Check out the winners in SOL girls’ soccer action Friday.
SOL AMERICAN
UPPER DUBLIN 3, SPRINGFIELD 1
Now a team firmly in the playoff hunt, the Flying Cardinals shook off a poor first half to record a win Friday afternoon.
Sarah Potocki staked Springfield to a 1-0 lead prior to the midway point of the first half with Ellie Lietzel assisting. Five minutes into the second half, Upper Dublin tied the game when Priya Kaneria headed in Sizzy Lawton's corner kick.
"We didn't play very well in the first half, and credit to Springfield, they really came out and played with a lot of energy and were getting a lot of the 50/50 balls," UD coach John Topper said. "They controlled a good portion of the first half. In the second half, we decided to simplify things and figured out how to control the ball a little bit."
Kaneria has been battling a knee injury and has been in and out of the Cardinals' lineup. When she is able to play, the sophomore has given good minutes, like she did on Friday.
"In a game where we weren't getting much going in the run of play, to score one off her head on a corner was the turning point," Topper said. "She's a really skillful player and brings some things to the team we really need."
Springfield hasn't had the amount of victorious results it wanted, but the Spartans have improved through the course of the season. Friday, they held the advantage for 45 minutes but still showed they're learning by giving Upper Dublin opportunities to get back in the match.
"They're really developing as players,” said Springfield coach Suzette Wolf. “I have some seniors but also young girls.
"I was really happy with how they played today – their heart, desire and aggression. We won every air ball you could win. We can play with them physically for 80 minutes, but if we have a breakdown, even for 10 minutes, we get exploited. Upper Dublin is a good team."
By changing its approach to be more direct on a compact field, Upper Dublin got rolling and Lawton imposed herself on the game. The striker netted the game-winner in the 55th minute on an assist from Tina Haig, then added an insurance strike in the 65th minute, unassisted.
"Sizzy was the difference today," Topper said. "She had two excellent goals."
The Cardinals (10-4-1, 8-3-1 SOL) finish the regular season with games against Hatboro-Horsham, Upper Moreland and Central Bucks East as they try to secure a playoff spot. Topper said the team's midseason turnaround and recent surge is a credit to its seniors.
"They made all the difference. After our third loss in a row, they had a team meeting, closed doors where it was just them and the team," Topper said. "The entire team came out with a different purpose and the younger girls – we have a lot of young talent, but they were buying into what the seniors were saying."
Springfield (2-11-1, 1-9-1) will travel to Quakertown on Tuesday and close out SOL play on Thursday with a Senior Night game against Wissahickon.
Upper Dublin 0 3 – 3
Springfield 1 0 – 1
Goals: UD – Priya Kaneria (Sizzy Lawton) 45', Lawton (Tina Haig) 55', Lawton 65'; S – Sarah Potocki (Ellie Leitzel) 15'
HATBORO-HORSHAM 4, PLYMOUTH-WHITEMARSH 1
Ali Hontz netted a brace to lead the Hatters Friday.
A team chasing a playoff spot, Hatboro-Horsham needs all the points it can get and took full advantage of being able to play on its home surface. Hontz has been one of the team's top scorers, but has spent the season growing into the role.
"Today she was sharp with her finishing," Hatters coach Ike Onyeador said. "She isn't a natural center forward, and game by game, she's been mastering the position. She's an intense player with a decent IQ, so she gets in good spots and is crafty enough to create things."
Bergen Sims and Madalyn Falcione also scored for Hatboro-Horsham, which led 3-1 at the half. Sims scored on a first-half header while Falcione's tally came on a rebound in the second half.
Alyse Caffery provided the lone tally for P-W.
The Hatters controlled the pace and were able to generate and finish chances it didn't have the first time the teams met.
"Our players recognize when to keep possession and are confident to play out of pressure so we had a ton of possession," Onyeador said. "The best way to defend is to not let the other team have the ball and it showed in the scoreline."
Hatboro-Horsham (6-6-3, 6-3-3 SOL) faces Mount Saint Jospeh at 10 am Saturday morning in a non-league contest. Plymouth Whitemarsh (7-8, 6-6) will be on the road at Cheltenham on Tuesday.
Plymouth-Whitemarsh 1 0 – 1
Hatboro-Horsham 3 1 – 4
Goals: PW – Alyse Caffery. HH – Ali Hontz (2), Bergen Sims, Madalyn Falcione
QUAKERTOWN 2, UPPER MORELAND 0
The Panthers rebounded from their first loss of the season with a hard-fought win Friday.
Katie Crouthamel scored in the 11th minute, assisted by Vic Sturgess, and Haley Pursel, aided by Sam Barkholz, found the net in the 62nd minute to provide the margin against a resilient Golden Bears side. Quakertown also got an unexpected boost when Meghan Woulfe filled in for a sick Morgan Small in net and posted the shutout.
"Meghan, who has been playing left back, stepped in and played flawlessly," Quakertown coach Mike Koch said. "The team, coming off a loss and with the keeper out today had excuses to be down but did not let the circumstances affect them, a true credit to the competitors they are."
Koch also noted the strong play of defenders Sam Ramsden and Julia Taylor for his side.
Upper Moreland has proven to be a tough opponent to crack and such was the case for Quakertown.
"We pressured the flanks, which resulted in a cross for the first goal," Koch said. "Eventually, the outside pressure opened up the middle for the second goal.
"I am very impressed with coach Lisa Benvenuto and the way she has Upper Moreland playing."
Koch also said he thought UM's Sydney Bachmayer, Maddie Pisut and Sam Cancel played well.
Likewise, Benvenuto was happy with her team's effort.
"Quakertown has such a disciplined attack, I was proud of our girls and how they were able to slow (Quakertown) down and force the ball to the outside,” the UM coach said. "Today's game was really competitive. Our girls played really well and we held Quakertown to 14 shots."
Benvenuto also singled out Cancel, Pisut and freshman Alexis Lamb.
"She has really matured as a player throughout the course of the season," Benvenuto said of Lamb. "She was part of six of our eight offensive opportunities."
Quakertown (11-1-3, 9-0-3 SOL) will host Dock Mennonite Academy on Monday in a non-league contest at 6 p.m. The Panthers can clinch sole possession of the conference crown when they host Springfield on Tuesday. Upper Moreland (4-9-2, 4-7-1) faces Norristown in nonleague play Monday.
QUAKERTOWN 1 1 – 2
UPPER MORELAND 0 0 – 0
Goals: Q – Katie Crouthamel (Vic Sturgess) 11', Haley Pursel (Sam Barkholz) 62'
WISSAHICKON 6, CHELTENHAM 0
Maddie Elwell had a hat trick and assist to lead a powerful Trojan offensive effort Friday afternoon.
Alexis Smith, Emily Vervlied and Sam Intrieri also scored for Wissahickon, which led 2-0 at halftime and added four goals in the second half.
"Exceptional play today by Wissahickon center backs Mary Matthews and Anna Wilde, midfielders Jasmine Bishop, Kelly Dickson, Emily Vervlied, and Alexis Smith," Wissahickon coach Shannon Creamer-Franke said. "Credit to Carley Amato for a very high work rate up top."
Wissahickon (10-3-1, 8-3-1 SOL) travels to Pennridge for a 3:30 match Monday afternoon. Cheltenham (0-12, 0-11) will host Plymouth Whitemarsh on Tuesday.
CHELTENHAM 0 0 – 0
WISSAHICKON 2 4 – 6
Goals: W – Maddie Elwell 25:17, Alexis Smith (Sam Comonitski) 27:30, Emily Vervlied (Elwell) 47:37, Elwell 64:40, Sam Intrineri 75:12, Elwell 79:50
SOL CONTINENTAL
SOUDERTON 3, NORTH PENN 2
Souderton picked up a win over the visiting Knights Friday evening.
After taking a 2-1 lead into the half, the Indians tacked on what would be the game-winner before giving up a late score. Meredith Moore and Allie Trick scored in the first half while Tori Dowd – on an Ellie Andrade assist – scored the winning goal.
"We controlled most of the game but didn't get into top gear in the first half," Souderton coach Chris Felber said. "We came out strong in the second half and found another level for 10-15 minutes that helped create the third goal. From there, we were able to see out the game."
Riley Houlihan scored the first goal for North Penn, which is hoping to snag one of the final playoff spots in District I AAAA. The second Knights goal was courtesy of Amelia Eshraghi, assisted by Kat Stevenson.
"The first goal we lost was a quick breakdown and a powerful shot," Felber said. "The second goal we lost late and was very avoidable and I was disappointed with that. We lost shape for a moment and were unable to possess the ball up the field and it cost us in transition."
It's a busy week for Souderton, already having played Lansdale Catholic and Mount Saint Joseph prior to Friday and a game with William Tennent on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
"It was an all-around strong performance in a long week against a tough opponent," Felber said. "We are happy to win and looking to follow that up against William Tennent."
Souderton's midfield played very well in the victory.
"Sara Readinger was fantastic at center mid," Felber said. "Hard tackles, winning the ball in the air and her passing and dribbling was strong.
"Another great game from her and Bri DiRenzi in midifeld. Emily Readinger stepped up today as well, she covered the long ball from North Penn very well."
Knights coach Jim Dehner noted the play of Casey Cavanaugh, Riley Houlihan, Grace Sacchetti and Amelia Eshraghi in the loss.
Souderton improved its record to 6-4-3 (5-2-2 SOL). North Penn (7-8, 4-6) will host Methacton in its Senior Day game on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
North Penn 1 1 – 2
Souderton 2 1 – 3
Goals: NP – Riley Houlihan (Grace Sacchetti), Amelia Eshraghi (Kat Stevenson); S – Meredith Moore, Allie Trick, Tori Dowd (Ellie Andrade). Saves: NP – Hannah Lambert 4, S – Vivian Feliciani 9
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 3, WILLAM TENNENT 0
The Patriots took care of business in a road win Friday.
Riley Kane and Izzy Hunter connected to open the scoring in the 35th minute.
"Riley received the ball about 18 yards out from Izzy, then turned and finished the ball," CB East coach Paul Eisold said. "The second goal came from a service by Hannah Zach that got behind the defense, and Kate Schlotter took it out of the air with a brilliant touch and beat the keeper at the 44 minute mark."
Gabby Learn iced the game when she finished in a scrum in front of the net.
"It was off a head ball by Delaney Kennedy," Eisold said.
Kristen Obetz and Maddie Nesteruck combined on the shutout.
Central Bucks East (8-6-1, 6-4-1 SOL) will travel to West Chester Henderson for a non-league game on Saturday, and William Tennent will be on the road at Souderton Saturday.
Central Bucks East 1 2 – 3
William Tennent 0 0 – 0
Goals: CBE – Riley Kane (Izzy Hunter), Katie Schlotter (Hannah Zach), Gabby Learn (Delaney Kennedy)
PENNRIDGE 3, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 1
The Rams rallied back from a 1-0 deficit to retain their hold on first place in the SOL Continental standings.
Kennedy Peace provided an equalizer and then the go-ahead goal, both in the first half and both assisted by Ashley Groff while Erin Stevenson scored unassisted in the second half to put the game away.
"We were able to score three goals after being down 1-0," Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. "We created a lot of scoring opportunities in the second half, our backs did a great job getting forward to help in the attack."
Pennridge (13-1-1, 8-1-1 SOL) hosts Wissahickon in a crossover game, Monday afternoon. Central Bucks West (5-12, 0-11) will host Central Bucks East on Monday at 7 p.m.
Central Bucks West 1 0 – 1
Pennridge 2 1 – 3
SOL NATIONAL
PENNSBURY 3, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 0
A day after their first loss of the season, the Falcons bounced back and honored their seniors with a win under the lights at Macclesfield Park on Friday.
Dani Cady broke a scoreless tie with a minute left in the first half. Pennsbury put the game away with goals from Meredith Weber and Kelsey Butler in the second half.
"It was great to see them respond with confidence tonight," Pennsbury coach Kaitlyn Battiste said. "We were able to honor our seniors tonight, eight players and two managers who suffered season-ending injuries during the offseason. The box score highlights a lot of juniors, but this senior class is special."
The Falcons were District I champions in 2014, and this class of seniors has been a major piece to the program's rise to league and district power.
"Looking at the growth of this program since their freshman year is incredible," Battiste said. "They play the game with a ton of pride. We don't talk about rankings within our program, because we still have to go out and play each game, but to see Pennsbury earn state and national recognition, it started with this class of seniors and the respect they've earned over the last four years."
Pennsbury has many top-notch players, but doesn't rely on just one or two to get a job done.
"They're great competitors and exceptional teammates," Battiste said. "They trust each other to get the job done. They know it's not always going to be their night but they pick each other up when they're down and celebrate the victories together."
Pennsbury (12-1, 9-1 SOL) will travel to Council Rock North on Tuesday, and Council Rock South (9-5-1, 6-3-1) will be on the road at Hopewell Valley Central for a non-league game Friday.
Council Rock South 0 0 – 0
Pennsbury 1 2 – 3
Goals: P – Dani Cady (Riley Young) 39', Meredith Weber (Hope Drewes) 53', Kelsey Butler (Whitney Roth) 70'
NESHAMINY 4, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 1
A day after its biggest win of the season, Neshaminy was able to fend off a Council Rock North team trying to secure a postseason bid.
Neshaminy started hot and closed strong, scoring twice inside the first 3:08 of play and closing with two goals in the final four minutes.
"We came out with a lot of intensity and focus and pressured their backs from the start," Neshaminy coach Chelsea Lovelace said.
Jackie Ziegler scored the first and last goal for Neshaminy, while Kristin Curley and Brooke Mullin also found the net for the victors. Council Rock North got a goal from Kayla Robinson midway through the first half.
The Redskins held a 10-7 advantage in shots. Redskin keeper Riley Spingler and North keeper Carly Riggs both recorded six saves.
Neshaminy (13-1-1, 8-1-1 SOL) will host Central Bucks South in a non-league contest Monday, and Council Rock North (10-5, 6-5) will host Abington on Monday.
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 1 0 – 1
NESHAMINY 2 2 – 4
Goals: CRN – Kayla Robinson 21:18; N- Jackie Ziegler (Kristin Curley) 1:30, Curley (Alyssa Tobin) 3:08, Brooke Mullin (Ziegler) 76:50, Ziegler (Brianna Tobin) 77:50. Saves: CRN – Carly Riggs 6, N – Riley Spingler 6
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