Fourteen SOL teams will be competing in the postseason district tournament. Thirteen of them will be in action in Tuesday’s opening round. Check out the preview capsules. File photo of Tracy Valko (https://solsports.zenfolio.com/f1016771659)
Class 4A
No. 2 Pennridge (Bye)
The Rams put together another stellar regular season and earned one of the four opening round byes after securing an outright SOL Colonial title. Despite having just one senior, Pennridge is a deep and experienced team that puts plenty of pressure on opponents
Next up– Hosts winner of No. 15 Council Rock North/No. 18 Quakertown in second round
Pennridge Rams
–17-1-0 overall record, 15-1-0 SOL Colonial (Division Champion)
–Notable wins over No 14 Central Bucks East (2-1 Sept 7, 2-1 Oct 13), No 15 Council Rock North (2-1 Sept 22), No 11 Council Rock South (5-0 Sept 28), No 18 Quakertown (1-0 Oct 3), No 26 Central Bucks West (1-0 Sept 9, 3-0 Oct 17), No 8 Owen J Roberts (3-0 Sept 24)
–Defensive unit has been airtight, allowing multiple goals in just one game. Juniors Anna Croyle and Casey Malone anchor the unit, which also features sophomores Lauren Murphy and Meredith Blannett. Freshman keeper Seretha DeMoss has 13 shutouts.
–Deep midfield unit led by juniors Liv Grenda and Sophie Craig scores goals, keeps possession and connects passes. Hannah Primwhere, Ava Kiwak, Addy Mills and Riley Williams fill a variety of roles.
–Front line brings plenty of speed with senior Joey Tomlinson and juniors Tori Angelo and Lindsey Balmer off the first tap. Hailey Primwhere, Caitlyn Peace, Gabby Hermann and Kate Brashear add depth, more speed and an ability to finish.
No. 28 Ridley at No. 5 Neshaminy (Tuesday, 3:30pm)
How an unbeaten Neshaminy team, with the strength of schedule it played, didn’t get a first round bye is one of the great mysteries of power ranking math. Ridley will be the first to face the wrath of a Redskins team with designs on a long postseason run and the roster to do it. A strong senior core leads a Neshaminy squad coming off an outright SOL Patriot title that has scored plenty of goals and given up very few. The Raiders have postseason experience but face an uphill climb.
Next up– Winner faces No. 12 Springfield Delco/No. 21 Garnet Valley winner in second round
Neshaminy Redskins
–16-0-2 overall record, 14-0-2 SOL Patriot (Division Champion)
–Notable wins over No. 2 Pennridge (2-1 Sept 20), No 11 Council Rock South (4-1 Aug 31, 2-1 Oct 11), No 14 –Central Bucks East (1-0 Sept 28), No 26 Central Bucks West (1-0 Sept 30), No 24 West Chester Rustin (2-0 Sept 23) and draws with No 15 Council Rock North (3-3 Sept 9, 0-0 Oct 17)
–Potent, high-powered attack led by speedy sophomore Kylie Maxwell, senior Carly Fox and junior Angelina Daino. Team at its best when linking passes, and most goals come through an assist. Senior Mercedez Paino is a fluid and productive attacking threat out of midfield, combining well with the forwards and creating plenty of goals. Gyzell Rowan has come on strong during the season, Paige Borkowski is experienced, and Abby Collins is an underrated but strong holding midfielder.
–Rugged defense led by senior keeper Hannah Labadie has posted 12 shutouts and allowed multiple goals just once all season. Senior co-captain Alexis Ocasio anchors the back line that includes Carly Hock-Smith and Taylor Maxwell.
Ridley Raiders
9-8-0 overall record
No 27 Plymouth Whitemarsh at No. 6 Abington (Tuesday, 7pm)
The Colonials are hoping the third time’s the charm while the Ghosts are looking for a hat trick of wins as the SOL Liberty rivals meet for a third time this fall, only this will end one of their seasons. Abington has rounded into form down the stretch, winning seven straight games behind an explosive offense and defense that’s finding its footing. PW has scrapped all fall, using a midseason surge to make it a 6-for-6 postseason for the SOL Liberty Division.
Next up – Winner faces winner of No 11 Council Rock South/No 22 Phoenixville
Abington Ghosts
–15-3-0 overall record, 14-2-0 SOL Liberty (division champion)
–Notable wins over No 7 Hatboro-Horsham (5-4 Oct 11), No 16 Upper Dublin (3-1 Sept 7, 2-1 Oct 21), No 13 Wissahickon (5-1 Sept 9, 6-1 Oct 18), No 18 Quakertown (7-1 Sept 12, 5-0 Oct 19), No 27 Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-1 Aug 29, 5-0 Oct 7)
–Senior Maura Day has been lethal, scoring 25 goals out of the midfield as the fulcrum of Abington’ potent offense. Senior Carley Slavin also has double-digit goals out of the midfield and is a hard-working ball-winner.
–Junior Piper McGinley anchors the front line, also scoring double-digit goals while having the ability to hold the ball. Junior Harper McGinley and senior Lily Gray spread the field out wide and can either finish, serve a ball in or win set pieces along the end line.
–Seniors Nevaeh Brauer and Anna Cleary and juniors Kara Slavin, Jocelyn Pollock and Sarah Kaeser with sophomore Madison Oldham feature on the back line in front of freshman keeper Addison Hayden and junior Olivia Richards.
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials
–8-8-2 overall, 6-8-2 SOL Liberty
–Notable win over No 18 Quakertown (2-1 Aug 31), draws with No 13 Wissahickon (1-1 Oct 19), 3A No 8 Upper Moreland (1-1 Sept 30)
–Senior Angelina Balcer sets the pace up top with freshmen Keira Whelan and Maddie McGuckien playing off her energy and relentless work ethic.
–Caelin Kosvitch has been a workhorse in the midfield, leading a group that features Liv Reilly, Abby Boegner, Devyn Cohen, and Maite Jayo.
–Kate Yocom, Bri Reynolds, Meg Wendler, Ella Clark, and Marleigh Burton form a hard-working back line. Junior Caitlin Dinh is a standout goalkeeper with the ability to keep her team in any game by racking up saves.
No. 26 Central Bucks West at No. 7 Hatboro-Horsham (Tuesday, 7pm)
It was a tense ending for West, which had to win its final game to secure a place in the postseason mix. Offense didn’t come easily this fall, but any ups or downs of the regular season are wiped clear in the playoffs. The Hatters struggled down the stretch, losing two of three and tying in between. However, this is also a team that went 15 matches without a loss to open the season and if it can regain that form, could replicate last season’s run to the playback final.
Next up -Winner faces No. 10 Perk Valley/No. 23 Downingtown West winner.
Hatboro-Horsham Hatters
–12-2-3 overall record, 12-2-2 SOL Liberty
–Notable wins over No 6 Abington (3-0 Aug 31), No 13 Wissahickon (3-2 Aug 29, 4-2 Oct 7), No 18 Quakertown (2-0 Sept 9), draw with No 11 Council Rock South (1-1 Aug 26), No 16 Upper Dublin (0-0 Sept 12) and No 18 Quakertown (0-0 Oct 17)
–Junior Emma Levin is a true standout player, a fluid midfielder with plenty of range who creates numerous chances despite extra defensive attention. Cait Carpenter is a hard-working ball-winner in midfield.
–Defense is tough-minded led by seniors Abby Waeltz and Gracynne Smith. Goalkeeper Alyssa Tooley is athletic and active while having her teammates’ backs.
–Kitty Randa, Sarah Boland and Caroline Shegogue have stepped up as scorers with Mia Malofiy out injured for the season. HH has shown a knack for scoring on set pieces.
Central Bucks West Bucks
10-8-0 overall, 8-8-0 SOL Colonial
Notable wins over No 14 Central Bucks East (3-2 Aug 29), 3A No 8 Villa Joseph Marie (2-0 Sept 23), 3A No 10 Lower Moreland (2-0 Oct 21)
Veteran defense anchored by senior keeper Jules Broskey and senior center backs Courtney Moylan and Ava Longo is the team’s backbone.
Kate Weyer, Alexis Castro and Eva Wierzbowski form a physical and fearless midfield that wins plenty of balls out of the air.
Freshman Emery Sterling and junior Ashley Lott lead an attack that has speed and skill but not much experience.
No 22 Phoenixville at No 11 Council Rock South (Tuesday, 5pm)
Last year, the Golden Hawks were the last team to get into the postseason field. This time around, they’ve maintained a high caliber of play throughout the season despite playing a grueling schedule thanks to a tough-minded senior class that’s imprinted a winning edge on their group. The Phantoms have the resume of a long PAC season behind them but were edged out of a league playoff spot by mere points in the power rankings, so they will be motivated to show they belong in the postseason.
Next up– Winner faces No 6 Abington/No 27 Plymouth Whitemarsh winner in second round.
Council Rock South Golden Hawks
–12-3-3 overall record, 11-3-2 SOL Patriot
–Notable wins over No 15 Council Rock North (2-0 Sept 7), No 14 Central Bucks East (2-1 Sept 14), No 26 Central Bucks West (1-0 Sept 16), draws with No 7 Hatboro-Horsham (1-1 Aug 26), No 15 Council Rock North (0-0 Oct 13)
–Junior Cam Blatz is an explosive scorer, using her speed and clinical touch in front of goal to apply pressure on opposing defenses.
–Senior Karissa Smedley is a difference-maker in goal, using her athleticism to make the routine and spectacular saves. The back line of Jenna Waterman, Kim Speiser, Emily Davis, Fiona Reckner, and Maggie Kane helps clean up the box.
–Kathryn O’Kane, Reghan Mudie, and Zoe Brossman anchor the central midfield. Kylee Bamberger, Lily Bross and Ashley Yeager give the Hawks a burst of speed and passing off the flanks.
Phoenixville Phantoms
10-6-2 overall record, 7-4-2 PAC
Win over 3A No 5 Radnor (3-2 Oct 14)
No. 20 Haverford at No. 13 Wissahickon (Tuesday, 7pm)
It’d be hard to find a team more altered by injuries than the Trojans. Coach Chris McDaniels was down three projected starters before the first week was up, and he’s had to patchwork different lineups throughout the fall. Despite that, there is a really talented core of players that can make noise if they minimize their already small margin of error. Haverford is no stranger to the postseason, and the Fords come in having played a difficult schedule.
Next up– Winner faces No. 4 Lower Merion in the second round
Wissahickon Trojans
–10-6-1 overall record, 9-6-1 SOL Liberty
–Notable wins over No 16 Upper Dublin (4-3 Aug 31), No 4 Lower Merion (2-1 Sept 1), No 18 Quakertown (2-1 Sept 7), No 27 Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-0 Sept 12)
Pitt recruit Sage Stelzer has filled all manner of roles, the senior playing fullback, center back, holding mid, winger and attacking mid with skill and speed.
–Senior Kylie Friedman is a lethal finisher around goal, the forward bringing a deft touch and composure in traffic. Emma Greenberg and Lannah Werynski have stepped up in increased roles and contributed key goals.
–Defense led by stalwart senior Margo Kasenchar at center back and her sister, freshman Ingrid. Lucy Greenstein plays defense and midfield. Freshman Meredith Blight was thrown into the fire at keeper but has held her own between the posts.
Haverford Fords
–9-6-2 overall record
–Notable wins over No 10 Perk Valley (1-0 Sept 1), No 23 Downingtown West (2-1 Sept 24), draws with No 12 Springdfield Delco (1-1 Sept 22), 3A No 5 Radnor (0-0 Sept 6)
–Seniors Alyssa Seavey and Mollie Carpenter anchor the back line for the Fords in front of keeper Jordan Karp.
No. 19 Spring-Ford at No. 14 Central Bucks East (Tuesday, 5pm)
Two programs synonymous with winning late in the season come together for a first round duel. When they’re on, the Patriots can take it to anyone and will be looking to ramp up to that level of play as they hunt back-to-back state playoff appearances. It’s similar for the Rams, who were challenged throughout the year in the PAC and are looking to get back to the PIAA tournament.
Next up – Winner faces No. 3 Avon Grove in second round
Central Bucks East Patriots
–12-6-0 overall record, 10-6-0 SOL Colonial
–Notable wins over No 15 Council Rock North (1-0 Sept 30), No 26 CB West (1-0 Oct 3), No 6 Abington (5-4 Aug 26)
–Senior Camryn Williams has been a dynamo at center forward with 13 goals and 12 assists. Jessie Bernabe, Gwyn Krystkiewicz and Julia Santanello space things out as wingers for a front line that buzzes around the goal.
–Solid midfield group is paced by senior Elliot Forney’s toughness and blistering shot. Sofia Mignon is a disruptor in holding mid while Mikayla Gray emerged as a high-energy contributor in the middle of the pitch.
–Senior Brooke Roumy has firmed up the back line as a center back next to Sophie Schorn for an aggressive central pair. Chantal Van Dongeren is tough to beat on the flank.
Spring-Ford Rams
–9-6-2 overall, 7-4-2 PAC
–Draws with 3A No 1 Upper Perk (0-0 Sept 28), No 10 Perk Valley (0-0 Sept 21)
–S-F has been extremely rigid defensively, allowing just 14 goals on the season. Senior keeper Erika Eickhoff directs the defense, which features Giana DeFlavia and Tori McPoyle at center back.
–Lena Ackerman, Megan Kurian and Summer Smith are the top threats at the forward spots while Molly Kennedy, Ava Hissong and Ally Garvey should start in the midfield
No. 18 Quakertown at No. 15 Council Rock North (Tuesday, 5pm)
Goals are generally at a premium to begin with in the postseason, but this match will really emphasize that. Both sides feature a terrific senior goalkeeper and defenses that generally don’t give up a lot of opportunities. This is vintage Quakertown, with a strong and sizable defense limiting chances while generally making the most of their set piece opportunities. For CR North, a challenging schedule has tested the team with a good mix of veteran players and underclassmen ready to come together for the playoff run.
Next up – Winner faces No. 2 Pennridge in second round.
Council Rock North Indians
–11-4-3 overall, 9-4-3 SOL Patriot
–Notable wins over No 26 Central Bucks West (3-1 Sept 14), No 20 Haverford (2-0 Aug 26), draw with No 11 Council Rock South (0-0 Oct 13) and No 5 Neshaminy (3-3 Sept 9, 0-0 Oct 17)
–Senior Danielle Eden commands the goal as the director of the defense. Sara Tyler, Payton Radosti, Kate Thomson, Lexi Fischer and Ella McAleer have been standout defenders.
–Sophomore Mia Cairone is CR North’s top scorer, a forward with good touch and a quick burst. Maya Raghunandanan and Alyssa Tyler have good pace and a finishing touch coming off the flanks.
–Composed midfield led by skillful seniors Jayne Bogle and Ella Needham. Tavi Copestick has impressed during the season, bringing toughness in key moments with Taylor Fischer and Audrey Rogan also contributing well in the middle.
Quakertown Panthers
–9-7-2 overall, 9-6-1 SOL Liberty
–Notable wins over No 16 Upper Dublin (3-0 Aug 29, 3-0 Oct 7), No 27 Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-0 Oct 20, 2-1 Aug 31), No 13 Wissahickon (1-0 Oct 13), draw with No 7 Hatboro-Horsham (0-0 Oct 17)
–Senior Darby Vail has been stellar in goal, stealing some points for her team with clutch save after clutch save on multiple occasions.
–Madison Taylor, Angela Calvanese, Faith Greenday and Callie Abel compose a solid back line, aided by holding mid Carlee Roesner.
–Carolyn Sipprell is a set piece weapon, often finding the ball off a service from Madison Kalinowski or Madison Taylor. Mackenna Calabria and Ashlyn Calabria move the ball well out of the midfield
No. 17 West Chester Henderson at No. 16 Upper Dublin (Tuesday, 7pm)
Upper Dublin just made it work this season, mixing and matching players to handle injuries and needs. A couple of key late-season results were enough to get the Cardinals a home playoff opener and an experienced senior class will look to lead the way for their first postseason victory. The Warriors have a large senior class as well under first year coach Stephen Morris, inheriting a program that has a strong postseason tradition.
Next up – Winner faces No. 1 Conestoga
Upper Dublin Cardinals
–10-6-1 overall record, 9-6-1 SOL Liberty
–Wins over No. 7 Hatboro-Horsham (1-0 Oct 19), No 13 Wissahickon (2-1 Oct 11), No 27 Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-0 Sep 9, 2-0 Oct 17)
–Speedster senior forward Lilli Kleiman leads team in goals while Meg McMeel, Anna DiMartile and Olivia Hoffman add versatility to attack.
–Senior Alex Devers, a Christopher Newport recruit, is a scoring threat and has filled numerous roles for UD. Seniors Regan Rubin, a Nevada recruit, and Alaina Sanders anchor a midfield that got healthy late in season.
–Sophomore keeper Jordyn Levine has been solid in her first year starting in goal. Defense anchored by vets Emeline Bell. Sophomore Erin Seabrook is another versatile player.
West Chester Henderson Warriors
–11-6-1 Overall record
–Wins over No 24 West Chester Rustin (2-1 Oct 6), 3A No 6 Bishop Shanahan (3-0 Sept 8), No 20 Haverford (3-1 Oct 1), draw with No Downingtown East (0-0 Sep 14)
–Olivia Bradley, a George Mason recruit, and Olivia Chiazza pace the attack for the Warriors. Becca Miller, a Villanova recruit, is also a player to account for offensively.
CLASS 3A
No 9 Marple-Newtown at No 8 Upper Moreland (Tuesday, 7pm)
Next up – Winner faces No 1 Upper Perkiomen
Upper Moreland Golden Bears
–9-7-2 overall, 8-7-1 SOL Freedom
–Notable wins over 4A No 16 Upper Dublin (3-2 Sept 20), 4A No 18 Quakertown (1-0 Sept 22), No 10 Lower Moreland (1-0 Oct 7)
–Willow Taylor and Kylie Wiest are a potent tandem at the forward spots for the Bears. Wiest has improved in her first varsity season while Taylor remains a consistent and composed presence in front of goal
–Eliza Feil, Brooke Lobban, Kyra Favors and Maggie Brophy anchor a UM midfield that always brings a high level of intensity and keeps opponents from getting anything going forward without resistance.
–Senior Natalie Walton posted six shutouts in goal, orchestrating a defense that features Lizzie Walker, Devin Bush, Annalise Messina and Skye Kramer.
Marple-Newtown Tigers
–10-7-1 overall record
No 10 Lower Moreland at No 7 Villa Joseph Marie (Tuesday, 6pm)
Next up – Winner faces No 2 Villa Maria
Villa Joseph Marie Jems
–8-8-1 overall record
Lower Moreland Lions
–9-9-0 overall, 9-7-0 SOL Freedom (Division champion)
–Notable wins over 4A Nov 6 Abington (3-2 Sept 22), No 8 Upper Moreland (2-0 Aug 29)
–Nikki Sahl has been a natural goal scorer for the Lions, roving around the top of the formation and connecting well with her teammates to put chances away at a consistent clip.
–Demmi Fox and Morgan Pennisi lock down the midfield for LM, with both more than capable of scoring a goal or making the pass to set one up. On the outside, Ruby Levin and Kenna Rozanski help push the ball down the flanks.
–Sandra Malave has been tremendous in goal and a back line that features Amelia Brown, Sophia O’Brien, Abbie Wassterstron and Paige Lennon limits the number of opportunities opponents get to test her. Maddie Sahl also gives the defense some depth.
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