Check out the results for SOL girls' soccer teams in action Tuesday.
National Conference
WILLIAM TENNENT 2, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0
The Panthers stunned the Indians, shutting them out 2-0 thanks to a pair of second half goals after a scoreless first half. Within the first ten minutes of the second half, Ashley Swaim played a through ball from to the opposite side of the field, and Leah Keyser knocked in the go-ahead goal.
“In the first half it was pretty equal and was back and forth,” said Panthers coach Dan Russo. “The girls gained a lot of confidence after that first goal.”
Ten minutes later, Swaim sent another perfectly placed through ball, but this time to an unmarked Shannon McGuinn who powered in the insurance goal.
“We expected a big push from North after our goal, and we held that off,” said Russo. “They are finally starting to get it because now they are more comfortable with each other.”
Russo lost a lot of talent to graduation last year, so this year’s squad needed some time to get used to each other. However, with back-to-back league wins, it seems as if the Panthers have found their groove.
“These guys never played together before, and we kept rotating lineups trying to find who we were,” said Russo. “Now they are starting to play together more and be more comfortable with each other, and that gives us more confidence. They are playing up to the caliber they can play, and I am very happy for them.”
One of the Panthers’ key players in both of their recent wins has been freshman keeper Lauriel Krouse, who turned away a stunning 15 shots to pick up the shutout in what was only her second varsity game. Russo also credited Rachel McCabe and Shannon Troy with outstanding play on defense.
“We talked about how we wanted to improve going through the second time,” said Russo, whose team improved to 2-6 in the league (3-7 overall). “This is going to help our confidence a lot.”
The Indians saw their record drop to 3-3-2 (3-4-3 overall) and look to square off against Abington on Thursday while the Panthers have two games to close out the week, Pennsbury on Thursday and a non-league matchup against St. Hubert’s on Friday.
WILLIAM TENNENT 0-2 2
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0-0 0
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 6, ABINGTON 1
The Golden Hawks soared to a 6-1 win over the visiting Ghosts on Tuesday afternoon after staking out a 2-0 lead at halftime. Nikki Caffey sparked the offense, scoring a hat trick, while Taylor Dillon, Gabi Rosenfeld and Emily Wilkinson each added single goals. Dillon was also credited with two assists and Emily Discavage, Elissa Dotzman and Linsday Hirsh each chipped in an assist as well. The Hawks upped their record to 6-1-1 (7-2-1 overall) and face Truman on Thursday while the Ghosts fell to 2-5-1 (3-7-1 overall) and visit Neshaminy.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 2-4 6
NORRISTOWN 0-1 1
PENNSBURY 1, BENSALEM 0
The Owls limited the second-place Falcons to only one goal when they squared off on Tuesday but couldn’t find the net against a stingy Pennsbury defense. The teams were scoreless at the half, but six minutes into the second half, Uche Onuoha found Alexa Moors for the game-winner. Keeper Courtney Bennet is credited with the shutout win for the Falcons, who improved to 5-1-2 in league play (8-1-2 overall). The Owls, who may be one of the teams to watch out for in the second half of league play, saw their record drop to 2-4-2 (3-7-2 overall). On Thursday, the Falcons will visit William Tennent, and the Owls will host a red-hot Neshaminy squad.
PENNSBURY 0-1 1
BENSALEM 0-0 0
NESHAMINY 6, TRUMAN 0
The Redskins wasted no time in their decisive win over the Tigers, racking up a 4-0 lead by halftime. Gabby Farrell found the net first when she converted a Stephanie Donahue assist in the 13th minute. Megan Schafer (one assist), Fran Donato (one assist) and Alyssa Antonelly also added first-half goals. Twenty seconds into the second half Donato struck again off a Katie McCoy assist, giving the ‘Skins a 5-0 lead. In the 52nd minute, Donato picked up the hat trick (Gabby Farrell assist) to close out the scoring for the Redskins who claimed their 8th shutout and upped their record to 10-0 overall (8-0 SOL). The Tigers fell to 0-8 in the league (2-9 overall). Both teams are back in action on Thursday as the Tigers face Council Rock South and the Redskins travel to Bensalem.
NESHAMINY 4-2 6
TRUMAN 0-0 0
American Conference
UPPER MORELAND 1, PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0
The Golden Bears are looking at the second half of the season as an opportunity to avenge their disappointing league losses, and they are off to a good start after defeating the Colonials on Tuesday. In their first matchup of the season, the Colonials and Bears settled for a 1-1 tie after two overtimes, so the Bears knew this was their chance to start making a statement in the league.
“We have had a rough go lately,” said first-year head coach Lisa Benvenuto. “We had two losses last week, and we were really disappointed in ourselves. Today,
we were focused and knew the game plan, and we played hard, possessed the ball and were able to capitalize.”
The lone goal of the match came from Lindsay Walder, using an assist from Taylor Valera at 27:34.
“The second half was more evenly matched,” said Benvenuto. “They (PW) definitely came out strong, and they wanted to get that equalizer.”
Lucky for Benvenuto, keeper Kim Benge came up huge again for the Bears, turning away 8 shots on goal, three of which were breakaways for the Colonials.
“She held her net well,” said Benvenuto. “She continues to be a force in the net for us.”
Benvenuto was pleased with the level of play and intensity the Bears maintained, and was especially happy with the performances of Karli Lynch Morgan Valera, Sydney Bach Mayer and Taylor Valera.
“They didn’t let up, they played strong,” said Benvenuto. “We were in fifth place, so we want to go after everyone in front of us, but we are taking it one game at a time. Right now, we are going to take this victory and feel good about it.”
The Bears, who upped their record to 4-3-1 (4-6-1 overall), set their sights on Upper Merion and will attempt to avenge their 2-1 loss on Thursday. The Colonials, who fell to 5-3-1 (5-4-1 overall) will regroup and prepare for Cheltenham Thursday.
UPPER MORELAND 1-0 1
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0-0 0
UPPER DUBLIN 2, WISSAHICKON 1
The last time the Trojans and the Cardinals met up, they ended in a scoreless tie, and that tie has remained the only blemish on the Cardinals’ league record. The two teams met under the lights at Upper Dublin for what is always an exciting matchup between American League rivals.
Although the crowd energized the Trojans, they did not have an answer for Lady Cardinal Kendall Couch who scored both of Upper Dublin’s goals. Couch scored one in each half in the victory and leads the team with a dozen goals for the season. With less than 30 seconds on the clock, the Trojans found the net to avert the shutout when Maddy Elwell turned a corner kick from Alyssa Ryan into a goal. Ryan hit a flawless corner, curving toward the far post that was headed into the net by Elwell.
"The whole varsity played well against a very dynamic Upper Dublin team," coach Shannon Creamer-Franke said. "I'm proud of the team."
The Cardinals remain at the top of the league with an 8-0-1 record (8-3-1 overall) and visit Norristown on Thursday while the Spartans (4-2-2 SOL, 4-4-2) host Springfield.
UPPER DUBLIN 1-1 2
WISSAHICKON 0-1 1
SPRINGFIELD 3, CHELTENHAM 0
The Spartans claimed their third league victory after shutting out the Lady Panthers. Meghan Wheatley and Katelyn Gilinger each scored first half goals to give the Spartans a 2-0 advantage at the half. Caroline Pape closed out the scoring in a victory that upped the Spartans’ record to 3-6 (3-7 overall). The Lady Panthers’ record fell to 0-7-1 (0-10-1 overall), and they host Plymouth Whitemarsh on Thursday while the Spartans contend with Wissahickon.
SPRINGFIELD 2-1 3
CHELTENHAM 0-0 0
UPPER MERION 4, NORRISTOWN 0
Continental Conference
NORTH PENN 2, SOUDERTON 0
The Maidens have had trouble finding the back of the net so far this season as they were held scoreless in five consecutive league games until they got one in the win column on Tuesday after shutting out the visiting Indians.
“We’ve had opportunities in our league games but couldn’t score,” said Maidens coach Jim Dehner. “We’ve been working at it, so hopefully this gives us more confidence that we can score going into our last league games.”
The Maidens broke their scoring drought on Monday with a 2-1 non-league overtime win over Methacton, and that momentum carried them into their matchup with the Indians as they were in search of their first league win.
After a scoreless first half, Tina Miller broke free of her defender and was able to get a shot off that she slid past Souderton keeper Jackie Perry to give the Maidens a 1-0 lead.
“They were playing an off-sides trap,” said Dehner. “For the first ten minutes of the game, they played better, and it took us some time to get our feet under us.”
The game remained 1-0 for almost the entire second half until Sydnee Towns found herself with a one-on-one opportunity created by the Indians’ formation since they were pressing to tie the game. Perry got a piece of Towns’ shot, but she didn’t get enough to make the stop, and the Maidens made it a two-goal game in the last minute.
Dehner credited defenders Riley Houlihan, Simran Gidwani, Steph Bresadola, and Lizz Volz with outstanding play as well as his midfielders Mackenzie Daniels, Maddy McClure, and Hannah Alexander.
“They did a nice job of coming back and pressing the ball forward,” said Dehner. “They were able to find spaces and come back and cut off passing lanes. It was a nice defensive effort.”
The Maidens upped their record to 1-4-3 in the league (2-6-4 overall) and visit Central Bucks South on Thursday.
“There’s a little more excitement on and off the field,” said Dehner. “A win seems to cure everything that ails you, but every game from now on is a test.”
Souderton, which fell to 0-6-2 (3-6-2 overall), hosts Hatboro-Horsham on Thursday.
NORTH PENN 0-2 2
SOUDERTON 0-0 0
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 2, HATBORO HORSHAM 0
East has not been scored upon in a league match this year, and with attackers like Shaun Kane and Emma Loving, they are a menacing foe.
Although the Hatters came up short, coach Ben Winderman was pleased with his team’s performance.
"I couldn't have hoped for a more consistent and spirited game," the Hatters’ coach said. "East is inevitably going to generate opportunities, but we made them earn this win, and I'm encouraged by our resiliency and willingness to dig in. All year long we have had strong play from our goalkeepers, and they deserve recognition. They faced players who accelerate to goal and use each other effectively."
Winderman also applauded the attacking East duo along with several other Patriots.
"This league is challenging and gratifying," he explained. “East plays fast and aggressively; they capitalize on turnovers and transition so well.”
Loving opened the scoring for East in the 27th minute on a cross from Abby Emmert. The Patriots kept the presure on after that, but Hatters keeper Brianna Cummins proved difficult to beat. She tipped an East blast off the crossbar which defender Maggie Leisch cleared, and at the half East held a 1-0 advantage.
"A couple of weeks ago we were giving up goals in bunches," said Winderman, "so it was great to our players maintain their composure and keep the game in reach.”
Hatters forward Lauren Brophy almost knotted the game in the 56th minute off a feed from Cait Smith, but the toe poke slid wide left.
"Paige (Marcinkowski) came out fast and forced Lauren Brophy into a hurried shot," Winderman explained.
The Hatters continued to battle, but East began to create opportunities. Finally, in the 65th minute, Holly Moyer banged home a feed from Shuan Kane – after Emmert served the ball in, and the Patriots celebrated. Normally a center back, Moyer didn't waste her chance to tally.
Both teams had players who avoided panic and exhibited poise under pressure. Shutouts are no accidents, and with a back line anchored by players like Emily Horn, Mariah Lichter, Kelsea Gillmer, and at times tonight Nicole Panella, the Patriots limited the opportunities for their opponents.
The Lady Hatters boasted strong play in the back as well, and although often suffocated with pressure, forwards Annette Disipio and Lauren Brophy connected with midfielders Cait Smith and Rachel Kaplan allowing for the Hatters to hit seams in the East back.
Although the teams are having very different campaigns, both coaches were proud of the performances their team put forth. The game was competitive but clean, and the crowd was treated to an early October clash.
The Hatters, have only one league win so far (1-6-1, 2-6-2), will try to pick up their second when they visit Souderton on Thursday afternoon.
The Patriots jumped into the top spot in the Continental Conference as they upped their record to 6-0-2 (10-0-2 overall). Pennridge and Central Bucks West are right behind them with five wins each. CB East will battle CB West on Wednesday at 5:30 at War Memorial in a critical bout against their crosstown rivals that could have league championship implications.
CB EAST 1-1 2
HATBORO HORSHAM 0-0 0
PENNRIDGE 1, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1 (2 OT)
The Rams and Titans battled for a good cause on Pink Out Night at Pennridge, but the two teams remained deadlocked through two overtimes, forcing the Rams to settle for their third tie and the Titans, their second. The Titans got on the board first when Lindsay Weiss converted a Lexi Brockenbough pass into a powerful shot that she rocketed past Rams keeper Amanda O’Hara (4 saves).
It had been 11 games since the Rams found themselves in a position where their opponent scored first, but it didn’t take them long to recover and answer Weiss’ goal. Seven minutes later, Julia Rufe sent a corner kick to Audrey Butcher who headed a well-placed ball into the net for the equalizer.
The Rams held a 14-5 advantage in shots on goal, but that didn’t dampen the Titans’ spirit as they held the Rams scoreless in the second half to send the game to overtime. Neither team found the net for the remainder, and South’s Emily Polcino (13 saves) had a key save in the first overtime on a point blank shot from the Rams.
The Rams fell to second place for the first time this season, as CB East moved ahead with a win over Hatboro. The Titans’ record is now 2-4-2 (3-5-2 overall) and they will contend with North Penn on Thursday while the Rams visit Quakertown for a 7pm game.
PENNRIDGE 1-0-0-0 1
CB SOUTH 1-0-0-0 1
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 2, QUAKERTOWN 0
The Bucks used a pair of second half goals to defeat the Panthers. With the win, they remain two points behind conference leader Central Bucks East and deadlocked with Pennridge, which was forced to settle for a tie with Central Bucks South on Tuesday.
Sophie McKnight broke a scoreless tie in the 46th minute, using a Shea McCarty assist, and 20 minutes later, McCarty connected for an insurance goal, benefitting from a Gwen Harvey assist.
The Bucks held a 9-6 edge in shots. West goalie Grace Bendon was credited with six saves in the shutout.
The Bucks (7-1-3 overall, 5-0-3 SOL) will square off against archrival Central Bucks East in a contest with title implications on Thursday at War Memorial Field at 5:30 p.m. The Panthers (6-5, 4-4) will host Pennridge at 7 p.m.
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