SOL Girls’ Soccer District Preview (10-27-22)

Nine SOL girls’ soccer teams will be in action in Thursday’s second round of the District One 4A Tournament. Check the preview capsules.

No. 16 Upper Dublin at No. 1 Conestoga

First year coach Deane Mariotti has kept things rolling with the Pioneers, leading the PIAA 4A runner-up last year to the top seed in the district playoffs despite graduating a strong senior class. Upper Dublin has seemed to find its stride at the right time, but the Cardinals will be tested in every part of the field as they try to score a major upset over unbeaten Conestoga.

Next up: Winner faces No 9 Downingtown East/No 8 Owen J Roberts winner in Saturday’s quarterfinal round

Conestoga Pioneers

15-0-2 overall record
Notable wins against No 19 Spring-Ford (4-0 Aug 30), No 17 West Chester Henderson (8-0 Sept 1), Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (1-0 Sept 17), No 23 Downingtown West (4-1 Oct 10), No 12 Springfield Delco (3-0 Oct 11), draw with No 4 Lower Merion (1-1 Oct 6)
Junior keeper Greta Steege leads a veteran defense that contains most of the team’s returners including seniors Mia Galrao, Ava Koziol and Olivia Mazza.
Senior striker Brynn Borger leads an attack that has reloaded and has continued to pour in goals throughout the fall.

Upper Dublin Cardinals

11-6-1 overall record, 9-6-1 SOL Liberty
Defeated No 17 West Chester Henderson 1-0 in first round. Alex Devers converted a penalty kick and the defense held its ground to post a shutout.
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 the 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 first year starting in goal. Defense anchored by vets Emeline Bell Sophomore Erin Seabrook is another versatile player.

No 13 Wissahickon at No 4 Lower Merion

Only one team has managed to score a win over the Aces this year. If they want to keep their season going, the Trojans will have to find a way to do it again. While much has changed for both teams from their Sept 1 matchup, Wissahickon isn’t just expecting to trek down to the Main Line and repeat the feat again. What the Trojans do have on their side, besides some pretty motivated seniors, is a season’s worth of toughness built up by facing all manner of adversity they’ll need to try and move on.

Next up: Winner faces No 5 Neshaminy/No 21 Garnet Valley winner in Saturday’s quarterfinals

Lower Merion Aces

16-1-1 overall record
First round bye
Attack has been adapting after losing standout senior Elly Slensky – a Boston College recruit – to a knee injury. Senior Grace Downey, Dylan Steinberg and Emma Barrabee have totaled 37 goals on the season.
Sophomore Casey Forman and senior Sadie Cohen form the center of the Aces’ robust defense while Abby Braslow and Gabby Jarvis play fullback in front of freshman keeper Kate Cantu
Senior Emma Burk, sophomore Caroline Kelly and freshman Alexa Braslow are the core midfielders for LM

Wissahickon Trojans

11-6-1 overall record, 9-6-1 SOL Liberty
Defeated No 20 Haverford 2-1 in double overtime in the first round. Senior Kylie Friedman scored in the first half, then assisted the game winner from senior Sage Stelzer.
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)
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.
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.
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.

No. 21 Garnet Valley at No. 5 Neshaminy

Neshaminy wasted little time showing how motivated it was by not getting a first round bye, putting up four goals in 20 minutes to start the postseason. A fluid, versatile attack lived up to its billing, free-flowing passes around and putting a barrage of opportunities on goal. The team’s stout defense will be looking to clean a few things up after letting in multiple goals for just the second time all season.

Garnet Valley claimed its second win over Springfield Delco this season to move on and the Jaguars will be confident and upset-minded on the road again.

Next up: Winner faces No 13 Wissahickon/No 4 Lower Merion winner in Saturday’s quarterfinals

Neshaminy Redskins

17-0-2 overall record, 14-0-2 SOL Patriot (Division Champion)
Defeated No 28 Ridley 5-2 in the first round. Mercedez Paino had a hat trick and Kylie Maxwell scored twice to pace the ‘Skins
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.

Garnet Valley Jaguars

11-7-1 overall record
Defeated No. 12 Springfield Delco 2-1 in opening round
Senior midfielder Mia Zebley – an Elon lacrosse recruit – runs the show in the middle and is a threat taking set pieces, including corners.
Sophomore-laden group includes Kylie Mulholland, Maddie Smith, Ella Bryan as scoring options along with senior Michelle Dragoni.

No. 15 Council Rock North at No. 2 Pennridge

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 but won’t be able to take their first playoff foe by surprise.

CR North is no stranger to Pennridge, the teams meeting during SOL crossover play. The Indians are a tough team, blending senior leaders in key positions around the field with a mix of promising underclassmen that have delivered in some key spots all year.

Next up: Winner faces No 23 Downingtown West/No 26 Central Bucks West winner in Saturday’s quarterfinals

Pennridge Rams

17-1-0 overall record, 15-1-0 SOL Colonial (Division Champion)
First round bye
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 just one game with multiple goals allowed. 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.

Council Rock North Indians

12-4-3 overall, 9-4-3 SOL Patriot
Defeated No. 18 Quakertown 1-0 in overtime in the first round. Mia Cairone scored the lone goal in extra time.
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.

No. 26 Central Bucks West at No. 23 Downingtown West

The Bucks knew they’d have to go on the road throughout the playoffs. The Whippets were probably expecting the same, but thanks to a pair of upsets, the West-West matchup will be played in Downingtown.

Downingtown West has been a tough defensive team all year while CB West also relies on its defense so it may come down to whichever team can figure out the other first. The Bucks like it when they play an opponent that hasn’t seen them before and they’ll have to pick up another road win to keep the season going.

Next up: Winner faces No 2 Pennridge/No 15 Council Rock North winner in Saturday’s quarterfinals

Downingtown West Whippets

9-7-2 overall record
Defeated No. 10 Perk Valley 1-0 in opening round
Senior Ava Rightmire, a first team All Ches-Mont selection last year, scored the game winner against Perk Valley. Senior Hailey Coyle is also a returning all-league selection.
Senior Kylie Seckinger is a multi-year starter in goal, leading a rugged defense.

Central Bucks West Bucks

10-8-0 overall, 8-8-0 SOL Colonial
Defeated No. 7 Hatboro-Horsham 2-1 in overtime in first round. Emery Sterling scored in first half while Ashley Lott found the game-winner in extra time after the Hatters tied things up late.
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. 14 Central Bucks East at No 3 Avon Grove

The Patriots will have a long ride and a difficult challenge awaiting them when they get to West Grove with the unbeaten Red Devils waiting. Avon Grove has been a playoff mainstay in recent years and are to date the only team to have bested top-seeded Conestoga.

East has faced plenty of challenges this season – every team the Patriots faced that also played Tuesday in the district playoffs won their first round game – and they have some momentum off an all-around strong showing while AG is coming off a first round bye. The Patriots will need some more stingy defending and the team-oriented attack it had last round to keep things rolling.

Next up: Winner faces No 6 Abington/No 11 Council Rock South winner in Saturday’s quarterfinals

Avon Grove Red Devils

17-0-1 overall record
First round bye
Notable wins over No 1 Conestoga (2-0 Oct 4) No 9 Downingtown East (2-1 Sept 27), No 21 Garnet Valley (3-1 Aug 27), No 23 Downingtown West (2-0 Oct 19), No 17 WC Henderson (3-0 Oct 13)
Defense posted 12 shutouts on the year. Senior keepers Grace Keen (West Chester) and Emma Moss generally split time in goal.
Senior midfielder Rachel Enache was a first team All Ches-Mont selection last season, while senior Abby Mills, a Vermont recruit, was also a first team all-league pick and anchors the back line along with Eden Veenema.
Junior Mary Kate Walker, a Sacred Heart recruit, paces the attack at forward.

Central Bucks East Patriots

13-6-0 overall record, 10-6-0 SOL Colonial
Defeated No 19 Spring-Ford 3-0 in first round. Fullback Grace Craig scored the opening goal late in the first half with sophomore midfielder Madelyn Hill netting twice in less than a minute in the second half.
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 13 assists. Jessie Bernabe, Gwyn Krystiwicz and Julia Mannello 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 Schron for an aggressive central pair. Chantal Van Dongeren is tough to beat on the flank and Grace Craig is good getting forward and involved in the attack.

No 11 Council Rock South at No. 6 Abington

The other all-SOL clash of the second round pits a Ghosts team that was tested in its opener against Plymouth Whitemarsh against a Golden Hawks team that had some impressive stats in the first win on South’s new turf.

Abington will be looking to be a little more productive in front of goal, converting just two of its 16 shots into goals and getting nothing off 10 corners but that will be tough going against another terrific keeper and a Hawks defense that only allowed one shot on goal. CR South racked up 20 set pieces chances in its opener and the Hawks have the depth of threats to challenge the Ghosts’ defense.

Next up: Winner faces No 3 Avon Grove/No 14 Central Bucks East winner in Saturday’s quarterfinals

Abington Ghosts

16-3-0 overall record, 14-2-0 SOL Liberty (division champion)
Defeated No 27 Plymouth Whitemarsh 2-1 in overtime in first round. Maura Day scored the tying goal on a free kick while Lily Gray won it in extra time off a cross by Harper McGinley
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 26 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.

Council Rock South Golden Hawks

13-3-3 overall record, 11-3-2 SOL Patriot
Defeated No 22 Phoenixville 2-0 in opening round. Defense yielded just one shot on goal while attack generated 20 set pieces. Zoe Brossman scored on a free kick and Ashley Yeager hit in a rebound.
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.