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By Alex Frazier
Quinn Kremp had never scored a varsity goal.Until Wednesday, that is, when his first tally turned out to be the game winner in Council Rock South’s 2-1 victory over Abington.
“Early season, the balls weren’t dropping in, but now they are,” said South coach Alan Nicholl. “We’ve been focusing on our finishing the last couple of weeks, and it’s starting to show in the results.”
Less than two minutes into the second half with the Golden Hawks holding a 1-0 lead. Kremp found himself at the right place at the right time.
Coming out of the intermission with a strong attack, the Hawks were awarded a corner kick, their first of the game. Scott Dion launched the ball from the right side toward the left post, where it was cleared out to Kremp in the midfield. Kremp whacked at it and deflected a shot off Abington sweeper Matt Monheit inside the left post to give South a 2-0 lead.
“It gave us confidence,” said Kremp. “I wasn’t expecting it to go in. I just wanted to put it in the box, and it ended up hitting the defender and bouncing in.”
A 2-0 lead against a talented squad like Abington was good, but Nicholl knew he didn’t have a comfortable lead by any means.
“I didn’t think at any junction in that game that we were two goals better,” he said.
The Ghosts proved worthy opponents in the final 30 minutes. Nicholl’s anxiety proved correct when Abington came within one with 29 minutes to play. Macey Watson, who had been a threat all game, broke in behind two defenders on the right side and fired a shot inside the left post.
“They showed their quality today,” said Nicholl. “The ball just didn’t go into the back of the net for them. I thought we were a bit fortunate there.”
Watson’s goal gave the Ghosts renewed confidence and momentum as they mounted attack after attack, but couldn’t find the net, despite having seven corner-kick opportunities, several direct kicks and a few long throws that Ian MacMillan tossed into the goalmouth.
“Surely in the second half we had enough opportunities. We should have found a way to put the ball in the back of the net,” said Abington coach Randy Garber. “My hat goes off to Council Rock because they did what they had to do. They cleared the ball and beat us to the ball.”
Some defenses would have capitulated under the pressure, but the Golden Hawks met every challenge. Even with the entire Abington team pulled up in the final minutes of play.
Key to that defense has been the marvelous play of keeper Dan Murphy, who had his hands full more than once with Abington’s speedy, tricky forwards, Aiah Mbriwa and Watson. Throw in the steady play of defender Jack Littleton and it’s no wonder the Hawks have recorded five shutouts and are 4-0 in league play.
“Our defense has been outstanding,” said Nicholl. “Against the quality sides we’ve been playing, you have to be able to shut them out to win them. It speaks volumes for their organization and leadership, and their grit and determination to go get it. We hung on there for 18 or 20 minutes.”
Murphy was particularly active in the first 12 minutes of the game when Abington took control. He made several stops and collected a few 50/50 balls to thwart a swarming Ghost attack.
“It’s frustrating,” said Abington center mid Ryan VanDorick. “We had three breakaways we should have scored and a million chances, but we couldn’t put it away. It’s beyond frustrating.”
Momentum began to swing toward the Hawks in the middle of the first half, and when Tim James fired a 40-yard shot that bounced inside the left post with 17 minutes left, Council Rock seemed ready to take control.
Abington has been struggling without three key starters, goalie Sam Matthews (concussion), Jidell Roach (ankle) and Dan Lomady (ankle). Roach and Lomady are both excellent attackers and give the Ghosts the ability to finish, which they have so sorely missed in their last three league games.
“Jidell is a very talented player,” said Garber. “When he’s in the game we beat Neshaminy 3-0. When he’s out of the game, we haven’t scored a goal. He makes things happen. He’s a distributor; he’s a goal scorer. Someone has to step up and take some shots.”
The Ghosts, who were very dangerous in the first 12 minutes of the game swarming around the goal, didn’t, in fact, even get a shot.
“We dribbled the ball out of bounds how many times?” asked Garber. “We dribbled the ball over the endline how many times? We have to get the ball across and keep it in play.”
The Golden Hawks have a huge test coming up Friday when they take their glitzy 4-0 mark to Pennsbury.
The Hawks only had two wins in the league all last season.
“In a league as hard as this, wins are hard to come by,” said Nicholl. “That was a quality Abington team, too.”
“It’s a great feeling,” said Kremp. “You always hope to do well and it feels good when you do it. It’s a big one. We have to keep rolling.”
Abington is hoping to get back on track Friday at Harry S Truman.
Council Rock South (4-0 SOL) 2, Abington (1-3) 1
Goals: Tim James (CRS), Quinn Kremp (CRS), Macey Watson (A)
Shots: Council Rock South 12, Abington 6
Saves: Dan Murphy (CRS) 4, Tim Rankin (A) 6
Corners: Council Rock South 2, Abington 10
Fouls: Council Rock South 8, Abington 6
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