CR South and Pennsbury battled to a scoreless tie in a key National Conference battle. Check out Thursday’s recaps. Photos of the Pennsbury/CR South game provided courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for a gallery of photos.
SOL Continental
Pennridge 1, Central Bucks West 0
It's been a good week for Pennridge's midfield and for Lindsey DeHaven.
DeHaven, the Rams' tiny but talented freshman, scored the game-winning goal on Tuesday and again on Thursday.
"I hear her talking now, she's a very smart player and when she's started using her voice, people are listening," Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. "She's gaining the confidence that she should have. She's one of the best players in the conference in my opinion and now at the end of the season, to be constantly going to goal and putting herself in goal-scoring opportunities is huge for her."
DeHaven did so because the midfield has finally seemed to put everything together and connect the passes that weren't getting finished earlier in the season.
"The past two games, we've been connecting in the midfield and I think the midfield is the key to us having a lot more scoring opportunities," Anderson said. "Instead of playing a direct ball, we're connecting with each other in the midfield then finding a forward. That's helped us the past two games, to keep our forwards from having to sprint after every ball."
With the win, Pennridge moved into a tie with CB South atop the Continental standings.
The Bucks, coming off a great win against CB East on Tuesday, turned in another strong outing but just couldn't find the back of the net. Coach Mike Moyer noted the play of freshman goalkeeper Jenna Abazza, the hero in Tuesday night's win.
"Another great game from her, she kept the game close," Moyer said.
Pennridge scored in the first three minutes when Lauren Plezia was able to take the ball after a defender mishit it, finding DeHaven for the early goal. After that, the teams traded punches with neither able to find the back of the net.
"It was a good back and forth game. I thought Tori Albrecht played really tough and well in the midfield," Moyer said. "Gracie Power and Sam Lubin did well controlling the midfield, Trish Hauck and Alex Craine had numerous opportunities, we just couldn't put one away tonight."
It's also been a good week for the Rams' defense, especially converted center back Lauren McIntyre, posting two shutouts with keeper Mary Kate Levush. Levush has given up just five goals all season, but it was still a confidence building result for the defensive unit.
"I give a lot of credit to Pennridge and their defense," Moyer said. "There's a reason they are (tied) in first place, they don't give up a lot of goals. I thought it was a pretty even game."
Anderson likewise credited Hauck, who scored the game winner against CB East and said the forward was a focal point for her team defensively.
"Lauren won so many balls out of the air tonight with her head, which helped us so much because West has Trish up top," Anderson said. "She's just such a beast when she has the ball at her feet. Lauren McIntyre played so well at center back and it ended up helping us out in the midfield."
DeHaven finished Thursday's game playing in the midfield with senior Caroline Thomson and junior Ashley Groeber split wide just to help the ball stay on the feet of the Rams' players.
"We've been stressing to connect two passes or at least one pass before we start looking for a forward, and they started doing a really nice job against Souderton," Anderson said. "The second half tonight, instead of panicking, they were able to keep composure, connect each other and then find the forwards."
Pennridge (9-2-2, 6-2-2 SOL) hosts Abington on Friday at 3:30 while CB West (7-8, 3-8) hosts Gwynedd Mercy Academy at 4 on Saturday.
PENNRIDGE 1 0 – 1
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Lindsey DeHaven
Central Bucks East 1, William Tennent 0
The Patriots got a late goal to slip past a tough Tennent side on Thursday.
"This team continues to persevere," East coach Paul Eisold said. "They have such great leadership with Riley Kane, Delaney Kennedy and Katie Bloom. They have been a bit unfortunate finding the back of the net but are continuously striving to improve. They do not quit."
Kristen Obetz posted another clean sheet for East.
"Great defensive effort by Marissa Plack, Ashley Balderson, Brooke Zarzycki and Anna Bound," Eisold said. "Tennent was dangerous on the counter-attack with serving balls in and long throws."
Kate Schlotter finally broke the deadlock in the 76th minute.
"Ashley Balderson served a corner kick, ball popped out to her for a second service," Eisold said. "She served the ball to the top of the 18 and Ali Hamilton headed a through ball down to Kate and Kate had a technical finish on a goal slotted past the diving keeper."
Life in the Continental is a constant test, and it’s one that well prepares its teams that advance to the postseason.
"The last three years a Continental team has been in a state final," Eisold said. "It tells me this conference is battle tested and the competition is healthy to produce very competitive teams that challenge in both districts and states."
Central Bucks East (8-4-4, 5-3-3 SOL) will host Central Bucks South on Wednesday, and William Tennent (9-5, 5-5) will travel to Pennridge on Monday for a 7 p.m. contest.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 0 1 -1
WILLIAM TENNENT 0 0 – 0
Goals: CBE – Kate Schlotter
Souderton 3, North Penn 1
The Indians made a slight change in formation and got a much-needed result out of it.
Allie Trick got Souderton on the board three minutes into the game off a Sara Readinger assist. Trick would also pick up assists on both second half goals, with Cara McCausland putting away both of them.
"A small change in shape helped get the right players into the right areas of the field," Souderton coach Chris Felber said. "Finding Cara in the box let us find our mids in more attacking positions. Really strong performance against a tough North Penn team and home crowd."
The Knights, who celebrated their Senior Night by playing under the lights on their turf field, tied the game up with eight minutes to go in the first half.
McCausland scored the game-winner with about 28 minutes left after Trick set her up for a rocket of a shot. The senior forward makes so much click for the Indians.
"She was able to stay higher and focus on getting into a scoring position," Felber said.
Senior Taylor Moritz was excellent defensively, winning tackles, playing aggressively and helping move the ball up the field.
"Taylor was fantastic. Sara and Allie were super-creative," Felber said. "Everyone was pretty solid throughout."
Souderton (10-4, 6-4 SOL) will host Central Bucks West on Monday at 6:30 p.m., and North Penn (4-10-1, 1-8-1) will be on the road at Central Bucks South on Monday for a 7 p.m. game.
SOUDERTON 1 2 – 3
NORTH PENN 1 0 – 1
Goals: S – Cara McCausland 2, Allie Trick
SOL National
Pennsbury 0, Council Rock South 0
Among soccer's numerous quirks is that in the right scenario, a scoreless draw can be more compelling than a game with multiple goals.
Thursday's clash between the Falcons and Golden Hawks certainly fit that scenario. Neither team was able to score, but they threw everything they had at each other for 100 minutes.
It was such an intense game, some of the CR South players weren't even happy they got a point out of it.
"Pennsbury came into the game with one loss, so we know how quality they are.
They came out with great energy and it took us 15 minutes or so to get back into it," Hawks coach Nick Heim said. "After that, we definitely had chances. Obviously, we wanted a win but the girls know a tie doesn't ruin us. The girls came off the field looking like they had lost, and I told them it's that competitive spirit that makes this team so enjoyable to be around."
The Hawks topped Pennsbury earlier this season, the first win over the Falcons for any of the CR South seniors. While CR South is a competitive group, so are the Falcons, so a draw did seem fitting.
"The staff was very proud of them, 100 minutes against a perennial SOL power is a good result. Really, it was a classic SOL Battle," Heim said. "It's these type of games that SOL teams face so frequently that allows our league to be successful in the postseason."
Pennsbury, which came in off an uneven win over Neshaminy on Tuesday, needed every player to hold CR South to a point.
"Our help defense was great today. We weren't perfect by any means, but the team defense today was some of the best work we've put together as a unit," Pennsbury coach Kaitlyn Battiste said. "They had each other's backs for 100 minutes. I see a lot of similarities between the two teams, it was a great battle."
Pennsbury turned to a pair of seniors to guide the way.
"Lizzy Kirk and Hope Drewes had outstanding games today," Battiste said. "They found another level to their game, not just individually, but their leadership was incredible."
Likewise, it was a cast of many who stepped up for CR South.
"Emily Helmich in goal played fantastic as did the four in our back line – Grace O'Kane, Emily Kavash, Carly Hickey and Callie Deola," Heim said. "Keira Flanagan was dangerous up top and Julie Rebh and Paige Mikula put in warrior-like efforts, constantly working and being near the ball for 100 minutes."
South, which lost to Downingtown West on Monday, continues its gauntlet week with a non-league game against 3A state power Villa Joseph Marie on Friday.
"These girls are competitors and want to play the best teams around," Heim said.
With the postseason almost in sight, the Hawks will be tested, but Heim also knows this is the time of year where his veterans provide more than just minutes on the field.
"It's taxing bot mentally and physically. Sometimes we forget these kids have seven or eight hours of school before a game and have to take care of academics after a tough match," Heim said. "It can be a daunting task, but our seniors make sure we stay focused."
Council Rock South is 9-0-1 in SOL play (13-1-1 overall). Pennsbury (12-1-2, 8-1-1) will host Council Rock North on Monday.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 0 0 0 0 – 0
PENNSBURY 0 0 0 0 – 0
Neshaminy 2, Council Rock North 0
It was the game Neshaminy coach Chelsea Lovelace had been looking for all season.
Lovelace listed nearly half her roster as standout players as the defending District I champions picked up a helpful win as they try to move up the seeding ladder. Michaela Boyd and Brooke Mullin scored as part of a team-wide effort.
"It was the first time this season that we played a solid 80 minutes," Lovelace said. "Everyone was working to support each other all over the field and that made a huge difference in our play."
Lovelace also noted the play of Kristin Curley, Emily Tantala, Gina Sexton, Deanna Lebotesis, Genna Obringer, Alex Ziegler, Hannah Stonkus and Brianna Tobin. All those players are crucial parts of Neshaminy's lineup but Thursday was the first time they all had it at the same time.
Curley flicked the ball on to Tantala, who found Boyd for an assist on the first goal. The other Neshaminy standout, Jackie Ziegler, created the play with a cross.
Ziegler also assisted the second goal when her corner kick picked out Mullin, who volleyed it home.
"She had a bunch of early crosses into the box that we were able to get on the end of," Lovelace said. "If she's not crossing it early, she's taking people on and trying to get endline, which draws corner kicks."
Riley Spingler and Victoria Smith combined for two saves.
Neshaminy (8-5-1, 6-3-1 SOL) will host Archbishop Wood on Saturday at 10 a.m. in a non-league game. Council Rock North (8-6-1, 5-5-1) will host Haverford on Monday in a non-league contest.
NESHAMINY 1 1 – 0
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 0 – 0
Goals: Michaela Boyd, Brooke Mullin
Abington 7, Harry S Truman0
Camryn Lexow's brace led an offensive outburst for the Galloping Ghosts.
Casey Touey, Payton Gormley, Olivia Dubree, Elizabeth Tracey and Kayla Taylor also scored for Abington. With injuries hitting the Ghosts goalkeepers hard, Erin Knotek and Kaeleigh Serianni, normally a defender, split the shutout.
Abington (6-10, 4-7 SOL) will travel to Pennridge for a non-league game on Friday, and Harry S Truman (1-14, 0-10) will be on the road at Neshaminy on Monday.
SOL American
Upper Dublin 2, Springfield Twp 0
The Flying Cardinals spent most of the season rebuilding their nest at the top of the American standings.
After Thursday's win, they can rest in that perch without fear of anyone else sneaking in. Upper Dublin improved to 12-0-0 in conference games thanks to a brace from midfielder Tina Haig.
"Last year, we started a little rough but we saw by the end of the year what our young players were capable of and we're seeing that come to fruition this year," UD coach John Topper said. "The girls who are juniors and seniors now really matured and our league record is proof of that."
It is the fourth American title in the last five seasons for Upper Dublin, which clinched at least a share on Tuesday. Still, locking it up was a difficult task against a determined Springfield team.
"It was a little bit of an ugly game, it was windy, which always makes things messy but Springfield did a great job, they were pressuring us all over the field and we weren't able to possess the ball the way we wanted to the first 20 or so minutes," Topper said. "It took a good Tina Haig effort to open up the scoring. Once that happened we settled in."
Aside from Haig, Topper noted the play of forward Emily Booth, who played a beautiful through ball to Tori Hoffner that led to the second goal on a Haig rebound.
Haig has been a constant threat for Upper Dublin and Topper credits it to the midfielder's versatility.
"The thing about her is she doesn't only score one way," Topper said. "There have been games where teams have limited her opportunities from open play and she has shown she can score a goal from a set piece from 20 yards out or score on a header from a corner. It's difficult to shut down all facets of her game and when she's not scoring a goal, she's creating one."
The Cardinals have three games next week, facing Hatboro-Horsham, Upper Moreland and CB East, and still have plenty to play for. Currently slated as the No. 9 seed in District I 4A, Topper said the next week could have a big swing on where his team ends up.
"We'll enjoy the fact we won for 24 hours, then tomorrow we have to get to work on our next goal, which is getting the best possible seeding in the playoffs," Topper said. "We don't know what's possible. We're in a spot we're happy with, but there's a lot of difficult games to be played."
Upper Dublin (13-1-1, 12-0 SOL) will travel to Hatboro-Horsham for a 7 p.m. contest, and Springfield Township (5-10, 3-9) will host Lower Moreland on Friday in a non-league game.
UPPER DUBLIN – 2
SPRINGFIELD TWP – 0
Goals: UD – Tina Haig 2
Plymouth Whitemarsh 2, Hatboro-Horsham 1
The Colonials weathered quite the second half storm on Thursday.
After turning a 1-0 halftime lead into a 2-0 edge, PW spent the rest of the match under a gauntlet of pressure from the Hatters. Once HH cut into the lead, things only got more intense.
"We came out strong today, our motto was win the first half and the rest would take care of itself," PW coach Ryan Zehren said. "We were really on our heels the whole second half, credit to HH's strong play."
Ali Diamond gave PW the lead in the first half. In the second half, Sarah Putsch and Alyse Caffrey combined for what would be the game-winner.
"Sarah Putsch had time to control the ball in the midfield, then played it into space to Caffrey who finished," Zehren said.
Halie Freedman off of Erica Paluszek's corner kick to get the Hatters back into the game.
"We were on our heels even more after their goal," Zehren said. "We were trying to play the ball up the field into space or the corners to handle it."
Zehren credited Caffrey and Putsch for carrying the Colonials in the second half. After losing to Upper Dublin on Tuesday, it was a needed result for the Colonials, who are trying to lock up a playoff spot.
"The girls thrived off the idea that we control our own destiny," Zehren said. "They stepped up and took care of business. All the credit to them."
Plymouth Whitemarsh (11-5, 8-4 SOL) will host Cheltenham on Monday, and Hatboro-Horsham (8-6, 8-4) will host Mount Saint Joseph Academy on Friday at 10 a.m. in a non-league contest.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 1 1 – 2
HATBORO-HORSHAM 0 1 – 1
Goals: PW – Ali Diamond, Alyse Caffrey; HH – Halie Freedman
Non-league
Central Bucks South 2, Bensalem 1
The Titans stepped out of the conference, dug down deep and found a win Thursday afternoon.
Mac Ehresman put South on the board in the eighth minute off a corner kick from Margot Centofanti, but the Titans lost the lead when Bensalem scored on a breakaway about three minutes into the second half.
CB South turned to Aleksa Peev, who restored the lead in the 46th minute when she turned a Lindsay Scott pass into the winning goal.
"It was a non-league game following a big win against Tennent and I think there was a bit of a letdown," South coach Betsy Bullock said. "They were still able to rally and pull out the win."
Central Bucks South (9-3-3, 6-2-2 SOL) will host North Penn on Monday at 7 p.m., and Bensalem (3-10-1, 2-8) will be on the road at Christopher Dock for a non-league game on Friday.
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1 1 – 2
BENSALEM 0 1 – 1
Goals: CBS – Mac Ehresman, Aleksa Peev
Wednesday, Oct. 11
QUAKERTOWN 3, UPPER MORELAND 0
The Panthers celebrated Senior Night, honoring the team’s five seniors – Becah Fox, Morgan Small, Grace Kave, Katie Moyer and Emily Drennan – with a shutout win.
Ashley Gluck (Becah Fox assist) put the Panthers on the board eight-and-a-half minutes into the game, and then it was Haley Hangey finding the net. When Samantha Barkholz scored with two minutes remaining in the half, the Panthers had a 3-0 lead that stood the rest of the way.
“We worked hard tonight,” UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. “We did a good job at forcing Quakertown to shoot from the outside. There was good ball movement through our midfield. We just couldn't get into a consistent rhythm.”
Quakertown (11-5, 9-3 SOL) will travel to Springfield Township on Monday, and Upper Moreland (5-10, 3-9) will host Merion Merion in a non-league game Friday.
Upper Moreland 0-0 0
Quakertown 3-0 3
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