuesday. The Golden Hawks host Bensalem at 3:30 on Oct. 7.
SOL Freedom/Liberty
Wissahickon 5, Springfield Twp 3
At least it was something the Trojans had seen before.
Facing a 2-0 halftime deficit on Tuesday, something that had plagued Wissahickon early in the season, the Trojans felt differently about this one. It wasn’t a slow start or lack of chances that had put them behind, but two really good opportunities the Spartans had cashed in on.
A couple tweaks got things back in order and Wiss erupted for five goals in 30 minutes after halftime to get away with a win that didn’t come easily.
“We came strong, we created a bunch of opportunities and we played in their end a majority of the first half,” Wiss coach Chris McDaniels said. “We couldn’t punch the ticket and every time they countered on us, they created really good chances.”
McDaniels counted three counters from Springfield Twp that led to a penalty kick the Spartans couldn’t convert on one and goals on the other two. Sometimes, that’s all it takes, and on Friday, it was enough to put Wiss two goals down at the break.
“They have two girls up top (Kaleigh Evans and Alana Decker) that were very good,” McDaniels said. “They did a fantastic job. They had a two-v-two against Margo (Kasenchar) and Sage (Stelzer) and combined about three passes in a tight space and the girl finished it.”
The break after 40 minutes gave Wissahickon a chance to regroup and reset. Knowing Springfield Twp’s best chances had come off quick transitions, McDaniels switched some players around to put some more pace in the back.
“I moved Sage Stelzer to the back to handle their pace,” McDaniels said. “We felt like we had enough to continue to generate chances.”
The onslaught of offense didn’t take long to start coming for Wiss in the second half. Senior Kylie Friedman led the way with a hat trick including a penalty kick conversion. Lannah Werynski scored a goal and netted an assist on Friedman’s third tally while Sophia Stehlik rounded out the scoring for Wissahickon.
“We came out with the idea being that we had a lot more chances than them, but they capitalized,” McDaniels said. “We had an eye on being more clinical in and around the goal and did a nice job.
“They got one with about four minutes left to make it interesting but we saw it out.”
Naturally, the Trojans would like to eliminate the 2-0 deficits all together but at the very least they’ve proven they can make adjustments and respond. The Trojans went 6-0 in crossover play against the SOL Freedom.
“We have the talent and resiliency to bounce back,” McDaniels said. “This one wasn’t like the other ones. Credit to (Springfield), every time they crossed midfield they put us in pressure situations and forced us to really reconsider our approach.”
Springfield Twp (4-7, 3-7 SOL) visits William Tennent at 3:30 on Oct. 7. Wissahickon (10-3, 9-2) visits Hatboro-Horsham at 3:45 on Oct. 7.
WISSAHICKON 0 5 – 5
SPRINGFIELD TWP 2 1 – 3
Goals; W – Kylie Friedman 3, Lannah Werynski, Sophia Stehlik; S – Kaleigh Evans 3
Abington 3, William Tennent 1
With a double-digit goal total this season, Piper McGinley has established herself as part of the Ghosts’ “big three” offensively.
While she doesn’t quite have the goal total to match, Piper’s twin sister Harper has been just as key of a player in the attack this fall. Friday, it was Harper that helped turn the tide after Abington fell behind 1-0 to the visiting Panthers at halftime.
“She did a really nice job and Piper finished them off,” Abington coach Rick Tompkins said. “It was a very tight game, it was 2-1 until about 30 seconds left, our last goal came right at the end.”
A rampant run down the right flank early in the second half got the Ghosts back in the game and the twins their first connection, albeit through an intermediary.
“We started playing the ball to the wings more and part of the plan was to get Harper moving because she was having a lot of success,” Tompkins said. “Right in the beginning of the second half, Kara Slavin made a real nice run and over-lapped Harper.
“Harper took the ball inside, Kara stayed outside, got the ball from Harper then took it across and Piper finished it. It had to be within the first two minutes of the second half, it was a really nice goal.”
Tompkins figured out early on that Tennent’s Jackie Sowers was going to be a problem all game and he adjusted his defense to try and contain the Panthers’ versatile forward. Sara Kaeser got the assignment to shadow Sowers, no easy task but one the defender was up for.
“She was a handful,” Tompkins said. “We were playing sort of a defense zone so I said you just play her. She did a really nice job and Madison Oldham, wherever Sara went, Madison switched sides so they did a nice job making the adjustment.”
Harper and Piper McGinley connected directly on Abington’s second goal, with Piper finishing a pass from her sister to hit the 12-goal mark for the season to date. Piper added an assist in the waning seconds, finding Marissa Hellyer on the insurance goal.
“Strategically, it was a fun game but not so easy on my heart,” Tompkins said.
Abington (10-3, 9-2 SOL) visits Plymouth Whitemarsh at 3:30 on Oct. 7. Tennent (3-9, 3-6) visits Lower Moreland at 3:30 on Monday.
ABINGTON 0 3 – 3
WILLIAM TENNENT 1 0 – 1
Goals; A – Piper McGinley 2, Marissa Hellyer
Hatboro-Horsham 4, Cheltenham 1
The Hatters started fast and turned in a strong first half effort Friday.
“We possessed very well and communicated well today,” HH coach Kelsey Daley said.
Hatboro-Horsham scored two goals in the opening 10 minutes, the first coming when Cait Carpenter got to just the right spot to finish off a corner kick from Caroline Shegogue.
“Not long after, Emma Levin found the back of the net from a passing sequence starting with Sarah Roesing to Caroline Shegogue who found Emma’s feet,” Daley said. “Our third goal was scored again by Emma Levin who launched a shot into the side netting past the keeper.”
Levin had another all-around excellent game, scoring two goals and getting a key foot in on the Hatters’ fourth goal.
“The final goal was scored from a corner kick from Caroline Shegogue where Emma Levin flicked the ball to find Lily Harvey far post who was able to finish it in the back of the net for her first varsity goal of her career,” Daley said.
The fast start from Hatboro-Horsham definitely had the Panthers playing on their back foot, but the halftime break afforded a chance to regroup.
“In the first half we couldn’t really find our footing and played a lot of kick and run soccer. Being down 4-0, we had to regroup at halftime,” Cheltenham coach Leah Matusow said. “We reminded ourselves of the things we’ve been working on in practice: connecting on passes, communicating and using space. We went out and did those things well, which led to opportunities.”
Cheltenham didn’t win the game, but the Panthers could claim a victory in the second 40 minutes thanks to a well-deserved goal.
“We have struggled to find the back of the net this season, but found it today off a corner kick from Amelia Fishman,” Matusow said. “The ball bounced around a bit and Lily Crocker finished it. Unfortunately, we had another injury, but our team rallied and continued to step up.”
Regardless of the final score, the Panthers continue to give a consistent effort in every match.
“I’m proud of the leadership of our captains including Taden Versaw-Barnes whose voice continues to get louder as she leads our defensive line,” Matusow said. “Our team is having fun playing soccer together and we want to use this momentum going into next week.”
Hatboro-Horsham (10-0-2, 10-0-1 SOL) hosts Wissahickon at 3:45 on Oct. 7. Cheltenham (0-9-1)hosts Upper Dublin at 3:30 on Oct. 6.
HATBORO-HORSHAM 4 0 – 4
CHELTENHAM 0 1 – 1
Goals: HH – Emma Levin 2, Cait Carpenter, Lily Harvey; C – Lily Crocker
Upper Dublin 1, Lower Moreland 0
Slumps in soccer can be extremely frustrating.
It’s already hard enough to score a goal, but when shots aren’t going in, it may seem like the frame of the goal is moving itself to get in the way. The best way through is to keep taking chances, which is what UD’s Meg McMeel has been doing the last few matches.
Plus, it didn’t hurt having one of the team’s best passers back in the mix.
“Meg McMeel has hit posts and crossbars recently but with 20 minutes left in regulation, Regan Rubin found her breaking across the field and Meg found the back of the net,” UD coach Chuck Gesing said.
The Cardinals were able to ride McMeel’s goal to a tight win over a fiesty Lions side thanks to a stout defensive effort keyed by another shutout from Jordyn Levine.
“We defended the middle of the field really well and forced their attack outside. From there they didn’t get much,” Gesing said. “They rarely got inside our box and the few times that they did, Abby O’Meara and Emeline Bell were there putting pressure on them and contesting shots.”
The Lions faced their share of bad breaks in crossover play but have continued to battle through them.
“It was a hard-fought game. Our girls played well throughout,” LM coach Todd Hill said. “A game like that and it only takes one breakdown for Upper Dublin’s attack to put a goal in the back of the net.”
Upper Dublin (6-4-1, 5-4-1 SOL) will visit Cheltenham in a make-up game at 3:30 on Oct. 6. Lower Moreland (5-6, 5-5) hosts William Tennent at 3:30 on Monday.
UPPER DUBLIN 0 1 – 1
LOWER MORELAND 0 0 – 0
Goals: UD – Meg McMeel
Quakertown 3, New Hope-Solebury 0
The Panthers played a methodical and effective game to wrap up crossover play.
“Our ball control on all areas of the field was excellent today,” Quakertown coach Jon Gingrich said.
Mackenna Calabria converted an assist from Ashlyn Calabria for the lone goal of the first half.
The Panthers love to score on set pieces and that’s exactly how they got their second goal of the game and first in the second half.
“It was a great set piece goal perfectly placed by Carolyn Sipprell and a one-touch finish by Callie Abel,” Gingrich said.
Ashly Calabria picked up a second assist for the day, setting up Abel for her second goal of the afternoon.
Quakertown (7-5, 5-5 SOL) hosts Pennridge at 7 on Monday. New Hope-Solebury (2-10-1, 1-9-1) visits Cheltenham at 3:30 on Oct. 7.
QUAKERTOWN 1 2 – 3
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0 0 – 0
Goals: Q – Callie Abel 2, Mackenna Calabria
Upper Moreland 1, Plymouth Whitemarsh 1
The Golden Bears and Colonials just match really well against each other.
“It is always a competitive game when we play PW. Both teams show up with fire, and both teams play hard, and gritty,” UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. “Today was no different. It was a really exciting game.”
Aside from a slow start, the Colonials were able to go play for play with Upper Moreland in a match that stretched the full 100 minutes thanks to a late tally by PW.
“It took us about 15 minutes to match Upper Moreland’s intensity and physicality. We made a few subs and got our game going,” PW coach TJ DeLucia said. “We finished the half playing really well but couldn’t finish multiple chances. Upper Moreland scored on a counter attack and a miscommunication between two of our players.”
After about a half-hour of play, Upper Moreland found a lane and took advantage.
“Willow Taylor was a beast today. She received a ball around the midfield line, found Maggie Brophy for a give and go, beat two defenders and finished in the back of the net,” Benvenuto said. “It was a great finish and she showed spectacular composure in getting us the lead.”
The Colonials held their ground and for the second straight game, used the intermission to gather themselves after trailing 1-0 through 40 minutes.
“It was a frustrating halftime but we knew we could still get a result. We played very well in the second half but again, couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. Throughout both halves, we were called offsides countless times,” DeLucia said. “This is the second year in a row that UM has really frustrated us with their offsides trap. Last year, we were caught off guard by it. This year, we knew it was coming and were prepared. But, UM does it as well as anyone that we’ve seen over the past seven years.”
The Bears were prepared for an aggressive PW response and that’s exactly what they got. However, UM was able to hold up for 35 minutes until a foul late in regulation gave the Colonials a lifeline.
“We were fouled in midfield and Kate Yocum took the long free kick. It took a bounce in front of the keeper and junior midfielder, Abby Boegner, ran through the ball and to put it in the back of the net. The coaches and players couldn’t have been more thrilled for “Boegs”,” DeLucia said. “She is coming off of an injury, missed the first half of the season, and it has taken some time for her to feel like herself. Today, she was one of the best players on the field. At Tennent, we lost a key midfielder to injury so hopefully, this was the boost Abby needed to get her season going to where she wants it to go.”
Upper Moreland has seemingly lived in extra time this fall.
“In the OT our goal was to finish early. We have played quite a few OT matches this year, and we have become very good at executing our plays,” Benvenuto said. “We had a few really great opportunities, but couldn’t seal the game.”
Despite that, there were plenty of efforts worth nothing on the Golden Bears side.
“In goal Natalie Walton had five saves—she had some tremendous saves today and played a really consistent line in goal,” Benvenuto said. “Katie Slear, Devin Bush, Skye Kramer, Kylie Wiest, and Kyrah Favors had strong efforts today. Today was a battle and every girl on our squad played strong.”
PW had its six match winning streak snapped, but the Colonials are still unbeaten over their last seven with a 5-0-1 record in crossover play.
“Today was a missed opportunity but aside from the start, I’m proud of how we played and responded to going down 1 – 0,” DeLucia said. “We’ll need to dust this off and continue to stay confident as we head back into the Liberty Division for five difficult games. But, we’re excited to play meaningful October soccer.”
PW (7-4-1, 6-4-1 SOL) hosts Abington at 3:30 on Oct. 7. Upper Moreland (5-6-2, 4-6-1) hosts Lower Moreland at 3:30 on Oct. 7
UPPER MORELAND 1 0 0 0 – 1
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0 1 0 0 – 1
Goals; UM – Willow Taylor; PW – Abby Boegner
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