Check out Andrew Robinson’s preview for SOL girls’ soccer teams in the District 1 Tournament. Photo courtesy Tracy Valko.
CLASS 3A
No. 2 Central Bucks East
(Will host winner of No. 18 WC Henderson at No. 15 Downingtown East)
The Patriots enter the postseason with a first round bye, thanks to a superb regular season that saw them claim their first SOL division title since 2015. A group of talented sophomores have thrived alongside senior leaders as East has scored goals at a high level while defending well on the back end. East has been to states three years in a row and this group is angling for some more to go with another trip into November.
Central Bucks East Patriots
–17-1-0 (10-0-0 SOL Colonial)
–SOL Colonial champion
–Ambitious attacking group can challenge defenders from numerous angles. Sophomore Mia Forney and senior Stella Genin are dynamic on the wings while senior Madelyn Hill has been clinical in front, Magee Williamson is a spark off the bench
–Midfield trio has a strong dynamic. Sophomore Kiera Sleicher can find teammates or finish, sophomore Ava Mignon is a disruptor defensively and senior Jessie Bernabe, a Buffalo recruit, covers plenty of ground and is more than capable of putting one away.
–Senior Mae Leedy, a Shippensburg recruit, and junior Arralyn Patterson split time in goal, both able to make the big save and in tune with their defenders. Seniors Sydney Ralph and Savannah Hayes are the backbone at center back while sophomore twins Taylor and Ella Roumy can go up and down on the outsides
No. 3 Pennridge
(Will host winner of No. 14 CB West and No. 19 Plymouth Whitemarsh)
The defending District 1 and PIAA Class 4A champions graduated a remarkable senior class but find themselves right back in the mix as a high seed this fall. Pennridge has been a sum of its parts, led by a group of seniors who filled various roles last year but have shown they’re pretty good in leading roles as well.
Pennridge Rams
–15-2-1 (7-2-1 SOL Colonial)
–Attack has been paced by senior Caitlyn Peace, a High Point recruit. Senior Kaylie Thran, a Muhlenberg recruit, and sophomores Emma Shaeffer and Gabriella Howley also feature up front
–Midfield is anchored by senior Jessie Moylan, a Richmond recruit who excels at winning aerial battles and senior Riley Williams as an attacking midfielder. Seniors Grace Natitus and Kate Brashear help play box-to-box and in possession.
–Back line has come together during the season, anchored by senior Gabby Herrmann, a Drexel recruit, and junior Addy Mills, a Duquesne recruit, at center back. Junior Avery Runk and sophomore Natalie Walter play the outsides and are contributors on set pieces.
–Junior goalkeeper CeCe DeMoss is a third-year starter and has a knack for big saves.
No. 17 Council Rock South at No.16 Springfield Delco
(winner faces No. 1 Conestoga)
If there’s a team cut out for a prolonged postseason of bus rides, it’s the Golden Hawks. CR South made plenty of trips to earn its way into the state tournament last year and it’ll be a similarly challenging path back this fall. A potential date with top-seed Conestoga awaits but the Hawks will first have to deal with a solid Cougars side after a long ride to Delco.
Council Rock South Golden Hawks
–10-7-1 (7-3-0 SOL Patriot)
–Quality midfield led by senior captain and Scranton recruit Kathryn O’Kane. Riley O’Halloran and Gianna Kirlin are scoring threats outside and Kate Deal helps control the middle.
–Defense is veteran laden, anchored by senior centerbacks Juliette Salvi and Fiona Reckner and senior captain Maggie Kane at outside back. Junior Ella Mayberry can make the big save in goal.
–Attack paced by juniors Macy Laidlaw and Teagan Shay.
–Brianna Howard, Ruby Bross, Gia Littig, Krissy Philip and Carly McCory give the Hawks plenty of depth at numerous positions.
Springfield Delco Cougars
–12-6-0
–Senior midfielder Kaylin Silberstein, a Shippensburg recruit, anchors an experienced Cougars midfield
No. 24 North Penn at No. 9 Upper Dublin
(Winner faces No. 8 Lower Merion or No. 25 Phoenixville)
A resurgent season saw the Flying Cardinals soar from the bottom to the top of the SOL Liberty table, and their reward is a home game to start their playoff run. A mix of vets and younger players have given UD plenty of continuity.
The Knights endured another difficult schedule to earn back-to-back playoff bids while fighting through the injury bug. Last year, North Penn had success on the road, and it has a good senior class looking to add another postseason run to its resume.
Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals
–13-3-1 (8-1-1 SOL Liberty)
–SOL Liberty Champion
–Midfield is a real strength, anchored by senior Erin Seabrook, a St Joe’s recruit who can impact a game with scoring, passing and defending. Senior Abby O’Meara and junior Peyton Ward are both playmakers who can finish or facilitate.
–Defense is a mix of veterans and underclassmen with the center back pairing of senior Olivia Broome and freshman Brooke Ellner strong in front of senior keeper Jordyn Levine. Senior Sophia Sirianni and sophomore Shannon Connaughton pace the flanks.
–Forward group can be dynamic with sophomore Bridget DiMartile and juniors Ava Shohen and Rosie Sitman able to combine and attack from the wings or the middle. Senior Anna DiMartile is another threat at forward after returning from injury.
North Penn Knights
–6-12-1 (0-9-1 SOL Colonial)
–Senior Maddy Murphy, a Buffalo recruit, is the team’s offensive fulcrum. The forward can hold up play or take defenders and is a solid finisher in a number of ways.
–Senior Lily McGee is good on the wing, able to take on defenders, and also serves a good ball on set pieces. Sophomore Madi Morrow and freshman Mila Rogozinski also feature on the wings.
–Defense is young but has received contributions from junior Izzy Rudnick, sophomore Jadyn Sperling, sophomore Alyssa Chartrand, sophomore Allison Schall and freshman Avery Krepps.
–Senior Isabelle Kee anchors the midfield, with seniors Emmie Salmon and Katie Harkins and sophomore Paula Fernandez also important pieces to the group.
No. 20 Quakertown at No. 13 Central Bucks South
(Winner faces No. 4 Garnet Valley)
The Panthers and Titans meet in one of five all-SOL matchups in the first round, both sides with playoff experience. Key veterans in important roles define both teams, they’re solid defensively and have a good feel for where their offense comes from. This has the feel of a close match that could easily be decided by one key sequence.
Central Bucks South Titans
–11-6-1 (4-5-1 SOL Colonial)
–Strong midfield anchored by senior Olivia Wade, a Fairfield recruit, along with juniors Morgan Hughes and Tessa Hughes and junior Monika Daly.
–Defensive group is strong, led by seniors Alana Peev and Grace Keane in the middle of the back line. Junior Delaney Rowe and freshman Tenley Rogers have held down the outside. –Senior Brooke Rosica and sophomore Morgan Sowash have seen plenty of time in goal.
–Frontline has a clinical quality, led by juniors Riley Karpinski and Kelly Donnelly
Quakertown Panthers
–9-9-0 (4-6-0 SOL Liberty)
–Attack thrives out wide with plenty of pace from senior Ashlyn Calabria, a Millersville recruit.
–Senior Rachel McMonagle, a Clarkson recruit, senior Taylor Kletzing, junior Faith Greenday and freshman Anna Gingrich anchor the midfield, all capable two-way players who contribute plenty on both sides of the ball.
–Defense is led by senior Maddie Taylor, a Shippensburg recruit, and junior Anna Greenday at center back with both players able to carry the ball upfield and contribute offensively.
–Freshmen Maya James freshman Brielle Bailey have held their own at outside back while junior Jewel Renshaw gives the group depth and allows Taylor and Greenday to fill other roles.
No. 28 Wissahickon at No. 5 Spring-Ford
(Winner faces No. 12 Perk Valley or No. 21 Marple-Newtown)
The Trojans, as the last team into the field, have a tall task facing a Rams side that finished first in the PAC’s Liberty division. Wiss
Spring-Ford had its heart broken in the PAC final, losing to Owen J Robert on kicks, but this team has postseason pedigree.
Spring-Ford Rams
–15-2-0
–Strong midfield led by a pair of holders in senior Molly Kennedy, a Toledo recruit, and junior Brynn allows a high-pressure system to thrive.
–Deep attack rotates players in and out but senior wing Ava Hissong, senior forward Kristina Cirino, junior Izzy Pandorf, senior Maddie Budka and senior forward Abby Huxta are a few to watch.
–Defense anchored by senior keeper Liv Neild and stalwart center backs Taylor Ricevuto and Erin Buckley. Outside backs Mya Hassan and Mackenzie Kerr can push upfield and be a threat.
Wissahickon Trojans
–5-10-3 (2-6-2 SOL Liberty)
–Senior goalkeeper Olivia Lore is an excellent shot-stopper between the posts who can buy her team a few extra lives. Defense is led by senior Ellie Stein and junior Ingrid Kasenchar.
–Senior Emma Greenberg is a hard-worker at forward, blending good size and speed to put defenders under pressure. Sophomore Lila Marciniak and junior Sophia Stehlik play a supporting role offensively.
No. 26 Hatboro-Horsham at No. 7 Neshaminy
Neshaminy enjoyed a fantastic regular season behind a high-flying offense that led to an outright SOL Patriot title for the second time in three years. The Hatters battled through injuries all year, remaining a resilient group that can push any opponent to their limit. Neshaminy downed the Hatters 2-0 early in the season, but anything can happen in the playoffs.
Neshaminy Redskins
–16-2-0 (10-0-0 SOL Patriot)
–SOL Patriot champion
–Senior Kylie Maxwell, a Wake Forest recruit, was a dominant force in front of goal with a program-record 36 goals in the regular season.
–Neshaminy still has plenty of punch offensively thanks to senior Keira Siwinski, a Millersville recruit, senior Allie Ortman and junior Bri Garyah, who returned from injury late in the season
–Senior Abby Collins is a force in the midfield, a tough tackler who is also fearless going after set pieces offensively. Sophomore Ana Axenrothand junior Ava Hood also feature plenty in the middle and add an extra dynamic with their corner kick and throw-ins respectively.
–Senior Taylor Maxwell – Kylie’s twin sister and a Syracuse recruit – is a catalyst out wide as a defender who also generates plenty of assists. Junior Cassidy Tweedie and senior Mia Ocasio help lock down the back line
Hatboro-Horsham Hatters
–7-9-2 (3-6-1 SOL Liberty)
–Junior Ryleigh White has emerged as a go-to scorer, showing good timing on runs into the box while following up on shots for rebounds.
–Seniors Riley McGuire and Molly Donaldson, a Shenandoah University recruit, are both very capable goalkeepers.
–Junior captain Cara Neeld stepped up to solidify the back line along with juniors Leah Nelson, Maddy Morino, Madison Dugan and Marisa Bennett, who have all put in plenty of minutes defensively.
–Dakota Slye, Lexi Cohen, Lily Harvey and Courtney Rinius have given the Hatters good minutes in the midfield.
No. 23 Abington at No. 10 Owen J Roberts
The Ghosts were snakebitten by injuries all season, never seeming to have all their pieces in line at the same time, or someone else going out when another returned. The playoffs are a fresh start, but a long trip to OJR is a tough opening draw. The Wildcats on the other hand, are rounding into postseason form once again, OJR coming off a repeat PAC championship after a rugged shootout win against rival Spring-Ford.
Owen J Roberts Wildcats
–13-5-0
–Freshman goalkeeper Devon King has been a stalwart between the posts in front of a veteran back line anchored by senior captain Ashley White, a Duke lacrosse recruit, junior captain Meryn Primanti and junior Abby Kalbach.
–Senior Fiona Sanders, an Ursinus recruit, pulls the strings in the midfield as an excellent passer but also more than capable of going by a defender and putting one in the net. Also a threat serving set pieces.
–Young but capable front line features sophomores Avey Cies and Audrey Fleck plus freshman Leah Royds, who all bring speed and tenacity at the top of the formation.
Abington Ghosts
–9-9-1 (6-4-0 SOL Liberty)
–Senior center backs Sara Kaeser, a Millersville recruit, and Madison Oldham are the defensive anchors at center back. Junior Addy Hayden is a third-year starter in goal.
–Senior Marissa Hellyer has battled numerous injuries but is a skilled player who can orchestrate play out of the midfield.
–Juniors Alexis Whaley and Nya Riggs have pace on the outside. Sophomore Vivian Siravo has given the team a lift when called upon.
No. 19 Plymouth Whitemarsh at No. 14 CB West
In many ways, the Colonials and Bucks are similar teams. Both are extremely stout defensively, they want to put pressure on the ball, they can score on set pieces and they’re both going to compete all-out for 80 minutes. There’s also plenty of postseason experience, with both sides in the postseason for at least the third straight season. Expect a high-intensity fixture that could easily be decided by just one goal.
Central Bucks West Bucks
–12-6-1 (5-4-1 SOL Colonial)
–Tenacious midfield led by senior captain Eva Wierzbowski, a Pitt recruit who is dynamic on the ball and does the defensive work. Seniors Mia Menard and Avery Markowitz, along with Anna McGrath and Lauren Overbeck, put in the effort to win the ball in the middle.
–Junior Emery Sterling, an NJIT recruit, is a constant presence in front of goal with plenty of energy and leads the Bucks in scoring Seniors Mackenzie Gausch and Rian Detweiler help spread the field and can finish their chances as well.
–Senior Cece Funseth, a Siena recruit, junior Janelle Blokker, senior Kaia Ward, senior Kira Winn and senior Reegan Moran have all stepped up to the task defensively for a West back line that challenges for headers and every tackle. Senior Fallon Darrows has made some vital saves in goal.
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials
–10-6-2 (4-4-2 SOL Liberty)
–Junior goalkeeper Olivia Bragg backs up a rugged defense that has posted nine shutouts. –Senior Katie Lukens and junior Kaiane Jayo have been stalwarts at center back while junior Maddie McLaughlin and freshman Harper Reilly defend the wings.
–Hardworking midfield led by junior captain Maddie McGuckien, who has eight goals, along with juniors Keira Whalen and Maite Jayo. Sophomore Maddi Lazaroff is a playmaker with three goal and seven assists
–Juniors Marleigh Burton and Mia Baron have formed a nice one-two punch up top and their work rate is integral defensively as well.
No. 27 Pennsbury at No. 6 Downingtown West
An influx of talented underclassmen sparked the Falcons to a bounce-back season and a return to the playoffs after a three-year absence. The team’s vets deserve plenty of credit too and Pennsbury has been at its best sharing the wealth all fall. Downingtown West navigated an always challenging Ches-Mont slate without a loss and a veteran laden Whippets team is looking to make up for a first round exit last season.
Downingtown West Whippets
–16-2-0
–Veteran defense has been the team’s backbone, led by senior captain Hayden Berry, a St Francis PA recruit, senior Ella Jahromi, a USC Upstate recruit, senior Katie Dougherty, a West Chester recruit and senior Drew Rightmire. Senior Kali Reddy, a Jefferson recruit, is a tough shot-stopper behind them.
–Offense comes from various parts of the field with senior Teagan Harkins, a Temple recruit, particularly dangerous on the wing. Sophomore Cam Bayly and junior Ava Reddy have proven very effective around the goal and senior Kasey Barber adds speed on the wing.
Pennsbury Falcons
–9-8-1 (4-6-0 SOL Patriot)
–Senior Madison Miller, a Misericordia recruit, has been a rock-solid leader in goal defensively, usually coming up with several big saves. Jordyn Patrick, Clare Caldaro, Izzy DiMattia and Nicole Mucciacciaro have all been counted on defensively.
–Junior Ashlyn McEwing has done a bit of everything from defending to scoring to assisting and has been dangerous taking free kicks. Sophomore Ria Pevzner has also contributed plenty of goals and assists, giving Pennsbury another option on restart kicks.
–Freshmen Abbie Ellis, Sydney Becker and Willa Corbitt have all been offensive contributors throughout the season, showing an ability to link up with teammates and challenge defenders.
No. 22 William Tennent at No. 11 Council Rock North
For a second straight season, the Panthers and Indians meet in the opening round of playoffs, just with a change in venue after last season’s game was played at Tennent. With 10 seniors on its roster, Council Rock North is looking to break through for its first state playoff berth in their tenure. The Indians are a productive offensive team paced by senior Mia Cairone and a strong midfield. Tennent’s team relies heavily on its juniors and sophomores, led by some key seniors, and comes in with plenty of experience off a challenging non-divisional slate of games.
Council Rock North Indians
–13-5-0 (7-3-0 SOL Patriot)
–Senior Mia Cairone, a Nebraska recruit, is a true center forward who can hold the ball or run past defenders and has plenty of poise in front of goal.
–Strong midfield led by junior Audrey Rogan, senior Sydney Linus, a Lock Haven recruit, and senior Sara Tyler, an Albany recruit. All three are capable of scoring from distance and they move the ball well.
–Sophomore Isabel Diaz, junior Kinsley Smith and freshman Sarina Igval give CR North some pace on the wings.
–Seniors Tavi Copestick and Audrey Thomson are a strong center back pairing flanked by sophomores Isabella Lanza and Amber Yuan. Junior Reese Ludwig handles the goalkeeping.
William Tennent Panthers
–11-6-1 (8-2-0 SOL Freedom)
–Senior Paige Marek, a Shippensburg recruit, controls play in the midfield and is a consistent threat to score or set up a goal. Junior Sofia Jakimoski has also emerged as a top scoring option out of the midfield while Leila Santos and Alena Beer play on the outsides.
–Senior Aubrie Maldonado oversees defense at goalkeeper. Sophomores Sami Roby and Lia Jablonowski have formed a solid pairing in the center of the back line, although Jalonowski can easily shift into any position on the field as needed. Junior Mia Rahn has also been a fixture defensively.
–Sophomores Grace Bochnak and Bailey Kasner have settled into roles at the top of the formation, able to press defenses and finish off opportunities set up by teammates.
Class 3A
No. 5 Lower Moreland at No. 4 Radnor
The Lions have put together a terrific season, going wire-to-wire to capture an outright SOL Freedom title and enter the playoffs on a four-match win streak. An experienced group of attackers and midfielders has gotten a lift from a young defensive group. Radnor’s had a strong season as well, the Raptors getting strong play from their senior leaders and like LM, having played a schedule filled with larger schools as opponents.
Radnor Raptors
–11-6-1
–Senior center back Meara Balachandran anchors a tough back line and is skilled enough to carry the ball upfield and contribute to the attack. Junior Francesca Lucchesi is another fixture in the back.
–In the midfield, senior Ivy Chaskelsson – a St. Bonaventure recruit – pulls the strings and has sharp passing vision. Senior Olivia Jacobs also contributes plenty in the midfield winning the ball and offensively.
–Sophomore Keira Mucksavage has contributed timely goals throughout the season.
Lower Moreland Lions
–14-4-0 (10-0-0 SOL Freedom)
–SOL Freedom champion
–The back line has grown plenty during the season, led by seniors Keira Huber and Gabby Fogarty along with Jordyn Fox, Agnes Kroll and Violet Levin. Mariah Gazzara has taken command of the unit in goal.
–Senior Kenna Rozanski, a Holy Family recruit, runs the show in the midfield while senior Payge Lennon holds down defensive midfield. Senior Ruby Levin and Quinn Rozanski do plenty of work on the wings.
–Senior Nikki Sahl, an East Stroudsburg recruit, paces the attack and the all-SOL striker has plenty of big match experience. Shannon Mahon and Emma Leibert have emerged as consistent goal scorers this season and have played with plenty of confidence.
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