Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Wednesday. (Pennridge/CB West photos provided courtesy of Gordon Kocher/Pennridge soccer)
SOL Colonial Division
Central Bucks West 1, Pennridge 1 (2 OT)
The postseason might as well have arrived a week early at Helman Field.
With the host Rams celebrating their Senior Night and the visiting Bucks wanting to build some positive momentum before the playoffs start for real next week, both teams had plenty to play for. Each side put in a really strong effort, both goalkeepers made some incredible saves and after 100 minutes, both got a point and a little of what they came for.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
P – Kaylie Thran (Natalie Walter)
CBW – Mackenzie Gausch
CB West coach Bree Benedict on the match: “Really excited about the energy we brought to the game tonight. Pennridge is one of the most disciplined teams in the state, a testament to the coaching and their players for executing. They have built such a solid program. I felt my team was really up for the challenge tonight, both teams had great chances and both defenses were just fantastic. Seretha DeMoss made a monster save early in the game that definitely took a goal off the board for us. We are excited about this result heading into playoffs next week.”
–Bucks props: “Fallon Darrows had two top class saves today and really stepped up for the team. Mackenzie Gausch had her best game of the season, she was quality and dangerous on the ball going forward with speed. Janelle Blokker, Cece Funseth, Mia Menard, and Eva Wierzbowski handled a lot of the tough work in the midfield. Maura Duffy and Lauren Overbeck won a lot of balls in the air for us tonight. Kira Winn and Kai Ward had strong nights dealing with a lot of speed from Pennridge.”
Pennridge coach Audrey Anderson on the match: “We are very fortunate to be playing in this conference. The games we have played this season have prepared us well for the postseason. We have learned a lot these last two weeks, and we are looking forward to postseason starting up. Our game plan for the
next week is to continue to work on our finishing opportunities so we will be ready for our first postseason game.”
–Rams props: “It was great to see Kaylie Thran get our goal tonight. It was her first game back since her injury. Riley Williams was great up top for us. We found her a lot, and she was so good at holding the ball and getting shots off. Gabby Herrmann was great out of the air tonight winning balls with her head, her and Addy Mills also did a nice job defending Emery Sterling. We earned some good corners and just missed the goal a few times.”
Up next: Pennridge (15-2-1, 7-2-1 SOL) will have a first round bye and host its playoff opener next Thursday. CB West (12-6-1, 5-4-1 SOL) will await its first round district playoff opponent and is in line to host.
PENNRIDGE 1 0 0 0 – 1
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 1 0 0 0 – 1
Central Bucks East 5, North Penn 0
With the SOL Colonial title already locked up, a first round playoff bye assured and a hungry opponent looking for a win to secure its own postseason spot, it may have looked like a trap game for the Patriots.
After 40 minutes and 0-0 showing on the scoreboard, it might have looked even more like a trap game. Except, East knew it had been close to getting one, and once it got one, more would come.
The Patriots, sparked by two goals and an assist from Magee Williamson off the bench, broke the game open after halftime to wrap up a perfect 10-0 SOL record. East, 17-1 on the year, seems locked into the No. 2 seed for the Class 4A playoffs.
North Penn could have used the points, but the Knights’ playoff hopes are far from dashed as they ended the night No. 25 in the Class 4A rankings.
Scoring Summary
2nd Half
CBE – Kiera Sleicher (Madelyn Hill) 30:46
CBE – Taylor Roumy (Magee Williamson) 25:15
CBE – Keira Sleicher (Jessie Bernabe) 18:46
CBE – Magee Williamson (Madelyn Hill) 4:45
CBE – Magee Williamson (Jessie Bernabe) 1:28
CB East coach Jake Nesteruk on the win: “Proud of our girls for finishing our regular season off strong and earning another clean-sheet at home. We moved the ball well in the first half but were a bit off in decision-making and link up play in the final third. I’m happy with how our girls continued to push the tempo and had a sense that once we got the first, the game could open up a bit. Kiera showed up when we needed her and got us going and Taylor followed up quickly after. Magee Williamson came in and gave us a lift that we needed to finish this game off.”
Up next: CB East (16-1-0, 10-0-0 SOL) will have a first-round bye and open its district playoffs next Thursday. North Penn (6-11-1, 0-8-1 SOL) will await its first round district playoff matchup.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 0 5 – 5
NORTH PENN 0 0 – 0
Central Bucks South 3, Souderton 1
Winless in its last four fixtures, albeit all against playoff-bound opponents, the Titans wanted to get things turned around before it became win or go home next week.
Thanks to a robust performance up and down the lineup, CB South snapped its spell and picked up a win that all but ensures their playoff run will start at home. The attack was locked in, generating plenty of chances while the midfield and back line turned in strong outings to make it a complete effort.
South ended the night No. 13 in the Class 4A rankings.
Souderton needed a win, and some help, to make the playoffs but the Indians did quadruple their win total from last season and showed plenty of growth in coach Melissa Lollar’s first season.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
CBS – Alana Peev
2nd Half
CBS – Riley Karpinski (Monika Daly)
CBS – Riley Karpinski (Olivia Wade)
Souderton goal
CB South coach Pat Lordi on the win: “The Titans played their best game of the year against Souderton. The first goal was scored on a free kick by junior captain Alana Peev 19 minutes into the first half. It was her sixth goal of the season and what a strike it was, a bullet near post that beat the Souderton goalkeeper. The second goal was scored by Riley Karpinski. It came off a cross from Monika Daly and finished in the box from a great run by Riley. Riley Karpinski scored her second goal of the night a minute later finishing a great shot in the corner side net from Olivia Wade.”
–Props: “Defenders Alana Peev, Grace Keane, Delaney Rowe and Tenley Rodgers were great all night, keeping up with some fast attacking players from Souderton. The midfield, led by Olivia Wade, Morgan Hughes Tessa Hughes and Monika Daly, created a speed of play that was tough to deal with. Riley Karpinski, Olivia Daniele, Camilla Wright and Kelly Donnelly attacked in the final third with aggression and productivity all night.”
–Finishing strong: “It was great way to end the regular season with a complete team win. They all pulled together and played together as a unit with a positive team mentality. I am so proud of these girls for what they have been able to accomplish this year. We hopefully will continue to carry that through into the playoffs.”
Up next: CB South (11-6-1, 4-5-1 SOL) will await its first round district playoff matchup. Souderton finishes the season with an 8-10 record and 2-8 SOL mark.
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1 2 – 3
SOUDERTON 0 1 – 1
SOL Patriot
Council Rock South 2, Bensalem 0
The Golden Hawks did all they could this week, now it’s up to the power rankings.
CR South went 2-0 to close the regular season, but the Hawks ended Wednesday night in the No. 17 spot in the Class 4A rankings, one place out of a first round home game. There’s still a window for some shuffling, but if it plays out that CR South has to go on the road, the Hawks have plenty of practice from last year’s postseason run.
To give themselves that chance, the Hawks first had to get past Bensalem. A couple of excellent passes from Scranton-bound midfield master Kathryn O’Kane did just that, the senior assisting the first goal and dropping in the ball that led to a foul and penalty kick for the second.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
CRS – Ruby Bross (Kathryn O’Kane)
2nd Half
CRS – Kate Deal (PK)
CR South coach Nick Heim on the win: “CR South concluded the regular season in what could be our seniors’ final home game, taking on Bensalem. Bob (Crawford) always has them organized, and we knew patience in the final third would be crucial. We had the vast majority of the ball in the first half but just couldn’t seem to get the final touch to create a lead. With about 25 left in the first half, Kathryn O’Kane was able to find Ruby Bross to give us a 1-0 lead.”
Second half: “We were able to make some subs in the first half to regroup for the second. We knew Bensalem would switch some things up and we stressed jumping on them early. Two minutes into the second half, Macy Laidlaw got on the end of a pass from O’Kane and was taken down in the box. Kate Deal buried the PK to give us a comfortable 2-0 lead early on.”
Grinding out a result: “We knew Bensalem would battle to the end, and they did just that as we exchanged chances for the rest of the half. We felt it was a mental test today as we were coming off an emotional win and awaiting playoffs. We stressed it can’t be a game to take lightly, and we were pleased with how our team responded in the shutout. Bensalem has seven seniors that have given us some great games over the past four years, so it wasn’t surprising they didn’t lay down. Credit to them and best of luck to their seniors as they move forward.”
Up next: CR South (10-7-1, 7-3-0 SOL) will await its first round district playoff matchup. Bensalem finishes the season with a 5-12, 2-8 SOL record.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 1 1 – 2
BENSALEM 0 0 – 0
Council Rock North 5, Pennsbury 2
Coming off back-to-back losses, CR North had a clear goal in mind for its regular season finale.
Pennsbury had plenty to play for, the Falcons fighting for one of the final playoff spots in Class 4A, so winning was anything but a given for CR North. Mia Cairone got things started with a first half brace, a complete team effort backing the Nebraska-bound senior which poured over to the second half.
Pennsbury will play the waiting game over the next few days, the Falcons holding the No. 28 spot in 4A at the end of Wednesday night.
Scoring Summary
1st half
CRN – Mia Cairone 16th
CRN – Mia Cairone 38th
2nd half
CRN – Tavi Copestick 50th
CRN – Darcy McCullough 55th
CRN – Isabel Diaz 69th
CR North coach Gavin Flannigan on the win: “Tonight was probably our best game of the season, it was a great way for us to finish the regular season as we look towards playoffs. We lost our last two games to Neshaminy and CR South, so we were really pleased to get a win and very happy with how we played. I thought our ball movement was very good, and we were being more aggressive in our forward movements and runs. We looked very dangerous throughout the game.”
Standouts: “We had some really good performances tonight across the field, but I think our midfield and forward play was excellent. Sara Tyler, Addison Martin and Sydney Linus did a great job in the middle, their decision-making and possession were excellent. Isabel Diaz, Darcy McCullough and Tavi Copestick did very well and seeing them all getting in to positions to score was proof of that. Obviously having Mia up top is a great weapon, but we were really happy with how we played to her and with her throughout the game.”
Up next: CR North (12-5, 7-3 SOL) will host a first round district playoff matchup on Tuesday. Pennsbury (9-8-1, 4-6 SOL) will wait out the final standings and a potential first round matchup.
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 2 3 – 5
PENNSBURY – 2
Neshaminy 4, Harry S Truman 1
Neshaminy wrapped up a perfect SOL season with a four-goal first half.
Senior Kylie Maxwell scored two goals, running her season total to 36 heading into the postseason. Neshaminy will start at home, holding the No. 7 seeding in the Class 4A rankings.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
N – Kylie Maxwell
N – Kylie Maxwell (Ava Hood)
N – Leah Kaczmarek (Bri Garyah)
N – Mia Stock
2nd Half
HST goal
Up next: Neshaminy (15-2, 10-0 SOL) will host a first round district playoff matchup on Tuesday. Harry S Truman finishes the season with a 2-15 record.
NESHAMINY 4 0 – 4
HARRY S TRUMAN 0 1 – 1
SOL Liberty
Plymouth Whitemarsh 0, Upper Dublin 0
It’s hard to say anything other than the Colonials and Flying Cardinals were close to evenly matched this season.
In 180 minutes between them this season, the two sides combined for just one goal. Neither team had much on the line Wednesday – Upper Dublin having secured the SOL Liberty title and PW locked into a postseason berth – but that didn’t stop either from leaving it all on the field.
PW coach TJ DeLucia on the result: “A really satisfying draw tonight at Upper Dublin – not that we were playing for a draw because we weren’t – but because of how we played. Upper Dublin, deservingly, is our league champion and we went toe to toe with them again. It was a 100-minute war tonight, and it’s interesting as the stakes weren’t super high tonight for either team.
“We spoke yesterday at practice about treating tonight like a playoff game. We know how talented and well-coached Upper Dublin is, so we got to go on the road and play one of the top teams in the district. I’m really proud of the team that we’re playing our best soccer in Week 10 of the season. We haven’t conceded a goal in over 270 minutes. I know we’ll have our work cut out for us with whoever we draw in Round 1 next week, but this team will be ready to play.”
Defensive effort: “Tonight, we earned our ninth clean sheet of the season. Junior goalkeeper Olivia Bragg had one of her best games of the year. Our back line was really special: Junior centerback Kaiane Jayo had her best game of the season, anchoring our defense. Her work tonight reminded me of Bri Reynolds or Kaitlyn Flanagan – two of the best centerbacks we’ve had over the past 10 years. Her centerback partner, Katie Lukens, a four-year senior starter, was her usual consistent strong self. She seemed to get better and better as the game went on. She is totally focused and determined to end her senior season on the best note possible.
“Freshman outside back Harper Reilly had a difficult task dealing with Bridget DiMartile, and Harper was outstanding. Not many freshman defenders can put in a 100-minute performance like that in a playoff-level game. Junior outside back Maddie McLaughlin was under the weather today and gutted through a 100-minute shift. She wasn’t going to let the team down tonight.”
Props: “I also want to shout out junior midfielder Maite Jayo, who had to mark Erin Seabrook for Upper Dublin who’s a terrific player. Putting Maite on her was a defensive adjustment mid-game and Maite really embraced that challenge.”
Up next: PW (10-6-2, 4-4-2 SOL) will await its first round district playoff matchup. Upper Dublin (13-3-1, 8-1-1 SOL) will host a first round district playoff matchup on Tuesday.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0 0 0 0 – 0
UPPER DUBLIN 0 0 0 0 – 0
Hatboro-Horsham 2, Wissahickon 0
The Hatters’ defense, despite injuries, shuffling lineups and changes all season, has routinely stood tall and given the team a chance to win.
Cara Neeld has played a significant role in that defense, and while backs like preventing goals, every so often, it’s not too bad to score one either. Neeld’s first half header gave HH all the offense it would need, thanks to another stout defensive outing.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
HH – Cara Neeld (Lexi Cohen)
2nd Half
HH – Ryleigh White (Lily Harvey)
HH coach Chris Artman on the win: “Really happy with how our girls played today. They were winning balls in the midfield and getting runs in behind the defense on a consistent basis. First half, we had a few chances on net that I thought we should have scored. Lily Harvey had a great far post shot from the left side of the box that just missed the upper corner. We were getting a lot of pressure on their back four.
Opening goal: “Our first half goal came off a corner. Sophomore Lexi Cohen served a great ball into the box and junior centerback Cara Neeld got her head on it and put it in the back of the net. Cara, along with the rest of our defense, have been solid all season so it was nice to see her get a goal.”
Second goal: “Midway through the second half, Lily Harvey made a nice run and got onto a ball and tried to slide it past the keeper. The Wiss keeper made an excellent save but Ryleigh White was there to knock it in for her 11th goal of the year.”
Props: “At halftime we talked about continuing our strong play in the central midfield. The girls came out and really did a nice job. Dakota Slye, Lexi Cohen, Maddy Morino and Courtney Rinius were solid the entire game winning balls and getting balls into space for Ryleigh white to run on to. Senior keeper Riley McGuire got the clean sheet.”
Up next: Hatboro-Horsham (7-9-1, 3-6-1 SOL) hosts Lower Merion at 3:45 on Thursday. Wissahickon (5-9-3, 2-6-2 SOL) visits Harriton at 6:30 pm on Thursday.
HATBORO-HORSHAM 1 1 – 2
WISSAHICKON 0 0 – 0
Abington 2, Quakertown 0
The Ghosts finished out their regular season with a win to help firm up their place in the playoff standings.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
A – Marissa Hellyer
2nd Half
A – Sara Kaeser (PK)
Abington coach Rick Tompkins on the match: “Marissa Hellyer put the Ghosts on top with a first half goal, and Sara Kaeser converted a second half penalty kick to ice the match. Addison Hayden made a fantastic save late in the second half to keep the clean sheet.”
Up next: Quakertown (9-9-0, 4-6-0 SOL) will await its first round district playoff matchup. Abington (9-8-1, 6-4 SOL) will await its first round district playoff matchup.
ABINGTON 1 1 – 2
QUAKERTOWN 0 0 – 0
SOL Freedom
William Tennent 6, New Hope-Solebury 0
The Panthers gave their six seniors -Abi Meehan, Aubrie Maldonado, Ava Higgins, Madelon Senior, Paige Marek and CeCe Felmey – a fitting send-off in their last home game.
Tennent was No. 21 in the Class 4A rankings Wednesday night.
Scoring Summary
1st half
WT – Ava Higgins (Sofia Jakimoski) 32:47
WT -Bailey Kasner (Lia Jablonowski) 22:32
2nd half
WT – Paige Marek (Lia Jablonowski) 38:01
WT – Paige Marek (PK) 33:36
WT – Bailey Kasner 33:24
WT – Mia Rahn 29:26
Up next: William Tennent (11-6-1, 8-2 SOL) will await its first round district playoff matchup. New Hope-Solebury ends the season with a 3-14, 2-8 SOL record.
WILLIAM TENNENT 2 4 – 6
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0 0 – 0
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Springfield Twp 2, Cheltenham 0
Julia Guicheteau scored one goal and assisted on another to lead the Spartans to the win in Tuesday’s regular season finale.
Zie Ferrente turned a Guicheteau pass into a first-half goal that sent the Spartans into halftime with a 1-0 lead. Guicheteau added a goal in the second half.
Scoring Summary
First half
S – Zie Ferrante (Julia Guicheteau
Second half
S – Julia Guicheteau
Springfield Twp coach Chris Tomarelli: Cheltenham hosted a beautiful senior night, where they played hard to the final whistle. Springfield ends up in third place in the Freedom Division with a 6-4 division record. We will be scoreboard watching to see if we make it into the AA playoffs. That’s been our goal all year. Let’s just get in and see what happens.”
Up next: Springfield Twp (6-12, 6-4 SOL) is fourth in the latest District 1 2A rankings. Cheltenham (0-16, 0-9) will travel to Lower Moreland for its season finale Thursday.
SPRINGFIELD TWP 1 1 – 2
CHELTENHAM 0 0 – 0
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