Central Bucks East fell to second-seeded Downingtown East 3-0 in a District One AAA semifinal battle at Souderton. To view game action photos, please visit the Photo Gallery.
By: Ben Winderman
Every scouting report that emerged about Downingtown East said ‘stop #17,’ but unfortunately for Central Bucks East, scouting reports don’t play defense.
Before anyone could say Linnea Faccenda, the senior striker from Downingtown East had scored the game winner. Twenty-four seconds into the semifinal match between the second and sixth-seeded sides, the dynamic Cougars’ attacker accelerated onto a loose ball 25 yards out, took two touches, and set up a right footed blast that beat East GK Paige Marcinkowski high and to the right. The net exploded with the pace of the shot and everyone present, except for the Downingtown faithful, raised a collective brow. It was Faccenda’s 33rd goal of her Baskin Robbins season.
As great teams tend to do, CB East woke up and responded with a steady balanced attack that utilized the talents of Shaun Kane, Emma Loving, Kristen Murphy, and Nicole Panella. Each Patriot took a turn testing Downingtown keeper Katelyn Johns, but the Cougar junior was up to each challenge.
As the game settled, a consistent theme resonated from the turf: CB East’s Panella winning a ball in the midfield, collecting a head of steam, finding Kane or Loving around Downingtown’s box, but being thwarted by an impressive and organized Cougar back four.
“We knew about their forwards,” explained Downingtown coach Craig Reed. “We knew how good they are and how well coached. We tend to adjust our tactics according to our opponents, and we thought if we defended well, we could catch them on the break.”
Reed couldn’t have hoped for a quicker break for their first goal, but he’d have to endure 59 more minutes of battle until #17 would once again find her opponents net.
“It honestly feels amazing,” smiled an elated Faccenda. “We have been together for the last four years, these same girls, and now to experience this with them is so incredible!”
Faccenda, who has committed to playing soccer next year for Duquesne University, would deliver a performance for the ages. After switching Nicole Panella to the back, CB East quieted Downingtown’s star, but in the 57th minute Faccenda once again got dangerous. Receiving a ball from junior Caroline Martini, the striker took a slightly heavy touch which CB East keep Marcinkowski courageously smothered.
The equalizer then appeared within the Patriots reach. Following Marcinkowski’s punt, CB East midfielder Annie Axenroth drove a beautiful cross to Shaun Kane’s head and although the senior striker’s effort slid through the legs of Downingtown keeper Katelyn Johns, it only won CB East a corner kick. In fairness, it was Johns’ only hiccup of the evening in an otherwise stellar performance.
Then in the 60th minute, Downingtown’s Faccenda once again broke free. This time she received an outlet pass from midfielder Nicole Barretta, delivered a one-time flick down the right flank to a streaking freshman Brenna Warren, who drew the Patriot defenders wide and delivered a return ball to Faccenda. The Duquesne recruit bravely challenged Marcinkowski again this time winning a head ball just ahead of the keeper’s outstretched gloves.
The Patriots responded again with aggression but this was Faccenda’s night. Just over five minutes later, she turned to her left and from 20 out struck her 35th goal of this campaign. She has scored in every game this season, leaving her next opponent, the Lady Skins of Neshaminy, a challenge they will certainly embrace.
CB East Coach Paul Eisold had nothing but praise for his players and admiration for their opponent.
“We’ll bounce back,” said the unfazed East manager.
CB East’s players can boast of a second straight year in qualifying for the state tournament, but winning Saturday is their only relevant thought. The Patriots will take on third seeded Boyertown for third place in District One at 5:00 pm at Souderton Saturday evening.
For Downingtown East and their coach Craig Reed, their tactics will once again be adjusted to cope with the likes of Megan Shafer, Gabby Farrell, Amy Mandia, and Katie Suchodolski. The Lady Cougars will no doubt be ready at 7:00 pm, and we will all be there to see if #17 Linnea Faccenda can score her 36TH GOAL of this amazing Cougar’s season!
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