Check out Wednesday’s SOL girls’ and boys’ soccer action. To view photos of the Neshaminy/CR South and Upper Dublin/Springfield boys’ games and the CB East/Quakertown girls’ game, please visit the Photo Gallery.
GIRLS
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Upper Moreland 2, Cheltenham 1
The Golden Bears came back from a 1-0 deficit at the half to finish off the Lady Panthers. Sarah Keeny scored the only goal for the Panthers off a penalty kick in the first half to give the Panthers the lead. The second half, however, would belong to the Bears. First, Lindsay Walder put her team on the board ten minutes into the second half off a free kick from Morgan Valera.
“Linsday dominated the center,” coach Michelle Schickler said. “She was our playmaker. She is an amazing player - one of the best I’ve seen.”
The game would remain deadlocked for the next 30 minutes until Valera again made use of a free kick with only 45 seconds remaining in regulation.
“Morgan chipped it over the defensive line and shot,” Schickler said. “The goalie saved it and bobbled it and Ashley (Kleinert) came crashing through to the net.”
“We outplayed them the first half but just couldn’t put the ball in the net. Their goalie made some great saves. She had a great game.”
Morgan’s younger sister Taylor Valera, a sophomore, also had a great game defensively according to her coach as she was assigned with the task of shutting down the Panthers’ top scorer.
The Bears improved to 2-3 in the SOL, and the Panthers are now 3-2 in the league.
Wissahickon 2, Upper Merion 1 (OT)
The Trojans took the lead just over 11 minutes into the game with a long center pass from Liz Gregorio to Cailin Grey for the breakaway and the score. Wissahickon dominated play in the first half, holding an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal. The second half was a different story as the Vikings stepped up and held possession, taking seven shots. They knotted the score on a goal with just over seven minutes remaining, sending the Trojans into overtime for the third consecutive game.
In OT, the Trojans maintained possession, collecting three shots to none for the Vikings. The winning goal came in the 97th minute with Ellen-Claire Benbow taking advantage of a free kick at midfield to connect with Meghan Guzewicz for a volley to Grey for a quick shot and score.
Upper Dublin 4, Springfield 1
The Spartans fought hard but fell to the Lady Cards 4-1. Springfield’s keeper let in two goals early in the first half, and the Flying Cardinals made it impossible for them to recover. The only goal for the Spartans was from Jewell Ringgold off a corner kick by Caroline Pape.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 6, Norristown 0
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Neshaminy 1, Council Rock South 0
The Redskins remain unbeaten in the league after shutting out the Golden Hawks. The ‘Skins now boast an impressive record of 5-0 in league play, all of which are shutouts. Ten minutes after returning to the field from a 0-0 halftime tie, Fran Donato scored off an assist by Erin Farell for the only goal of the contest.
“It was a well fought battle,” Rock South coach Kimmy Francis said. “Defensively we played a very strong game.”
Francis admits her team has been struggling with putting the ball in the net.
“Not many of our shots were on frame,” she said. “Overall we have been struggling with goal scoring. We are trying to work out some kinks.”
The ‘Skins are “running high” as Francis put it and are positioning themselves as one of the teams to beat as league play starts to heat up. Both teams have Council Rock North in their sights. Rock North, like Neshaminy, is undefeated in league play. The Redskins will face the Indians on Friday, and the Golden Hawks will match up with them on Monday.
To read Joe Fite’s complete game story, please click on the following PhillyBurbs.com link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/hamptons/strong-defense-donato-goal-lift-neshaminy/article_82c4e804-251f-5eaa-8115-0d05567f3e4a.html
Abington 3, William Tennent 2 (OT)
The Panthers scored first in this close league matchup when Taylor Hopkins headed the ball into the net nine minutes into the game to send Tennent into the half with a 1-0 lead.
The Ghosts would then score two unanswered goals by Julia Guarini (assisted by Gabby Nolan) and Mary Gene Mugnier (assisted by Toni Washington) to go on top 2-1 late in the second half.
The Panthers weren’t finished as Ashley Swaim tied it up with seven minutes to play, forcing overtime. The winning goal came after 2:30 minutes of OT when Kayla Nolan deposited a ball crossed by Molly Wyman into the net for the Ghosts.
Coach Rick Tompkins said, “It was a good win. Almost all (league) games are close, so we expect them to be a fight.”
Tompkins commended the efforts of junior back Jess Domansky.
“Jess played great as a center back and has most of the season,” he said. “She keeps things nailed down back there.”
The Ghosts are thrilled to win back-to-back league games and are looking ahead to Friday when they visit Pennsbury.
Pennsbury 5, Truman 0
Uche Onuoha scored early in the first half to give the Falcons a lead they would not lose. Lexi Brown also had a standout performance, scoring two goals and assisting on three. Other goals scorers were Emily Edwards, Alexa Moors and Megan Engeland (one goal, one assist).
Council Rock North 6, Bensalem 1
Michaela Finneyfrock scored a pair of goals to lead the Indians to the decisive win. Teammates Tori Hall, Molly Ledbetter (Katie O'Connell assist) and Nicole Moonan added single goals, and Karina Kavlcik had a goal and an assist.
CONTINENTAL CONFERENCE
Hatboro 1, North Penn 0
The Hatters had an early advantage after leading scorer Marykate Batemen found the net 19 minutes into the first half. Coach Kate Lamplugh described the goal.
“Marykate fired a shot on (the North Penn keeper) who unfortunately could not contain the ball,” the Hatters’ coach said. “It slipped through and crossed the line.”
The Hatters went into the half with a 1-0 lead and neither team scored in the second half. Hatboro goalie Briana Cummins netted three saves, and Laura Leonard and Megan Gerhart combined for a total of eight saves for the Maidens.
Lamplugh said, “The win is credited to a whole team effort. Tory Adlam had a strong performance on offense, but had trouble finding the back of the net due to North Penn's defense and a second half shutout by Gerhart.”
The Hatters improve to 3-2 in the SOL while the Maidens fall to 1-2-2.
Central Bucks West 3, Central Bucks South 0
West Coach Chris Fruedig admits that in the Continental Conference, “every game is a big game,” so he was pleased with his team’s shutout against the Titans.
Zoey Traficante was the first to find the net midway through the first half, resulting in a 1-0 West lead at halftime. In the second half, Kelsey Horst and Sammi Ernstscored for the Bucks.
Fruedig praised the performances of his midfielders -Emily Grove, Erin McQuate and Quinn McNamara - who “did great job of winning ball and controlling midfield.”
West is now 3-2 SOL, 4-2-1 overall and they face North Penn on Friday.
Pennridge 1, Souderton 0
The Rams improve to 4-0-1 in the Continental Conference after beating Souderton. Natalia Pinkney found Marissa Sheva for the game winner with 18 minutes remaining. Pennridge faces CB East on Friday in a battle to lead the league.
Central Bucks East 3, Quakertown 1 (Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012)
The Patriots and Panthers battled to a 1-1 halftime tie, thanks to goals by CB East’s Shaun Kane (Nicole Pannella assist) and Quakertown’s Linzi Woulfe. Annie Axenroth (Taylor Mysza assist) scored the goal that turned out to be the game winner seven minutes into the second half. Pannella (Kane assist) tacked on an insurance goal as time was about to expire.
“We had the wind at our backs the second half, so it was easier for us,” CB East coach Paul Eishold said.
The Patriots held a 15-5 edge in shots on goal. Quakertown keeper Erinne Finlayson turned away eight shots while Paige Marchinkowski stopped four for the Patriots.
“I thought Paige played very well considering the difficult weather conditions,” Eishold said. “Mariah Lichter played very well for us defensively.”
The Patriots’ coach also lauded the performance of Quakertown’s Shelly Cowan.
“She played extremely well,” Eishold said. “She controlled the midfield and did a really nice job of winning balls and getting Quakertown forward in difficult weather conditions.”
BOYS
CONTINENTAL CONFERENCE
Central Bucks South 2, Central Bucks West 1
The Titans and Bucks entered Wednesday’s key league match-up with identical records of 3-1 in the league.
“CB West has been playing well and came off two big wins last week (against CB East and Pennridge),” South coach Don Brady said. “They had a good game plan to pressure us early but once we got it sorted out, we played well the rest of the way.”
About 20 minutes into the contest, the Titans found their rhythm, which enabled Bryan Brady to score their first goal assisted by Dan Busichio. Brady has tallied a goal in each of the last two games.
Heading into the half with a 1-0 lead, however, was not enough to let the Titans relax. Ten minutes into the second half, they found the net again to go on top 2-0 after Adam Remick assisted Colin McGonigal for the score. The Titans were hoping to post their third shutout of the season, but with seven minutes remaining, Jared Kelly scored for the Bucks to make sure the Titans didn’t get too comfortable.
Coach Brady is pleased to have a well-rounded team this year that has seen nine different players record goals, establishing that every player is a possible threat. The Titans’ coach commended the performance of Busichio.
“Danny has played well all season and today he helped control midfield for us,” he said.
The Bucks fell to 3-2 in the SOL and 5-2 overall while the Titans continue to lead the league, improving to 4-1 (6-1 overall).
South will face Souderton on Saturday for another important league contest.
Souderton 2, Pennridge 0
The Indians netted one in each half to beat the Rams. Evan Kerr scored in the first half, assisted by Ryan Molyneaux, and Justin Rodzewich scored in the second half assisted by Ryan Molyneaux and Trey Ziegler.
Central Bucks East 3, Quakertown 0
The Patriots opened up a 2-0 halftime lead on their way to Wednesday’s decisive win.
“We’ve kind of turned things around a little bit,” coach Mike Gorni said. “We’re playing well right now.
“We had a nice win against Souderton, and Quakertown at Quakertown has been very good. We were just very good tonight in our overall performance. We got the goals we needed and didn’t give up a lot. Jacob Nesteruk got the shutout and only had three saves. We had a pretty complete night actually.”
Ben Marks (Robert Salvo assist) scored a goal four minutes into the game, and the Patriots led 2-0 after Ryan Gleason connected, using a Marks assist. Freshman Evan Vare (Gleason assist) put the finishing touches on the win with a second-half goal.
The Patriots upped their record to 3-2 in the league (4-2 overall). The Panthers fell to 1-4 in league play (2-5 overall).
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Cheltenham 2, Upper Moreland 1
The Panthers pick up their first win of the season with their comeback win over the rival Golden Bears. Scoring both goals for Cheltenham was Eli Tomasic while Nate Roberts scored for the Bears.
Panthers Coach Chuck Gesing called the battle a “come from behind shocker.” Gesing was thrilled with the performance of freshman Eli Tomasic, who scored both goals in the second half, allowing the Panthers to recover from a 1-0 deficit at the half.
Cheltenham improved to 1-4 in the SOL while Upper Moreland fell to 2-3.
Wissahickon 4, Upper Merion 0
The Trojans remained undefeated in the league after burying the Vikings 4-0. Cole Kropnick and Neal Guaglianone both contributed two goals and two assists for the Trojans. Wissahickon held a 15-5 advantage in shots on goal. Trojan keeper John Carozza had two saves and the Vikings’ keeper had six.
Upper Dublin 4, Springfield 0
The Cardinals silenced the Spartans, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first half. First half sgoal corers were Zach Arnold (assisted by Tyler Whitehead), John Roos (assisted by Brian Schaefer) and Alex Browndorf. Mike Connelly scored the final goal in the Flying Cardinals’ triumph. Spartan keeper Colin Axel stopped 14 shots in a busy night, and Cardinals’ keeper Scott Wexler had two saves.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 4, Norristown 2
The Colonials improve to 4-1 in the league after a 4-2 victory over the Eagles. Scoring a pair for PW was freshman Austin Betterly while Joeb Hunter and Joey Galleo each had one goal and one assist. Ed Lohmeyer and Jose Palaez scored for Norristown. Colonial keepers Mike Willis and Brett combined for four saves.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Council Rock South 2, Neshaminy 0
The Golden Hawks now share the top spot in the league after beating the Redskins, who were undefeated in the SOL until today. The teams were gridlocked 0-0 going into the half. Chris Spadaro scored off a penalty kick to give the Hawks the lead in the 66th minute of play. Dan Kockett then found the goal after an assist by Julian Antal to clinch the win.
Coach Alan Nichol was more than pleased with essential midfielder Antal’s performance.
“Julian (Antal) was very strong in the midfield,” the Golden Hawks’ coach said. “He’s a senior and very experienced player. They had a difficult time containing him, and he works hard to impose himself on the team. He had a very focused effort.”
The Golden Hawks were recovering from a loss to Bensalem last week, but they were up for the challenge of taking on the ‘Skins on their home field.
Nichol said, “Neshaminy is never an easy game. They are a much improved team this year. It’s always going to be a tough game - they don’t give up a lot of goals.”
Neshaminy Coach Tom Foley tipped his hat to the Golden Hawks.
“CR South played an outstanding game and dictated the play all afternoon,” the Redskins’ coach said. “They were clearly the better team today.”
The rematch of these two teams will undoubtedly be an interesting one as both of their records are now 4-1 in the conference.
Abington 3, William Tennent 2
The Ghosts eked out a close win over the Panthers in league play today. The back and forth war could have gone either way as the teams battled to a scoreless halftime tie. Less than a minute into the second half, Abington’s Chris Treacy connected with Danny Shepard, who slipped the ball by the keeper. The Ghosts’ Ben Krueger then scored off a deflection from a throw-in, putting Abington on top 2-0.
But the Panthers weren’t going to back down and scored two unanswered goals to knot the score 2-2 nearing the end of regulation. With less than a minute remaining, Treacy once again found Shepard in the middle, and Shepard buried the game winner in the back of the net.
Bensalem 4, Council Rock North 1
The Owls are climbing the ranks in the National Conference, improving their record to 2-3 after defeating the Indians 4-1. Brian Kilcoyne scored twice for the Owls, and Victor Molina and Josh Peprah each added a goal. The Owls, who led 2-0 at the half, will face Truman on Friday.
Pennsbury 5, Truman 1
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