Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action. New Hope-Solebury/William Tennent photos courtesy of Tracy Valko, and CR North/Neshaminy photos courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for galleries of both games. All SOS photo galleries for GIRLS’ SOCCER can be viewed by clicking HERE.
SOL Colonial
North Penn 3, Central Bucks South 2
It seemed like North Penn’s Senior Knight was hexed.
The originally scheduled date last Thursday was postponed due to weather and moved to Monday. Then, another round of rain this time with some lightning, forced a delayed start to the pregame ceremonies and the actual match.
It was worth the wait.
“Sometimes after all of the senior night festivities the girls come out slow, but tonight they came out right from the start and scored a goal in the first five minutes,” Knights coach Mike Rio said. “Abby Plaugher threw it in and Audrey MacNair got it to Lauren Blanch, who slotted it by the keeper. It really set the tone for the night.”
North Penn has 12 seniors this year, so getting them all on the field on Monday took a little bit of finesse work and some unselfishness.
“In order to work everyone in, we actually had Audrey MacNair play forward, outside mid and outside back tonight, so special shoutout to her because that is a rare occurrence, and she has just given us whatever we’ve needed all year and always gives such good effort,” Rio said.
Like North Penn, the Titans are a group that has played hard all season but hasn’t seen the type of results they want as a result. Monday, CB South refused to go away by twice answering the Knights to tie the game and threatening again even after the hosts took their third and final lead.
“A lot of props to South though, they kept fighting and equalized twice. They worked really hard and didn’t make it easy for us,” Rio said. “They had a lot of good ball movement through the middle of the field that we had to adapt to and defend in slightly different ways than usual.”
After the Titans made it 1-1, the Knights were able to strike back and took a 2-1 lead to the break. While it was the senior’s night, it was sophomore Maddy Murphy who came up big for her upperclassmen with a few crucial plays.
“Our second goal was a cross from Maddy Murphy that Kiley Holmes was able to get on the rebound and put it into the net,” Rio said. “Just really great work rate and not giving up on the play.”
Once again, South came back and leveled the score at 2-2 with about 23 minutes to play. Around seven minutes later, a free kick opportunity would present the Knights a chance to go back in front and Murphy again put her best foot forward for her seniors.
“Maddy Murphy was able to get the go-ahead goal on a free kick from about 25 out halfway through the second half for a lead that we were able to hold onto,” Rio said. “It was a really solid back and forth game and both teams really left it all on the field tonight. Our girls really did a great job closing the game out and playing smart down the stretch to limit the chances South had to tie it.”
With MacNair playing here, there and everywhere else, the Knights were able to give the other 11 seniors ample time on the pitch throughout the game.
“Julia Kile played a strong game in goal until she was taken out due to an injury. The starting back line of Abby Plaugher, Jamie Webb, Kayla Balislisa and Reyna Doherty had a strong game in the back,” Rio said. “Across the middle Meaghan Fox, Lauren Blanch, Kylie Holmes, Andie Salmon and Sydni Schorn won tons of balls in the midfield and did a good job pushing the pace and creating chances on the offensive end.”
The Knights have turned it on late in the season, winning five of their last six. Unfortunately, their late-season surge won’t be enough to get them into the postseason, but they were able to close the home career of their 12 seniors the right way on Monday night.
“I thought they all contributed to the win,” Rio said. “Senior night is always a really important night for the girls and their families and it definitely becomes that much better when we win.”
Central Bucks South (7-10, 6-9 SOL) visits Pennridge at 7 on Wednesday. North Penn (6-9-1, 6-8-1) travels to Central Bucks East at 3:30 on Wednesday.
NORTH PENN 2 1 – 3
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1 1 – 2
Goals: NP – Lauren Blanch, Kiley Holmes, Maddy Murphy
Pennridge 3, Central Bucks West 0
Audrey Anderson wanted to see a little more out of her team.
Facing a Bucks team that was in must-win mode with its playoff future on the line, the Rams weren’t playing up to their potential through 40 minutes. Anderson pointed a few things out at the half and then saw her players put them into practice.
“We talked about our work rate at halftime, not waiting to see if a ball would go out of bounds but instead sprinting to make sure we could keep it,” Anderson said. “We scored that first goal because Tori (Angelo) did something she didn’t do in the first half which was sprint to see the ball out or keep the ball. It was a great job by her to take that coaching point and make the most of it.”
Angelo’s hustle was rewarded about 10 minutes into the second half. The junior ran down a ball that had slowed to a near-stop along the end line, keeping it in play and taking the opportunity to cut back inside and whip a tight-angled shot into the top shelf on the opposite side of the goal.
Not three minutes later, Angelo went after another ball and drew a foul from the Bucks for her efforts that lined up a free kick 20 yards out from goal. Liv Grenda took the kick, dropping a ball into the six-yard box that Lindsey Balmer was able to run under and knock in for a 2-0 lead.
It was Balmer’s third goal in the last four games, with the junior adding an assist on Thursday as she continues to be a threat for Pennridge at forward and fullback.
“Her versatility is amazing,” Anderson said. “When she’s up top, she’s not afraid. We can cross a ball in, she’ll run to it and make contact with it, and it was great she scored the second goal. She works really, really hard on the offensive side of the ball and it was nice to have her finish that opportunity.”
Last Thursday, Grenda took a shot to the face – more specifically the nose – that kept her out of the second half in the Rams’ win at CB East. On Monday, she had her nose re-set then told Anderson she was good to go while donning a protective face mask.
After getting the assist earlier in the second half, the junior would mark her return to the field with a terrific goal off a short corner. The quick restart saw Riley Williams lay a short pass in front of Grenda, who ripped a curling ball off her first touch that found the upper 90 on the far post.
“Liv coming back after a broken nose, she’s a trooper,” Rams defender Anna Croyle said.
The defense – which featured Croyle, Lauren Murphy, Casey Malone and Meredith Blannett in front of Seretha DeMoss – was again solid. DeMoss was strong in goal, making three saves and coming out a couple times to knock away well-hit balls by the Bucks on their set pieces.
Croyle complimented Blannett and Malone at the outside backs for their role going at West’s compacted defense and also cited the threading passes out of the middle that sprang a lot of the team’s runs going forward.
“Sophie Craig’s doing a great job playing those balls,” Croyle said. “She could have so many assists for us, I think sometimes her work goes unnoticed, but not by us.”
West ended the night in the same place it started, holding the No. 27 spot in the District 1 4A rankings. With 28 teams getting in this fall, the Bucks know they’re on the bubble and will have to watch some scores before their final game of the season on Friday afternoon.
The Bucks battled as always, with senior keeper Jules Brokey making seven saves and controlling the penalty box. Kate Weyer had a few really dangerous set pieces, Alexis Castro and Ava Longo got up in the air and Ashley Lott wasn’t afraid to challenge Pennridge’s defenders.
Senior Courtney Moylan is hoping for a chance at one more game and thinks her team’s efforts all year will translate onto the postseason stage if West can get there.
“The first five minutes we come out always have to be strong, I think most of our games we did that but in the games we didn’t, that’s what killed us a little bit,” Moylan said. “No matter what the end result is, we’ve given our all and always worked for the entire game. That’s always what we’ve lived by; as soon as we step on the field, it’s all business and our team has really followed that this year.”
Pennridge (16-1, 14-1 SOL), which sits in the No. 3 spot in the district rankings, is in line to have a first round bye. The Rams have one more game to play in the regular season and their eyes are set on the postseason and what they’ll have to do to keep winning when the stakes are higher.
“We’re in a good place right now,” Balmer said. “I think everyone’s playing well, we’re all healthy and working together. Everyone that’s getting in is trying their hardest and that’s what we need for our future games.”
Pennridge hosts Central Bucks South at 7 on Wednesday. CB West (9-8, 8-8) hosts Lower Moreland at 3:30 on Friday
PENNRIDGE 0 3 – 3
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Tori Angelo, Lindsey Balmer, Liv Grenda
Central Bucks East 5, Souderton 0
A weather delay couldn’t hold back the Patriots from opening up their offense to start the final week of the season.
East, which ended the night No. 13 in the District 1 4A rankings, is in prime position to open the postseason on its home field. It didn’t take the Patriots long to start scoring on the road Monday, with Jessie Bernabe and Elliot Forney pushing the visitors out to a quick 2-0 lead.
Bernabe added another goal before halftime and senior Cam Williams tacked on two goals, pushing her to 13 on the season, in the second half.
Central Bucks East (11-6, 9-6 SOL) hosts North Penn at 3:30 on Wednesday. Souderton (5-11-1, 4-10-1) visits Council Rock South at 3:30 on Thursday.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 3 2 – 5
SOUDERTON 0 0 – 0
Goals: CBE – Jessie Bernabe 2, Cam Williams 2, Elliot Forney
SOL Freedom
Upper Moreland 3, Cheltenham 0
The Golden Bears got off to a strong start and made sure it held up against a Cheltenham team that always plays a full 80 minutes.
“In today’s match, we stressed getting into a rhythm early and playing within our system to generate our offense,” UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. “Cheltenham’s record is no reflection as to the heart and drive they play with. Regardless of the score, Leah (Matusow) has coached her team to play through the duration, and they do just that, they play hard to the end.
“We were able to get on the scoreboard early, and by doing so had some flexibility in positioning and play. Today’s match was a collective team win, with contributions from all that stepped on the field.”
Panthers coach Leah Matusow noted the quick start was tough for her team to come back from, but she felt her team responded well after the first 15 or so minutes.
“We found ourselves on our heels to start the game. They did a good job of capitalizing on throw-ins and through balls, which led to their 3-0 start,” Matusow said. “Once we settled in, we played really good soccer. I liked the energy we had, the team soccer we played and that we took shots.”
Willow Taylor had a nice afternoon for UM, assisting the first two goals then netting one of her own to finish off the quick-strike efforts off the opening whistle. The Bears’ defense also had another stout showing, with UM in good standing for the postseason as the No. 9 team in the District 1 3A table.
“Natalie Walton recorded her fifth shutout of the season,” Benvenuto said. “On the offensive end, Willow Taylor was able to find Kylie Wiest on a through ball. On our second goal, Willow was able to flick on a throw in to find Brooke Lobban. Our last goal was off a corner where Gracie Cartin was able to find Willow Taylor, who headed it in.”
The Panthers are wrapping up their season, but they have one big game left on their home field on Wednesday.
“Amelia Fishman’s leadership and footwork was dominant toda,y and it was great to see her hard work lead to positive opportunities on the field,” Matusow said. “We held a very good team to a shutout in the second half and we are looking to take this energy into our Senior Night.”
Upper Moreland O8-7-2, 7-7-1 SOL) hosts New Hope-Solebury at 7 on Wednesday. Cheltenham (0-15-1, 0-14-1) hosts Springfield Twp at 7 on Wednesday.
UPPER MORELAND 3 0 – 3
CHELTENHAM 0 0 – 0
Goals: UM – Willow Taylor, Brooke Lobban, Kylie Wiest
William Tennent 1, New Hope-Solebury 0
Facing a Lions team celebrating its senior class, the Panthers leaned on their defense to come up with a good win on the road.
“A solid game by our defenders Erin Somerville, Jules Colella, Abby Meehan and Tori Dolt,” Tennent coach Elise Jara said. “They kept the New Hope forwards in check and did not allow any solid shots on goal, except for one in the first half when the score was still 0-0.”
That one shot did lead to one of the highlight plays of the game as the Panthers’ national champion goalkeeper was up for the challenge.
“They say a goalie needs to come up with one big save a game, and Kayla Kulp had that save for us,” Jara said. “It was a great shot going far post, upper ninety and she was able to parry it over the crossbar.”
Lions coach Matt Duffey felt his team played well and created opportunities but just couldn’t finish them.
“Big kudos to all of the seniors: Brooke McLaughlin, Margaret Tresler, Riley Marschall, Ava Marrone, Meeghan Griffith, Nicole Michael, Maggie Tritremmel, and Anne-Charlotte Arnould,” Duffey said. “They gave 100 percent for the whole game and made really nice plays. I am very proud with how much we have progressed this year.”
Tennent’s midfield pressure helped set up the only goal the Panthers would need in the second half. The match marked the Panthers’ fourth straight win.
“A lot of hard work by our midfield that caused New Hope to turn the ball over to Theresa Ditri who was able to turn and get a great shot on net,” Jara said. “New Hope’s keeper got a hand on it but it wasn’t enough.”
Tennent (7-10, 7-7 SOL) hosts Lower Moreland at 3:30 on Wednesday. New Hope-Solebury (3-13-1, 2-12-1) visits Upper Moreland at 7 on Wednesday.
WILLIAM TENENNT 0 1 – 1
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0 0 – 0
Goals; WT – Theresa Ditri
Lower Moreland @ Springfield Twp – Postponed
The Lions and Spartans will now play Thursday at 7 pm.
Springfield Twp (8-7-2, 7-7-1 SOL) visits Cheltenham at 7 on Wednesday. Lower Moreland (8-7, 8-6) travels to William Tennent at 3:30 on Wednesday.
SOL Patriot
Council Rock South 3, Pennsbury 0
The Golden Hawks managed turning a frustrating first half offensively into a pretty effective second 40 minutes to open the last week with a solid result.
“Looking back at our last game against them, and seeing their recent results, we knew it would be a game typical of this rivalry,” CR South coach Nick Heim said. “Pennsbury plays very organized defensively, and breaking down any unit Kaitlyn (Battiste) fields is a tough task.”
CR South buzzed around the goal throughout the first half, but between some nice plays in goal and missed communication or missed connections, the Hawks could only look up at a 0-0 draw after 40 minutes.
“We made some adjustments, and Adi Rakszawski gave us an immediate spark on the bench, winning a 50/50 ball and finding Cam Blatz,” Heim said. “Cam got endline and made a great cross that found Lily Bross in stride to give us a 1-0 lead in the first two minutes.”
The Hawks, who ended the night in the No. 10 spot for the District 1 4A rankings, definitely wanted to see Blatz get her form back in front of goal. Shortly after providing an assist, she went and got a goal for herself.
“Six minutes later Cam won a 50/50 ball herself and took it the distance, side stepping the goalie and slotting it home to bring it to 2-0 early in the second half,” Heim said.
Keeping the pressure up, CR South was able to extend its lead later in the half.
Karissa Smedley and Kiara Wysocki combined on the shutout, making two saves between them.
“Maggie Kane was able to find Cailey Doyle at the end of a cross to extend the lead to three,” Heim said. “We have spoken in the past about seeing out games, and today we did just that. We got a lot of kids minutes to start a three-game week.”
CR South (10-3-3, 9-3-2 SOL) hosts Harry S Truman at 6 on Wednesday. Pennsbury (5-10-2, 5-10-0) visits CR North at 3:30 on Wednesday.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 0 3 – 3
PENNSBURY 0 0 – 0
Goals: CRS – Lily Bross, Cam Blatz, Cailey Doyle
Council Rock North @ Neshaminy – Suspended
The Indians and Redskins had to halt their match at halftime due to lightning.
Play will resume in the second half with a 0-0 score at 3:30 on Friday.
Neshaminy hosts Bensalem at 7 on Wednesday. Council Rock North hosts Pennsbury at 3:30 on Wednesday
Harry S Truman @ Bensalem – Postponed
Bensalem travels to Neshaminy at 7 on Wednesday. Truman visits Council Rock South at 6 on Wednesday.
SOL Colonial
Quakertown 0, Hatboro-Horsham 0 (2 OT)
Darby Vail has continued to make save after save for the Panthers this fall.
Quakertown’s goalkeeper had one of her best games of the season on Monday as she and her defense held one of the top offensive teams in the SOL to just its second scoreless game of the fall.
“She’s been awesome all year,” Quakertown coach Jon Gingrich said.
The Hatters celebrated their Senior Night, but had to deal with a frustrating night offensively as they try to lock down an SOL Liberty title. Hatboro-Horsham currently has 37 points, while Abington has 33 but the Ghosts have three matches to play after their contest Monday was postponed.
“We had many opportunities but we either were just wide, hitting the post or Quakertown’s goalie was making some great saves for them,” Hatters coach Kelsey Daley said. “I felt we applied a lot of pressure we just couldn’t find the back of the net tonight.”
Unfortunately for SOL foes, Emma Levin isn’t a senior yet and the Hatters junior did all she could to net her upperclassmen teammates a win, Daley describing her play as dominant.
Daley also credited all her seniors for a solid effort on Monday.
“Senior defenders Abby Waeltz and Gracynne Smith played well in the back tonight to keep it a scoreless game. Senior Ali Hewish is just coming off an injury and gave us a lot of minutes and energy,” Daley said. “Seniors Cait Carpenter and Caroline Shegogue played well in the center mid and outside mid spot for us tonight, winning a lot of 50/50 balls and creating a lot of chances on the wings.”
Vail did her part and she had plenty of help from the players in front of her as the Panthers posted their third shutout in the last four games.
“Defensive standouts were Madison Taylor, Faith Greenday, Angela Calvanese, Callie Abel – who got hurt at the end of the first half, and Carolyn Sipprell who took her spot,” Gingrich said. “Our holding mid Carlee Roesner also was outstanding. What they did well was not getting beat on their through balls and we didn’t give up a lot good shots on net.”
Quakertown (9-6-2, 7-5-1 SOL) hosts Abington at 7 on Wednesday. Hatboro-Horsham (12-1-3, 12-1-2) hosts Upper Dublin at 3:45 on Wednesday.
HATBORO-HORSHAM 0 0 0 0 – 0
QUAKERTOWN 0 0 0 0 – 0
Upper Dublin 2, Plymouth Whitemarsh 0
What was looking like a potentially long night went a different way thanks to some sharp passing by the Cardinals’ veterans.
The Cardinals honored their seniors – Alex Devers, Alaina Sanders, Catherine Scullen, Emeline Bell, Lilli Kleiman, Olivia Hoffman and Regan Rubin – prior to the game. Then a few of them went out and hit the right passes to the right people to open up a defensive battle.
“The seniors have been productive in ways that are different than last year,” UD coach Chuck Gesing said. “I also like that a lot of different people are contributing. It makes us harder to defend.”
Devers set things in motion 12 minutes into the second half with the first pass of a sequence that would unlock the scoring.
“A diagonal ball from Devers to Meg McMeel beat the left back and Meg found a breaking Anna DiMartile for the game winner,” Gesing said.
Later in the half, Devers would go from facilitator to finisher. The Cardinals are in good standing for the upcoming playoffs, sitting No. 17 in the District 1 4A rankings
“With 15 left in the game Alex Devers doubled the score on a beautiful corner kick delivered by Regan Rubin,” Gesing said. “The Cardinals defense held strong to earn Jordyn Levine another clean sheet.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh (8-7-1, 6-7-1 SOL) ended the night at No. 26 in the District 1 4A rankings with two games left to try and secure a playoff spot.
PW hosts Wissahickon at 7 on Wednesday. UD (9-5-1,8-5-1) visits Hatboro-Horsham at 3:45 on Wednesday.
UPPER DUBLIN 0 2 – 2
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0 0 – 0
Goals: UD – Anna DiMartile, Alex Devers
Wissahickon @ Abington – Postponed
The Trojans and Ghosts will make up the game Tuesday at 7, with Abington holding its Senior Night.
Wissahickon (10-5, 9-5 SOL) travels to Plymouth Whitemarsh at 7 on Wednesday. Abington (12-3, 11-2) visits Quakertown at 7 on Wednesday.
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