Central Bucks South fell to Canon-McMillan 1-0 in overtime in Saturday’s state title game, bringing a special season to an end.
Kylie Walsh isn’t sure when the first time was that she thought her Central Bucks South soccer team could make it to the state championship game.
“I don’t know an exact moment,” the senior said.
“Maybe,” the midfielder began, before stopping to really think it through.
“I just had a feeling the whole season,” Walsh continued, still unsure of precisely the instant she realized just how good this Titans team was.
“Maybe when we beat Pennsbury,” Walsh decided. “That was a good game and I just had a feeling we would make it this far.
There may not have been an “exact moment.” One goal, one save or one game where a Titans appearance in Hershey for a state title seemed like a forgone conclusion.
No, there wasn’t one moment that stuck out this season for the Titans. In fact, that’s what makes their ride so special.
The expectation was always there – especially after returning nine starters from a team that reached the state tournament last year – including a second-to-none defensive unit prone to shutting down opponents.
“I don’t think anyone calls it that early in the season,” Walsh said. “You don’t want to get your hopes up and then have it not happen. You don’t say it out loud right away. It’s definitely a feeling you keep inside, we always knew how good we were.”
Having reached their goal, on Saturday, C.B. South fell in overtime, 1-0, to Canon-McMillian in the PIAA Class AAAA state final. It was the program’s first appearance.
“I know it’s not the last time I’m playing soccer but I love these girls so much,” senior Sophia Boggs said. “The thought of playing with them for the last time really upsets me and I know we could have done better. The shots just didn’t go in today, sometimes that’s how it works. We played our hearts out the entire season, not just today. It is sad but I’m really going to miss them so much – that’s the hardest thing to swallow.”
“I really thought we had it,” the keeper, who had another monster performance in net, continued. “I thought going into the second half we would definitely bury some goals but it just didn’t happen. The burst of energy was great – it picked us up – but unless the ball goes into the back of the net, it is not really what it needs to be.”
Chances.
The Titans had plenty of chances. Some of them came with the strong wind at their backs, others with the wind and rain blowing in their faces. In fact, C.B. South had so many scoring opportunities throughout the contest– and dominated large stretches – that a goal seemed inevitable.
But it never came.
Their opponent couldn’t score either, however, and so, deadlocked at 0, the game headed to overtime.
“We won the toss so we still had it going our way with the wind, so honestly I was just really confident and I’m shocked at the results,” Walsh said.
‘Shocked’ seems like the right way to describe it.
Canon-McMillan’s goal came with just 4:25 remaining in the first overtime period, as Addie Roman made a run far post and connected on a beautifully struck ball. It hit the back of the net, and just like that, C.B. South’s season was over.
“This is a very tenacious group and they are very goal-oriented,” coach Betsy Bullock said. “They wanted to get to Hershey – we got to Hershey. That’s why there is so much disappointment as well. They really wanted to win it so badly.”
Led by its stalwart senior class – comprised of 12 members – the Titans finished the year 19-6-1, as the second-place finisher in the always tough Continental Conference and fourth place in District 1.
“I love every fellow senior on this team,” Krysta Reading said. “We have a lot of seniors and every single one of them is awesome – even some that don’t play, they are always in a good mood, always encouraging. This journey has honestly shown everyone’s true colors and how much we really love each other. For most of us, this is our last game of our soccer careers and the fact that we were second in the state is insane.”
Insane? Not to Walsh. She always had a feeling.
Canon-McMillan 0 0 1 – 1
Central Bucks South 0 0 0 – 0
Goal: CM- Addie Roman
Saves: CM – Megan Virgin 8; CBS – Sophia Boggs 4
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