Check out the Kwik Goal recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action. Neshaminy/Conestoga photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for a gallery of photos.
SOL Freedom
Springfield Twp 5, Upper Moreland 1
The Spartans will now play the waiting game.
Springfield Twp got a hat trick from Ava Brnich and a brace from Karter Brady – the standout sophomore running her season total to 20 – to wrap up its regular season. They still have an outside shot at splitting the SOL Freedom title pending Wednesday’s results, but beyond that, the Spartans currently sit as the top seed in the District 1 Class 2A bracket
Upper Moreland, currently outside the District 1 Class 3A playoff line, has one regular season game to go. Monday’s match, however, was all about the team’s dozen seniors with all 12 being honored pregame
Scoring Summary
1st Half
ST – Karter Brady 20th
ST – Ava Brnich 25th
2nd Half
UM – Brooklyn Kavanagh 43rd
ST – Ava Brnich 62nd
ST – Ava Brnich 69th
ST Karter Brady 70th
Goalkeeper Saves:
UM Gracie Costello, 5 saves
ST Olivia Gatewood, 3 saves
Springfield Twp coach Chris Tomarelli: “The Springfield Spartans closed out the regular season with an impressive 5-1 victory over Upper Moreland. Karter Brady led the way with two goals, bringing her season total to 20, while Ava Brnich added three goals in a dominant offensive performance.”
Postseason awaits: “Now, we wait to see how the playoff rankings shake out. I’m incredibly proud of this team, the work they’ve put in, and everything they’ve accomplished this season. Excited to see what we can do in the playoffs.”
Upper Moreland coach Lisa Benvenuto: “Tonight, we celebrated our 12 seniors: Gracie Costello, Madeline Cox, Skylar Farabaugh, Keiley Hawk, Kiera Hess, Leah King, Brogan Neely, Sara Payes, Jayda Rivera, Aubrey Scarpitti, Emily Skinner, and Madison White. This night was all about honoring their dedication and careers at Upper Moreland. This senior class has left a mark on our program that will last for years to come.”
The game: “We knew going in that Springfield is a talented team that capitalizes on second-chance opportunities. Although we created several dangerous chances in the first half, we couldn’t quite convert. At halftime, we refocused on moving the ball, working as a tight unit up and down the pitch, and finding our open players. Just three minutes into the second half, Brooklyn Kavanagh netted a free kick to ignite our offense. We kept pushing and generating chances the rest of the way, even if we couldn’t find the back of the net again. Congratulations again to our 12 seniors—we are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished.”
Up next: Upper Moreland will host Dock Mennonite Academy in a non-league game Thursday.
SPRINGFIELD TWP 2 3 – 5
UPPER MORELAND 0 1 – 1
Non-league
Council Rock South 1, Archbishop Wood 0
The Golden Hawks have put together an outstanding season so far, and as the postseason looms, they got a playoff-level test for their annual Community Night game.
With a capacity crowd and a pregame that featured some local youth players, CR South hosted defending PIAA Class 2A state champion Archbishop Wood. While the two teams can’t meet in the postseason, both are eyeing deep playoff runs so they played like it was a late October fixture with everything at stake.
An early goal that featured multiple players involved was enough to get the SOL Patriot division champions the win as they look to secure a coveted top-four seed in the District 1 Class 4A bracket.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
CRS – Riley O’Halloran (Brooke Pavlow)
2nd Half
No Scoring
CR South coach Nick Heim: “It was a playoff atmosphere as we hosted Wood for our last regular season home game and our Pink Out Community Night. It was a great atmosphere- a lot of people and we had Under-8 (age group) HEX and CRUSA kids join our starters on the field and be the ball girls. Over the last couple days, some of our own players found pictures of when they were those little kids joining us on the field, so it was a nice full circle moment.”
Hawks strike early: “Wood is very good – and a defending state champ for a reason. They move the ball around well, are organized, physical, and have some dangerous pieces. I thought early on we were able to execute what we wanted to do based on some film we got, and it paid off in the first 12 minutes. Lylah Day was able to get a cross off that Anna Horn got on the end of, but a defender knocked it down. It landed at Brooke Pavlow’s foot who slid it out wide to Riley O’Halloran who had a nice left-footed finish to the far side netting. I thought we had the better run of play for the majority of the first half but just couldn’t seem to find another.”
Holding the line: “To start the half, Wood pushed numbers forward, so we had to adjust our formation a bit. The girls did it well on the fly, but it shortened up our bench more than we wanted in the second half. Our backs – Krissy Philip, Maddie Mohr, Kait Hickey, and Lianna Shikhvarger – were terrific in limiting chances. Wood had one good clean look on goal that Maddie Hyams made a great save on, and Mohr cleared the ensuing rebound. I thought Horn was dynamic again, and Ruby Bross put in an incredible effort man marking their dynamic attacking mid. Guilianna Conetta had a fantastic evening, and while not getting in the scorebook, she was often the most dangerous player on the field.”
Takeaways: “Really proud of us keeping our heads in a tight, physical game. We did little things well down the stretch to control the clock; maintaining possession in our offensive end and forcing long balls Hickey and Mohr could see over the end line for safe restarts. A really good test as we approach the playoffs.”
Up next: Council Rock South will close out its regular season on the road at Bensalem Wednesday (7pm).
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 1 0 – 1
ARCHBISHOP WOOD 0 0 – 0
Council Rock North 1, Garnet Valley 0
The road was long and winding, but CR North got to make the return trip content with a win over a quality Jaguars team.
Not only that, a victory over a team higher than them in the District 1 Class 4A rankings will only benefit the Indians as they try to climb the rankings and make sure their playoff run will start at home. During the course of a season, every team gets fortunate and not so fortunate bounces, so while CR North definitely felt the wrong side of that equation, it got some measure of balance Monday when a well-hit corner by Sarina Igval deflected off a GV defender for the game’s only goal.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
CRN – GV own goal
2nd Half
No Scoring
CR North coach Gavin Flannigan: “A really competitive game tonight against a solid GV team. I think we played our best overall game of the season, and it was necessary to get the win tonight. I thought we started off very well, we almost scored in the first 15 seconds, and I felt the majority of the first half we had possession of the ball but couldn’t penetrate their back line. At half time, we stressed how important it was to continue to play with the same intensity as well as making a few adjustments in how we wanted to attack and with our set pieces.”
Beneficial bounce: “Sarina Igval delivered a great corner at the 27-minute mark, and we were fortunate to get a deflection into the goal. After that, we continued to attack well, we had some good moments and a couple of shots, Emma Mandato was close to doubling our lead. In the last 10 mins we had to sit in a little more, and the girls defended very well all the way to the final whistle.”
Takeaways: “Really happy for the group tonight. At times this season, we’ve been a little unlucky or couldn’t find a goal to win a game, tonight they worked really hard and got a little fortunate on the corner, but I think it was well deserved overall.”
Props: “The credit goes to everyone tonight. We were on the road after a 90-plus minute bus ride and then a JV game, but the girls showed up for each other, followed our instructions and competed for all 80 minutes.”
Up next: Council Rock North will host Pennsbury in the final game of its regular season Wednesday (5pm).
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 1 0 – 1
GARNET VALLEY 0 0 – 0
Neshaminy 2, Conestoga 1
Leah Kaczmarek had a big day to help Neshaminy pick up a crucial win in the hunt for a District 1 playoff berth.
After Neshaminy fell behind 1-0, Kaczmarek assisted her sister Lily on the equalizer before scoring the game-winner herself just five minutes later. A stellar effort in goal by Alexis Barnes helped Neshaminy make sure it was enough, 
grabbing the win and picking up a few more vital points as it looks to stay on the right side of the bubble.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
No Scoring
2nd Half
C – 31:00
N – Lily Kaczmarek (Leah Kaczmarek) 15:00
N – Leah Kaczmarek (Grace Miraski) 10:00
Neshaminy coach Josh Van Reed: “Going into today’s game we had talked about where we sit in the standings and the need for a win today and how important that is. Conestoga is always organized, and we knew this would be a tough game. For us, it felt very much like a playoff game.”
Stoga strikes first: “This was a pretty even match going into halftime with both teams creating opportunities. To begin the second half, Conestoga came out a bit more forward and pressing and were rewarded with the lead about 10 minutes into the half. And they didn’t stop there, they quickly came back down and had two more good chances to increase the lead with our keeper Alexis Barnes making the stop in close range, one 
even deflecting and hitting the post.”
Neshaminy responds: “We made some shifts and immediately were rewarded with a corner. Lily Kaczmarek and her sister Leah linked up, and Lily got off a good shot that found its way in to tie things up. From that point on, we kept the pressure on and were getting the ball into more dangerous areas. Evie Dozier was able to find the ball into the corner and put a hard cross to Grace Miraski who flicked it onto the back post to Leah who was coming in late to give us the lead. For the last 10 min we settled in and the defense managed the additional pressure.
Takeaways: “It was a good win today against a good team going into the playoffs next week. I was really pleased with our ability to make adjustments when needed and pull out a win after falling behind, it showed a lot of growth from our team. And Alexis Barnes had some key saves for us today that helped pull out the win.”
Up next: Neshaminy will close out its regular season on the road at Harry S Truman Wednesday.
NESHAMINY 0 2 – 2
CONESTOGA 0 1 – 1
Gwynedd Mercy Academy 1, Lower Moreland 0
A battle between two of the top teams in the District 1 Class 3A standings went the way of the AACA champion Monarchs.
Lower Moreland, battling through some injuries, was in the match for all 80 minutes.
The Lions host William Tennent on Wednesday for Senior Night and a chance to secure a share of the SOL Freedom title.
Lower Moreland coach Todd Hill: “Tough loss against a really good Gwynedd Mercy team today. Our girls played a really solid game but couldn’t put the ball in the net. We had to make some adjustments today due to injuries. Our girls have been really good this year at adjusting to changes. Many teams I have coached over the years have not been able to make adjustments, but this group is so good at mental toughness; they just make each new thing work.”
Props: Senior midfielder Agnes Kroll played an outstanding game today. She was both physically and technically dominant against a tough opponent. Freshman midfielder Charlie Carroll also had a really strong game today. She was really precise in her play and made consistently good decisions. Lastly, junior midfielder Sammy Pennisi also played a smart game today, making good decisions throughout.”
GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY – 1
LOWER MORELAND – 0
Strath Haven 1, Hatboro-Horsham 0
The Hatters celebrated six senior players and two managers prior to Monday’s non-league game. Players included Lexi Cohen, Payton Skutches, Marley Soloff, Kasey Brown, Daniella Frank and Mariela Beniquez. Team managers are Kennedy Conn and Arden Fetterman.
Hatboro-Horsham coach Nick Bellizzie:
“(We) lost a tough match against Strath Haven. Alaina Daniels kept us in the game with eight saves. Great defensive effort by the team all around.”
Up next: Hatboro-Horsham will host Upper Dublin in its. Regular season finale.
Villa Joseph Marie 3, Harry S Truman 0
The Jems celebrated their seniors in Monday’s non-league contest, and they were good hosts.
“I’d like to thank them for their gifts for our seniors – our girls were appreciative,” Truman coach Brian Gilbert said. “Truman seems to be a popular guest for opposing teams during their senior appreciation night.
“Given our record, I suspect teams frequently request us assuming an easy match and a fun night for their fans. Tonight was a fun night as fans on both sides got to see a really good soccer game.”
On a night where Villa celebrated 10 seniors, Truman went with a younger lineup, starting four freshmen and only one senior.
The Jems scored a pair of first-half goals on their way to the non-league win.
Dani Gilbert kept the Tigers in the game with 15 saves in goal.
Harry S Truman coach Brian Gilbert:
–The game: “There were scoring chances on both ends. Freshman Lily Hadfield had a break down the left side and got off a left-footed shot; however, the Villa keeper made the save.
“Gwen Marston took a direct kick and ripped a missile of a shot, but the Villa keeper came up with another big save and more impressively caught the ball clean to prevent the rebound from the ensuing attackers. The Villa keeper came up with the saves when needed and earned her clean sheet. Dani Gilbert came up with 15 saves of her own during the contest to keep Truman in the game.
“One aspect of our defense that we have been aiming to improve is pushing up to catch the opponent offsides rather than falling back, especially on the far side of the play. Villa had an aggressive front as they repeatedly tried to send the long ball past the defense; however, the girls played the position well, and we drew more offsides tonight then we probably did the entire year combined.
“Villa finally connected on one of their homerun passes on a close play where one sideline was yelling offsides, while the other sideline was cheering the breakaway. It’s a game of inches and Villa made the most of their opportunities to finish and put the ball in the back of the net, and their ability to finish was the difference in the game.
“At the half, we talked about the dangers of a 2-0 game and how the next goal wins the game. For the team trailing, scoring the next goal could shift the game’s momentum; however, yielding the next goal would likely seal their fate. We had our opportunities and almost connected on a few plays but just couldn’t get on the board. Villa scored that next goal, which ultimately sealed our fate and came away with the 3-0 victory.”
Takeaways: “I felt the game could have easily been 3-0 the other way, and I’m sure they expected a much easier game; however, much credit to their coaches and players. They stuck with their game plan and kept hammering away until they got those goals. I’m always proud when I hear an opposing coach comment on how hard we played. It was a nice gesture as one of their coaches gave our girls those words of encouragement, impressed that they didn’t give up until the final whistle. That has been our MO all year and something I’ve always been proud of.”
Dual-sport athletes: “Our team character was displayed just as much after the game as it was during the game. Freshman Madison Egan and senior Monica Almanza were playing in their final game tonight. The dual-sport athletes will rest during Wednesday’s match so that they can focus on their upcoming cross-country meet and districts. Maddie and Monica do not just play two varsity sports simultaneously during the same season, but they excel in two varsity sports! Having coached her for many years, I know Maddie was going to have an immediate impact on this team as a freshman. With her skill, speed and endurance, it’s hard to take her off the field, and she has been fun to watch tormenting defenders up and down the sidelines.
“Being a senior, tonight was Monica’s final high school game. Monica has been a great leader on this team. She brings the energy and is one of those players who uplifts her teammates. Tonight, it was her teammates who gave it right back to her. The final whistle sounded during a 3-0 loss. Villa was ready to celebrate their win; however, the Truman bench erupted with cheers and beat them to the celebration. The Tigers stormed the field, cheering and screaming, and the Villa players paused momentarily and appeared a bit confused until I leaned over and said ‘She’s a senior and tonight’s her last game.’ They gave an aww, smiled and gave the sportsmanlike nod of approval as our players surrounded Monica, jumping up and down, showing her love. I’m grateful for the game of soccer, but even more so for the moments it brings. Tonight was one of those nights I’m sure they’ll remember. “
Up next: Harry S Truman will host Neshaminy on Wednesday.
Harry S Truman 0 0 – 0
Villa Joseph Marie 2 1 – 3
Pennington 5, Pennsbury 2
Archbishop Ryan 6, Bensalem 1
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