Two SOL boys’ soccer teams and three girls’ squads will be in action in Tuesday’s opening round of the PIAA Tournament.
PIAA Class 4A Boys
#1-1 NORTH PENN vs 3-3 WILSON at Upper Perkiomen High School (Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m.)
North Penn
- 22-1 overall
- 11-1 SOL Continental Conference champions
- District One 4A championship is first district crown in program history
- Senior midfielder Carter Houlihan, a Lafayette commit, is one of the area’s most dangerous offensive weapons and contributed five goals in the Knights’ district run. Junior Josh Jones is an impact player at both ends of the field. Jamie Stewart anchors the defense at central defender, and Ryan Stewart is a versatile player who sees action at various positions depending on the game situation.
- Senior captain Mike Chaffee will return to action after being sidelined the entire district tournament with mono.
- Knights were shut out just once all season, and that came in their only loss to CB East (1-0) on Sept. 10.
How they got here: In Saturday’s district title game, North Penn defeated third-seeded Boyertown 1-0. Sophomore Hunter Stites scored the game-winner eight minutes into the second half.
In a district semifinal game, North Penn rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat fifth-seeded Conestoga 3-2. Carter Houlihan scored the equalizer with 14:20 remaining in regulation to knot the score 2-2, and 64 seconds later, Ryan Stuart turned a Josh Jones header into the game-winner. Earlier, Ryan Stewart’s corner kick set up a Jamie Stewart goal and a 1-0 North Penn lead.
In a quarterfinal contest, North Penn edged ninth-seeded Abington 2-1. Carter Houlihan scored both goals – the first on a free kick in the first half and the second on a penalty kick that gave the Knights a 2-0 lead with 28 minutes remaining in regulation. Abington scored on a PK seven minutes later, but keeper Sawyer Meade and the Knights’ defense stood tall the rest of the way.
After an opening round bye, North Penn defeated 16th-seeded Pennridge 6-0 in a second round contest. John Graber scored 18 seconds into the contest with an assist from Carter Houlihan. Jamie Stewart connected on back-to-back goals and Houlihan added a single goal to put the Knights on top 4-0 at halftime. Houlihan – who led the Knights with two goals and two assists – and Nate Burrell each added a goal after the intermission.
Wilson
- 14-7-1 overall
- 8-2 Berks League Division 1 regular season champion
- Bulldogs have scored 54 goals and allowed 35
- Entered the District 3 Tournament as the seventh seed
- Defeated Radnor 1-0 in the 2018 PIAA 4A state title game but forfeited the title for using an overage player
- Led by Victor Vottero (8 goals, 11 assists), Keegan Miller (11 goals, 2 assists) & Anthony Frederico (8 goals, 7 assists). Brandon Boyer has seven goals.
How they got here: In a semifinal contest, Wilson lost to third-seeded Central Dauphin 3-1, falling behind 3-0 before Ethan Stitzel scored on a penalty kick in the 73rd minute.
In a second round game, Wilson upset seconded-seeded Cumberland Valley, battling CV to a 3-3 tie and winning 3-1 in penalty kicks. David Dries goal in the 71st minute knotted the score. Rick Vittero’s PK won it.
In an opening round game, Wilson defeated 10th-seeded Central York 1-0 on an own goal in overtime when Anthony Federico’s crossing pass was deflected in goal by the defender.
#1-5 CENTRAL BUCKS WEST vs. #3-1 CENTRAL DAUPHIN at Hersheypark Stadium (Tuesday, Nov. 5, 5:30 p.m.)
Central Bucks West
- 11-7-5 overall
- 5-4-3 SOL Continental Conference third place
- 23rd seeded team in District One 4A Tournament played five straight road games at Downingtown West, Radnor, Lower Merion, Neshaminy and Unionville en route to a fifth place finish.
- Key players are defenders Bailey Moyer and James Lutz, goalkeeper Ryan Van Pelt, midfielder Jimi Leder and forward Alan Zlotin.
- The 2018 season ended in the opening round of the PIAA Tournament for the District One 4A champions with a 2-1 loss to Central Dauphin, the third-seeded team from District 3.
How they got here: In Friday’s fifth place game, Central Bucks West and fourth-seeded Unionville battled to a scoreless draw after two overtime periods. The Bucks ended the Indians’ season with a 4-3 win in penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Ryan Van Pelt came up with back-to-back saves, and David Roy scored the PK that gave the Bucks a 4-3 lead.
In a playback game, Central Bucks West defeated 11th-seeded Neshaminy 2-1 in the first overtime. Jimi Leder scored the game-winner early in OT, using an Ian Munoz assist. Trailing 1-0 in the second half, Alan Zlotin turned a Munoz pass into the equalizer.
In a quarterfinal game, Central Bucks West fell to second-seeded Lower Merion 2-1. The Bucks fell behind 2-0, but a penalty kick by Ben Danzis trimmed that lead to one late in the second half.
In a second round contest, Central Bucks West defeated seventh-seeded Radnor 2-1 in overtime. The Bucks, who trailed 1-0 at halftime, knotted the score five minutes into the second half on an Ian Munoz goal. Jim Leder scored the game-winner in OT with an assist from Alan Zlotin.
In an opening round game, Central Bucks West defeated 10th-seeded Downingtown West 1-0. Three days earlier, the Bucks fell to the Whippets 2-0 in their regular season finale. With five minutes remaining in the first half, Ian Munoz turned a Bailey Moyer pass into the game-winner.
Central Dauphin
- 20-1-1 overall
- Mid-Penn Commonwealth Co-champions
- District 3 champions entered the tournament as third seed.
- Led by Peyton Blain (M), Irvin Alejandres (F), John Axtman (Wing), Jacob Philippe (F), Eric Axtman (G)
- Rams take a 20-game winning streak into the state tournament after opening season with a tie to Susquehannock (2-2) and loss to Cumberland Valley (2-1).
How they got here: In Saturday’s title game, Central Dauphin defeated top-seeded and nationally-ranked Dallastown 1-0. Luke Johnson scored the only goal in the 45th minute. Eric Axtman stonewalled a penalty kick and earned the clean sheet in goal.
In a semifinal game, Central Dauphin defeated seventh-seeded Wilson 3-1. The Rams – thanks to a goal by Alex Hanna and an own goal – led 2-0 at halftime. Senior winger Jacob Philippe added a goal in the second half.
In the second round, Central Dauphin earned a 4-0 win over 11th-seeded Governor Mifflin. John Axtman led the Rams with a goal and an assist. Alex Hanna, Luke Johnson and Jacob Philippe each added a goal.
In an opening round contest, Central Dauphin rolled to a 6-1 win over 14th-seeded Elizabethtown. John Axtman and Evan Tran each scored two goals while Alex Hanna and Peyton Blain each added a goal.
PIAA Class 4A girls
#1-1 PENNRIDGE vs. #3-3 WILSON at Souderton Area High School (Tuesday, Nov. 5, 5:30 p.m.)
Pennridge
- 20-1-1 overall
- 10-1-1 SOL Continental Conference champion
- District One 4A champion
- Strong midfield anchored by seniors Maddie Anderson and Chance Hendricks covers defense and starts offense with consistent ability to win ball on ground or in air.
- Rigid defensive unit led by senior goalkeeper Meghan Kriney has allowed just one goal in four postseason games. Center backs Maddie Angelo and Lauren McIntyre are sound while fullbacks Zoe Sabol and Ashley Gordon can help offensively
- Balanced front line centered by target forward Lindsey DeHaven. Wide forwards Leah Malone and Emily Kriney bring pace and finishing while reserves Riley Hepler, Liv Lowery and Abby Brown can keep up level of play. Malone has scored a goal in all four district games.
How they got here: In Saturday’s district title game, Pennridge edged second-seeded Boyertown 1-0. Leah Malone scored the game’s lone goal with just over five minutes remaining in the first half. Meghan Kriney earned the shutout in goal.
In a semifinal game, Pennridge defeated 10th-seeded North Penn 2-1. Trailing 1-0, the Knights scored a pair of goals within a two-minute span late in the game. Leah Malone scored the equalizer with eight minutes remaining, and two minutes later, Emily Kriney scored a goal that turned out to be the game-winner.
In a district quarterfinal, Pennridge defeated ninth-seeded Council Rock South 2-0. Emily Kriney scored an early goal with an assist from Maddie Anderson. Leah Malone’s goal with four minutes left in the opening half gave the Rams a 2-0 lead.
After an opening round bye, Pennridge defeated 16th-seeded Great Valley 3-0 in a second round contest. Leah Malone and Chance Hendricks each scored a goal to give the Rams a 2-0 halftime lead. Lindsey DeHaven added a goal in the second half.
Wilson
- 20-5 overall
- 9-1 Berks League Division 1 co-champions with Governor Mifflin
- Bulldogs scored 50 goals and allowed 33
- Attack led by Natalee Vicari (15 goals, 2 assists), Jailene DeJesus (9 goals, 9 assists) & Elizabeth Estrada (8 goals, 6 assists).
- Loss to Central Dauphin in district semifinals snapped a nine-game winning streak.
How they got here: In the District 3 third place game, Wilson defeated fourth-seeded Ephrata 2-1. The Bulldogs – who received goals from Keira Levengood and Emily Magalotti – led 1-0 at halftime.
In a district semifinal, Wilson lost to second-seeded Hempfield 2-1 in overtime. Natalee Vicari scored a goal in the second half to knot the score.
In a second round contest, Wilson and seventh-seeded Manheim Township were deadlocked 1-1 after two overtime periods. Elizabeth Estrada scored a second-half goal for the Bulldogs, who won 4-3 in penalty kicks.
In an opening round game, Wilson defeated 14th-seeded Northeastern 3-0. Jailene DeJesus, Keira Levengood & Emily Magalotti each scored a goal in the final 16 minutes.
#1-3 NORTH PENN vs. #4-1 WILLIAMSPORT at Loyalsock Township High School (Tuesday, Nov. 5, 5 p.m.)
North Penn
- 12-9-2 overall
- 6-4-2 SOL Continental
- High-paced offensive group can score in bunches but also doesn’t mind working hard for a tally. Speedster Emily Varilla leads team in goals, but Kloey Carminati, Tia Sheehy, Liv Urban and Riley Saxman are threats to score on top of their passing. Varilla has three goals in the postseason and has drawn a pair of penalty kicks, both were converted by Sheehy.
- Defense has solidified in front of keeper Anna Fiore. Grace Sacchetti’s move to center back has made unit sturdier along with center back Casey Cavanaugh and fullbacks Reagan Ertel and Landry Holt. Sacchetti is also an excellent server on free and corner kicks.
- Midfield is industrious group led by Emily Schurr and Becca Richardson in holding spots with Sheehy, Urban and Saxman able to fill in as attacking midfielder.
How they got here: In Friday’s third place game, North Penn fell to third-seeded Conestoga 3-1. Emily Schurr turned a Grace Sachetti free kick into a goal nine minutes into the second half to pull the Knights to within one, 2-1.
In a semifinal match, North Penn fell to top-seeded Pennridge 2-1. Emily Varilla’s goal with 16 minutes left gave the Knights a 1-0 lead, but the Rams answered with a pair of goals in the final eight minutes.
In a quarterfinal contest, North Penn and fifth-seeded Pennsbury battled to a scoreless tie after two overtime periods. The Knights earned a 5-4 win in penalty kicks. Casey Cavanaugh connected on the game-winning PK, and goalie Anna Fiore delivered a save to preserve the lead.
In a second round game, North Penn sent fourth-seeded Lower Merion home for the season with a 3-0 win. A goal by Becca Richardson gave the Knights a 1-0 halftime lead. Emily Varilla and Tia Sheehy added goals in the second half with Sheehy’s coming on a penalty kick.
In an opening round game, North Penn defeated 20th-seeded Garnet Valley 3-0. A goal by Emily Varilla sent the Knights into halftime with a 1-0 lead, and Emily Schurr and Tia Sheehy each added a second-half goal.
Williamsport
- 13-4-3 overall
- District II/IV Sub-regional Champion for fourth straight year
- Millionaires have never won a state playoff game
How they got here: In the district title game, Williamsport edged Delaware Valley 1-0, thanks to a goal by Kailee Helmrich with 18 seconds remaining. The Millionaires held a 15-1 advantage in shots.
In a semifinal contest, Williamsport defeated Hazleton Area 2-0. Katie Penman scored both goals. Hazleton did not collect a shot on goal.
1-5 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH vs. 11-1 FREEDOM at J. Birney Crum Stadium (Tuesday, Nov. 5, 5 p.m.)
Council Rock South
- 15-5-1 overall
- 9-3-0 SOL National
- Senior-laden squad paced by a cohesive and lethal attacking group. Sammy Jones is top scorer, while twin sister Allie is rounding back into form off an injury. Sammy Jones had two goals and three assists in district play. Aubrey Hondros, Madison McDowell, Claudia Steinmetz and Jordi Rubakh are equally potent and group combines well. Rubakh had three goals and three assists while McDowell had three goals in the Golden Hawks’ district run.
- Tough defensive group led by Maddie Slubowski, Karly Wunder, Skylar Nowmos, Kim Speiser and Dana DeDominicis. Sydney Mandel and Carli Dickel have split keeper duty with both also able to play in midfield when not in goal.
- Midfield covers all areas well led by Rubakh and Hondros on attacking end. Carly Irvin, Lauren Smith, Kimmie Herritt provide cover for back line and aid other midfielders in pressing up field and linking with forward line.
How they got here: In Friday’s fifth place game, Council Rock South defeated seventh-seeded Unionville 3-1. The Golden Hawks, who trailed 1-0 at halftime, scored three unanswered goals in the second half – all three with Jordi Rubakh assists. Madison McDowell scored a pair and Sammy Jones added a single goal.
In a playback game, Council Rock South edged fifth-seeded Pennsbury 2-1 in overtime. Sammy Jones broke a scoreless tie with 19 minutes left in regulation. The Falcons knotted the score with six minutes remaining. Madison McDowell scored the game-winner in the first overtime, using a Sammy Jones assist.
In a quarterfinal game, Council Rock South fell to top-seeded Pennridge 2-0.
In a second round game, Council Rock North defeated eighth-seeded Hatboro-Horsham 3-0. Aubrey Hondros and Jordi Rubakh each scored a goal to give the Golden Hawks a 2-0 halftime lead. Rubakh added a goal in the second half.
In an opening round contest, Council Rock South edged 24th-seeded Quakertown 1-0. Jordi Rubakh turned a Sammy Jones pass into a goal midway through the second half that turned out to be the game-winner.
Freedom
- 17-6 overall
- 12-4 EPC Steel Division regular season co-champions
- District XI champions. Patriots were the seventh seed entering the district tournament.
- Patriots, the tournament’s sixth seed, fell to Emmaus 3-0 in EPC semifinals
- Led by junior Haley Gschrey, a La Salle University commit, who has 34 goals.
- Patriots have scored 81 goals and allowed 24.
How they got here: In the district title game, Freedom defeated eighth-seeded Nazareth 3-1. Junior Haley Gschrey scored two goals in the first 20 minutes, and Natalie Stannard added a goal. Freshman goalie Megan Raffino recorded six saves.
In a semifinal contest, Freedom defeated third-seeded Northampton 2-1 in overtime. Haley Gschrey scored with 7:30 remaining in regulation to knot the score, and Lily Judge scored the game-winner with 1:58 remaining in the first overtime.
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