Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Thursday. CB East/North Penn photos provided courtesy of Tracy Valko. Check back for a gallery of photos. Wissahickon/PW photos courtesy of Josh Stelzer/Wissahickon soccer. (Cheltenham photo provided by Cheltenham girls’ soccer)
SOL Patriot
Neshaminy 5, Bensalem 1
Prior to the season, Neshaminy made a list of goals for itself.
Thanks to a big win on Tuesday over Council Rock North, the team took the field Thursday with a chance to cross off its first objective while also honoring its seniors. Present and future blended together as Neshaminy secured no worse than a share of the SOL Patriot title for a second straight season.
“It feels really good,” Neshaminy senior captain Kira Bradley said. “We worked really hard for this.”
Bradley, who was honored alongside Jordyn Fregia, Olivia Jacobson, Skylar Lall and Mackenzie Metcalfe, scored twice on the night, both headers off free kicks taken by Alexis Ocasio.
“We started off the season strong, but during it, we started going downhill a little bit,” Fregia, also a captain, said. “We were able to come back together as a team and now, I think we have a good chance of going far.”
Neshaminy could split the title with Council Rock North, pending Friday’s results but the Redskins were already starting to look toward the playoffs after celebrating their accomplishment. At night’s end, Neshaminy was No. 16 in the Class 4A standings, in line for the final home playoff game in the first round.
All season, players from all four grade levels have contributed heavily for Neshaminy and Thursday was no different. While all five seniors started, it was a freshman who got the scoring underway.
Kylie Maxwell, who along with twin sister Taylor, has been a lineup fixture, scored two great goals in the first 14 minutes of play.
The seniors have embraced the freshmen, just as they have the sophomores and juniors and built a culture of inclusion. Bradley said there’s also no stopping any player, regardless of class standing, from bringing up any issues or weaknesses in the team so the players can work to figure it out together.
“We do a lot of team bonding where we include all the grades,” Bradley said. “We hang out with all of them, we don’t want to separate grade by grade.”
Bradley had the next two goals, scoring once on each side of the halftime break. After an undefeated start, Neshaminy hit a couple bumps in crossover play and re-entering SOL Patriot competition but has recovered to win its last five.
“It came back to realizing what we wanted,” Bradley said. “We had to start pushing harder if we wanted to be what we thought we could be later in the season.
“We didn’t want our season to end when we knew we had the talent to go far into the playoffs,” Fregia said. “We got together, talked about everything we needed to work on then went out and did it.”
Fregia, who will play at East Stroudsburg next year, felt her team came out of the gates with great energy. The senior defender said she and her teammates were ready to hit the field all day, not just to celebrate Senior Night but because they had a chance to go and win a title as a group.
It also helped they were playing an Owls team that’s a rival but also one full of friends off the field.
Bensalem isn’t going to make the postseason, but the Owls have been very competitive all year. Senior Maddie MacDougall scored an outstanding goal, hitting a long range volley off a pass by Averi McCoy to break the shutout with 13 minutes to play.
Avery Papendick tallied the final goal for Neshaminy, blasting a free ball out of the box off a corner kick into the back of the net. Mercedez Paino and Carly Fox were dangerous for Neshaminy while all five seniors got plenty of playing time.
Neshaminy might be a little under the radar heading into the postseason, but that sits just fine with their roster of eager players.
“We just have to keep working hard as a team and if we do, there’s no reason we can’t go far,” Fregia said. “We lost to a lot of teams we think we can beat. If that makes them feel like we’re an underdog, we’re happy to go prove them wrong.”
Bensalem (7-10, 5-10 SOL) travels to Council Rock North at 3:30 on Friday. Neshaminy closed out its regular season with a 14-4 record overall (12-4 SOL).
NESHAMINY 3 2 – 5
BENSALEM 0 1 – 1
Goals; N – Kylie Maxwell 2, Kira Bradley 2, Avery Papendick; B – Maddie MacDougall
Council Rock North 2, Pennsbury 1
Indians coach Gavin Flannigan had never won on Pennsbury’s field prior to Thursday.
Getting that one out of the way has set his team up for a chance to clinch a share of a conference title on Friday.
“In our five years at North, going to Pennsbury has never been easy, and today was our first win,” Flannigan said. “I know their record doesn’t reflect their ability and they have some really good players, and that was proven again today.”
The first half saw the teams trade scores, with each side getting a spectacular effort that led to a finish.
“We started well today and had a couple of good moments early in the game,” Flannigan said. “We were able to generate a few good crosses and finally Taylor Brennan found Mia Cairone who turned it in at the near post before the keeper could react.”
The Indians’ lead didn’t last long however.
“Pennsbury came back strong and equalized through a superb individual goal from Taylor Mays, she beat a couple of defenders and finished the ball into the bottom corner,” Flannigan said of the Falcons’ outstanding junior forward.
CR North’s schedule has been filled with tests, challenges and battles including two each against SOL Patriot foes and a crossover slate with the SOL Colonial.
“Our schedule has definitely taken a toll on the group, there are no easy games,” Flannigan said. “We tried to stress at half time that we needed to do a better job of connecting to each other, communicating and fighting through our fatigue.”
The message sank in and Flannigan called the second half effort the best his team had in its last few outings.
“We played quickly, we pressed hard, we communicated much better and we all took responsibility for the outcome , on and off the field,” Flannigan said. “Both teams had some chances, but late in the game Mia Cairone found a through ball and got past the keeper to finish for the winner.”
CR North is all but a lock for the district playoffs and could head into the postseason with a conference title. To do it, the Indians will need a team effort like the one they got Thursday.
“A lot of girls contributed today, but we got great moments from Kyra DelSignore, Delaney McCaffery, Maya Raghunandanan and Caitlin Peiritsch,” Flannigan said.
Council Rock North (12-5, 11-4 SOL) hosts Bensalem on Friday at 3:30. The Indians need a win to share the conference title. Pennsbury closed out its season with a 6-10-2 record overall (5-9-2 SOL).
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 1 1 – 2
PENNSBURY 1 0 – 1
Goals: CRN – Mia Cairone 2, P – Taylor Mays
Council Rock South 5, Harry S Truman 1
The Golden Hawks knew they weren’t going to get anything easy visiting the Tigers on their Senior Night.
“Their record doesn’t show it, but Rachel Zawisza has the program moving in the right direction and playing the best they’ve looked in years,” Hawks coach Nick Heim said. “Their goalie was outstanding tonight making save after save with multiple breakaway stops.”
CR South needed the win as it chases a district playoff spot and made the most of its chances.
“Kathryn O’Kane got taken down in the box and Zoe Brossman converted the penalty to make it 1-0,” Heim said. “Cam Blatz got on the end of a ball that took a few deflections to put us up 2-0 at half.”
Blatz continued her good run of form, scoring a second goal 30 ticks into the second half. Lily Bross made it 4-0 off a Maggie Kane assist but the Tigers kept battling and poked in a goal off a throw shortly after.
Gia Littig restored the four-goal lead for CR South.
The Hawks were on the edge of the bubble at No. 26 following Thursday’s slate and have one more chance to try and make their case.
“We can make some noise in playoffs, we just need the invite to the dance,” Heim said.
Council Rock South (9-6-1 SOL) hosts Hatboro-Horsham in a non-league game at 3:30 on Friday.
SOL Colonial
Central Bucks East 3, North Penn 0
From their first game of the season, the Patriots showed they were out to do damage this season.
Thursday, they got the first step down by securing a share of the SOL Colonial title, the program’s first SOL title since the 2015 season. With a large core of seniors, it was an accomplishment four years in the making, and now they can turn their attention to their first playoff appearance with East.
“There couldn’t be a better way to conclude our regular season,” Patriots coach Jake Nesteruk said. “North Penn is one of the most organized teams around, and it’s never easy breaking them down.”
Nesteruk, who played at CB East under legendary coach Mike Gorni, had a feeling it was going to be a good day when he got a pre-game call from his mentor.
The scrappy Knights were able to deny East in the first half and took a scoreless tie to the break.
East broke through in the second half with Brooke Roumy and seniors Elise Duffy and Abby D’Ambrosio.
Roumy struck four minutes into the half, taking a pass from Duffy and converting for the winner. Duffy then got her name in the book as a scorer, punching home a rebound with 24 minutes to play.
D’Ambrosio sewed up the win and the conference title share with 17 minutes to play.
“It’s never easy with a roster as large as ours. Abby is such a team player, shows up and trains hard every day, and to see her score in such a meaningful game meant so much to our group,” Nesteruk said. “It’s what our program is all about.”
The Patriots share the conference title with Pennridge but were happy to have their name go on the ledger regardless. Their strong regular season, which saw the group win 15 matches, will earn a first round playoff bye.
“It’s been a journey to get to this point and so happy for our girls to finish level on points with one of the finest programs around in a very, very tough conference. These kids are so humble in how they train and play, they are so deserving of this moment and the chance to make more,” Nesteruk said. “There have been so many great kids to go through the program and to set a new foundation that this group just took the keys and ran with it, it certainly takes a village. We are excited to take a breather tomorrow and start our preparation for a home playoff game.”
East (15-3, 13-3 SOL) will next take the field next Thursday in the postseason debut for every player on the roster and for Nesteruk as their coach. North Penn closed out its season with a 7-10-1 record (7-8-1 SOL).
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 0 3 – 3
NORTH PENN 0 0 – 0
Goals: CBE – Brooke Roumy, Elise Duffy, Abby D’Ambrosio
Pennridge 4, Central Bucks South 1
The Rams emerged from their toughest stretch of the season with back-to-back wins and hope they’re back on track with the postseason looming.
A strong finish helped the Rams earn a share of the SOL Colonial title, their sixth straight year as an SOL champion.
“It’s what every team wants, to be hitting their stride coming into postseason,” Rams’ coach Audrey Anderson said. “We talked in preseason about being in new territory. We’ve never been in the position of being the reigning state champs and we had to figure out what that meant in the next season.”
After being shutnout in three of four games prior to Tuesday’s win at Souderton, the Rams again faced some adversity after an early own goal spotted the Titans a 1-0 lead.
“Before the game we tried to put things in perspective because starting next week, you can’t lose,” Anderson said. “We wanted to use this game today as something where if we wanted to have a conference championship, we had to win. It was good for them to have to play for something in their last game of the season.”
Anderson felt her team had gotten a little bit complacent during the season, and after falling behind on Thursday, the desperation came back.
“Nothing is going to happen for us without having to fight for us,” Anderson said. “We’re human, we do make mistakes, but we want to make sure we don’t make too many mistakes or the kind that come back to get us later in the season.”
Pennridge, like many teams this time of year, is shorthanded with injury and illness, but there’s still a lot of firepower on their roster. Sophie Craig tied the score, converting a penalty kick after Leah Malone was taken down in the box and it got the team back on track.
Early in the second half, the defending district and state champions started to take over.
“Riley Hepler drove into the box and had a nice, clean shot on goal to take us to 2-1,” Anderson said. “Maybe two minutes later, Gabby Herman played a ball into the box and Leah Malone finished that. Emily Kriney finished off Casey Malone’s throw in so it was nice to see so many girls step up and take shots on goal.”
Anderson gave props to the play of Hannah Primwhere, who has filled in the center holding mid role the last few games and gotten into a good flow with the extended minutes.
“People on the outside may not have noticed but among the coaches, it has not gone unnoticed,” Anderson said. “She’s been doing a very good job, very composed on the ball and it’s good to see that going into postseason.”
Pennridge (15-3, 13-3 SOL) ended the night No. 8 in District 1 4A, the final first round bye spot. Things could change between now and Sunday afternoon when the brackets go up, but the Rams will take things as they come to them.
“Whatever happens, we have to show up on game day and do what needs to be done if we want to make a run in districts or play in the state tournament,” Anderson said. “There’s very little room for error but I feel like the girls, with their experience, have a good thing going.”
Central Bucks South closed out its season with a 6-11-1 record overall (4-11-1 SOL).
PENNRIDGE 1 3 – 4
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1 0 – 1
Goals: P – Sophie Craig, Riley Hepler, Leah Malone, Emily Kriney
SOL Liberty
Wissahickon 5, Plymouth Whitemarsh 1
The Trojans had waited all week for what came at the final horn Thursday.
After being denied a chance to lock up the conference title on Monday, Wissahickon took the field for its Senior Night knowing it needed to win. Once the emotions and an early goal by the visiting Colonials were out of the way, it was time to get to work.
Three goals from Kylie Friedman and two goals and an assist from senior Margaret Wilde later, the Trojans got their long-awaited rushing of the field to celebrate.
“It was cool. We knew we had talent this year, it was just a matter of being consistent and being resilient and we’ve been good down the stretch,” Wiss coach Chris McDaniels said. “We’ve won a lot of one-goal games against good teams. It’s a group that grew and developed some faith in their ability to handle adversity and it came down to the fact they can play.”
Wissahickon honored seniors Elaina Bailey, Emma Baker, Amanda Brecher, Alexis Hobson, Anna May, Natalie Ryan, Taylor Piergrossi, Devon Vorcheimer and Margaret Wilde pregame.
McDaniels noted the ceremonies had his team a little off rhythm and PW capitalized with an early goal to go ahead 1-0.
“With nothing to play for but each other, this team left it all out on the field. Just as they did Tuesday night against Abington. We came out of the gate flying – with terrific defense and dangerous counterattacks – and went up 1 -0 on a terrific goal by junior forward, Angelina Balcer, who had her best game of the season,” PW coach TJ Delucia said. “Wissahickon had a tremendous atmosphere for their Senior Night with a loud and unforgiving student section and Angelina completely embraced that atmosphere. The rest of the team followed suit.”
Wissahickon, which is dealing with a couple significant injuries, buckled down, and its top two scorers made sure it was going to be a good ending.
Friedman tied the game on a penalty kick and later in the game, the junior had another take from the spot saved on a terrific stop by PW keeper Caitlyn Dinh, but was able to hammer home the rebound.
“She’s been really unlucky to miss a handful lately, they’ve been well-struck balls to the corner, it’s just keepers guessing right and getting to them,” McDaniels said. “Her third goal came from a ball out wide played in by Margaret. It pinged around the near post and Kylie was able to poke it under the keeper.”
Wilde, who is in her first year playing for the team after a series of knee injuries, tallied a pair of goals including one McDaniels described as pretty special from the Pitt recruit.
“She hit an absolute rocket from 25 out that hit the crossbar and went bar down,” McDaniels said. “Their keeper is good, so to beat her from 25, you have to hit something well and Margaret absolutely crushed this ball.”
McDaniels was elated to see all his seniors share in the dual accomplishment of a conference title and Senior Night win but felt especially good for captains Natalie Ryan and Anna May, the only two four-year varsity players on the roster. The two have sacrificed opportunities to score goals to fill numerous roles for the team, and McDaniels lauded their “selfless” contributions the past four years.
“Both them and myself, I think we realized things were going well and everything was trending in the right direction,” McDaniels said. “We were getting better every year, the culture, confidence and training was getting better. It’s a testament to that four-year commitment.”
McDaniels admitted he hoped the breakthrough would have come quicker but noted it’s more than stepping in and coaching the game. At a school Wissahickon’s size, there are a lot of factors to weigh in but after each year together, he, Ryan and May were able to look and see improvements.
“We could see we were getting better,” McDaniels said. “It culminated this year and it’s a really good group of seniors overall. They have fun together, it lined up really nicely tonight where we knew a win sealed our fate and we controlled our destiny. To celebrate the seniors, win the league and have a good night to do it on, it was really nice.”
PW’s seniors aren’t going to experience the postseason, but they left a great example for a young team that brings back plenty of promising underclassmen.
“With so many young players on the field for us, I was really pleased that we didn’t back down physically. Wiss has so much talent in their attack. They’re going to be able to score goals on anyone come District playoffs. Sophomore goalkeeper Caitlyn Dinh solidified her stance as one of the best goalkeepers in the area tonight with several outstanding saves,” DeLucia said. “Our three seniors who played – Liberty Daddona, Fiona Gooneratne, and Sophia Kosvitch – all had outstanding games and were able to leave the field with their heads held high. As a first-year head coach, for the seniors to have the year they had, for the team to continue to fight to the very last minute even as our playoffs hope faded, that’s all I could ask. I’m really proud of them and I appreciate everything they gave to me and our coaching staff. The seniors will be missed, and I very much look forward to seeing what’s in store for the underclassmen next season.”
Ryan also earned plaudits for her play this week along with Sage Stelzer. The team’s starting outside backs, who have been a key part of Wissahickon’s success with their ability to attack on the flanks, have started at center back the last few games with the team battling injuries.
The other benefit to Thursday’s win is it buys Wiss some time to get those injuries under control and players back to their usual spots before the Trojans’ first playoff game. After missing out on last year’s shortened postseason, the currently No. 4 ranked Trojans (14-3-1, 13-2-1 SOL) are eager to try and make a run this fall.
“Those extra days off will be big for us, I knew we needed those two days and it was nice to be able to earn them,” McDaniels said.
Plymouth Whitemarsh closed out its season with a 7-11 record overall (5-11 SOL).
WISSAHICKON 3 2 – 5
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 1 0 – 1
Goals: W – Kylie Friedman 3, Margaret Wilde 2
Abington 2, Quakertown 1
The Ghosts ended the season with two straight wins after a hard-fought road victory over the Panthers.
Until the final five minutes, it looked like it would be a frustrating outcome for Abington and a huge result for the home Panthers, who are clawing for a playoff spot. After not being able to score, including what coach Rick Tompkins said were at least three chances an inch away from the goal, everything changed.
“We could not score, we had a lot of chances then with about five minutes to go, we put the first one in and a minute later, the second on goes in,” Tompkins said. “They were gorgeous goals.”
Tompkins had nothing but praise for the Panthers as well.
“I was certainly happy with the win,” Tompkins said. “They’re physical, they’re bigger than us and they used it well. They play hard. I told (Quakertown coach Mike Koch) at the end it was a tough game for either team to lose.”
It was definitely not a team the Ghosts wanted to see to wrap up the regular season either. After dropping all three games last week, Abington needed a win to secure a home playoff game in Tuesday’s first round of districts, which Quakertown did all it could to deny.
Tompkins cited the play of Panthers goalie Madison Peacher, who absolutely robbed an otherwise sure-thing goal in the first half.
“She made a save that was as good as anything you’ll ever see,” Tompkins said. “Maura Day hit a dart to the upper 90 and she extended full and just got a piece to knock it wide of the bar.”
Day, the standout junior midfielder, came through in the clutch to help her team have a happy bus ride home. Instead of ramping up her level however, her coach said it was the opposite.
“She relaxed a little, I know it sounds ridiculous, but she took a little off and it was like she was more focused,” Tompkins said.
Day helped tie the game when she served a brilliant free kick that Carley Slavin was able to thunder in with authority off her head.
“The ball to Carley was a play we’ve been working on for weeks, it doesn’t usually work but this time it was perfect,” Tompkins said. “She played this ball in and Carley goes up and heads it in. The goalie never even saw it, it was crushed.”
Tompkins said the goal got a huge reaction out of the Ghosts on the field and on the bench and it carried over when they earned a corner kick a minute later.
“Piper McGinley hit a corner, another thing we work on almost every practice, she drives a ball across and Maura comes in and crushes it on a header,” Tompkins said. “They were as good as anything we’ve scored all year.”
Kara Slavin, Carley’s younger sister, was an impact player for Abington off the bench. Tompkins said she played holding mid, on the wing and closed the game out on the back line to help her team keep the one-goal lead.
The victory put Abington (13-5, 12-4 SOL) at the No. 13 spot in the Class 4A rankings and in line for a playoff game. It’s one and done from here out, but the Ghosts already got a good taste of what that looks like on Thursday.
“Who knows who we’re going to draw but I’m hoping they carry this over. It was a pretty nice ride home, as long as it was, they were very happy,” Tompkins said. “It wasn’t just hard work, although there was a lot of that, but two very nice goals.”
Quakertown (9-6-2, 8-5-2), which ended the night No. 22 in Class 4A, hosts Cheltenham at 3:30 on Friday.
ABINGTON 0 2 – 2
QUAKERTOWN 1 0 – 1
Goals: A – Carley Slavin, Maura Day
Upper Dublin 3, Hatboro-Horsham 2
A year ago, the Cardinals were nowhere near a playoff berth.
Thanks to a gutsy effort against a tough-minded Hatters team on Thursday, they’re not only back in, but likely playing at home.
The Hatters opened up a 2-0 halftime lead on their way to the important win.
“It’s never easy playing Hatboro and 2-0 is a dangerous lead. We knew we would get their best shot in the second half and we did,” UD coach Chuck Gesing said. “Much respect to coach (Kelsey) Daley and their team, they put up quite a fight.”
Alex Devers bagged a first half brace, giving the junior 16 goals on the year and her team a 2-0 lead at intermission.
Hatboro-Horsham, which is also battling for playoff position, rallied to tie the game behind goals from Caroline Shegogue and Kitty Randa.
Devers switched from scorer to facilitator, driving a cross into the box with eight minutes left that defensive midfielder Alaina Sanders, one of UD’s most underrated players, headed in for the winner.
“She’s scored a couple this year. It’s awesome seeing someone who plays such a vital part on our team get on the end of one,” Gesing said of Sanders. “We went back to what works for us, finding a way to serve the box. When we get the ball in the box, good things happen.”
Upper Dublin (12-3-3, 12-2-2 SOL) ended the night No. 10 in the District 1 4A rankings. There’s still some jostling to come, but the Cardinals seem a lock to have a home game, which seemed an unlikely possibility at the start of September.
“The last time we were in the playoffs, the seniors were freshman. Last year was such a disappointment because we knew we were better than our record indicated. This year it’s about seeing how good we can be,” Gesing said. “Playing at night on the road in the beginning of the season was tough, but it made our girls grow up quickly so this time of year, it’s just business as usual.”
Hatboro-Horsham (10-6-1, 10-5-1), No. 19 in the district rankings, visits Council Rock South at 3:30 on Friday.
UPPER DUBLIN 2 1 – 3
HATBORO-HORSHAM 0 2 – 2
Goals: UD – Alex Devers 2, Alaina Sanders; HH – Caroline Shegogue, Kitty Randa
SOL Freedom
Cheltenham 2, Springfield Twp 1
Kayla Brockington, Sophie Peck, Peri Albert, Sydney Franks, Lola Jahss, Rohan McInneshin, Mimi Williamson and Amelia Yevoli have been the rock of the Lady Panthers this season, and they were able to end their last home game as Panthers with a special night.
“Tonight was our Senior Night/Community Night and a night that our team won’t soon forget,” Cheltenham coach Leah Matusow said. “It was also very special to have youth players from our township teams there to see what our program is all about. Between the senior recognitions and the youth players walking out the starting lineups of both teams, emotions were high and so was our energy.”
Cheltenham started all eight seniors for the first time this season and came out looking to avenge a loss to the Spartans earlier this season. That meant coming out of the pregame ceremonies focused, strong and with a lot of pressure.
“We didn’t have to wait too long for our first goal,” Matusow said. “Taden Versaw-Barnes hit a great free kick into the box where Lola Jahss connected and scored.”
The Spartans tied the score up about two minutes later, but it wasn’t going to put a stop to the Panthers’ plans for a good night.
“We didn’t hang our heads at all, just kept pushing and with about six minutes left in the half, Amelia Fishman found Lola Jahss who scored her second goal of the night,” Matusow said.
At the break, the Panthers’ coaches challenged their players to match Springfield’s intensity in the second half. While neither team scored, it was 40 good minutes of back-and-forth play.
“Our entire team deserves credit for earning the win, but our seniors really shined on a night that was all about them,” Matusow said.
After missing out on the fall season entirely last year, the Panthers won the United X title in the spring with Matusow taking over as coach. Working back into a full slate of games, a new SOL conference and a tough slate of crossover games, Cheltenham drew praise for its improvement and tenacity all season.
Matusow pointed to the eight players honored Thursday as the reason for that.
“From the start of the season, our captains Kayla Brockington and Sophie Peck, have led this team,” Matusow said. “They’ve played different positions, challenged their teammates to be better, and always showed up with a joy and passion for the game.”
A player doesn’t have to wear a captain’s armband to be a leader or set an example and the other six seniors fit that bill perfectly.
“In the midfield Peri Albert, Amelia Yevoli and Sydney Franks showed their hustle and grit, always ready to go the extra mile for their teammates and they always left everything out on the field. Up top Lola Jahss and Mimi Williamson brought skill, toughness and great awareness of the game,” Matusow said. “Rohan McInneshin, our fearless goalkeeper, used her voice, compassion and love for the game to lead this team from the back.’
Cheltenham won its first SOL game in two years earlier this fall and finished with three conference wins. The Panthers aren’t done yet with one more game to go, but Thursday’s effort will likely be the one that stands out from this season.
“I could not be more proud of our team and the spirit, energy, resilience and teamwork they showed tonight,” Matusow said.
Kaleigh Evans scored the Spartans’ goal.
Cheltenham (5-12, 3-12 SOL) visits Quakertown at 3:30 on Friday. Springfield Township completed its regular season with a 3-15 record (3-13 SOL).
CHELTENHAM 2 0 – 2
SPRINGFIELD TWP 0 1 – 1
Goals; C – Lola Jahss 2
Lower Moreland 1, William Tennent 0
The Lions wrapped up their regular season with a win under lights.
Lower Moreland, which secured the SOL Freedom title with its win on Monday, broke a scoreless tie in the first half when freshman Gabby Fogarty scored by chipping the opposing keeper.
“We ran our whole team through and also rested a lot of girls to get ready for next week,” LM coach Mike Gould said.
The Lions (11-7, 10-6 SOL) were No. 9 in District 1’s Class 3A standings and are all but a lock to qualify for the 11-team playoff field, an impressive accomplishment for a roster without a senior.
“It’s very exciting. It’s going to be a tough matchup whoever we play against, but I’m excited for this group to have a chance to play a game in the playoffs,” Gould said.
William Tennent (6-10-1, 5-10-1) will play at Nazareth Academy at 7 on Saturday.
LOWER MORELAND 1 0 – 1
WILLIAM TENNENT 0 0 – 0
Goals: LM – Gabby Fogarty
Upper Moreland 1, New Hope-Solebury 0
The Golden Bears battled like they have all season and picked up a win in their regular season finale.
UM will have to wait out the weekend but sat No. 10 in the Class 3A standings Thursday night, which would put it in the 11-team district playoff field.
“Tonight’s game was a great end to our regular season play,” UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. “We played smart, kept our composure and were able to end the season with a win.”
The Bears defense has been solid all year and was up to its usual standard on Thursday with another clean sheet.
“Natalie Walton recorded another shutout and was a force in the net. Our defensive line played very strong along with Natalie. Skye Kramer, Molly Meakim and Annalise Messina were so solid on the back line,” Benvenuto said. “In the midfield Mallory Roedig, Abby Engart, and Katie Slear commanded the middle. Reva Naik, Angelena Martino, Kylie Gaul and Mikel Lancit held down our flanks on both the defensive and offensive end.”
After dueling the Lions for 40 minutes in a scoreless first half, the two teams continued to battle for a breakthrough in the second. Brooke Lobban, who scored the tying goal in Tuesday’s draw with William Tennent, came up with another clutch tally for the week in the 57th minute.
“On the front line, Brooke Lobban and Kyra Favors high pressured New Hope’s back line and played so well off of each other. That is how our goal developed,” Benvenuto said. “We had a solid build up the ball was out into the box, and Kyra got a good shot on goal that rebounded out to Brooke who finished.”
New Hope-Solebury (1-15-1, 1-14-1) will host Villa Joseph Marie at 3:30 on Friday. Upper Moreland is 10-6-2 overall (8-6-2 SOL).
UPPER MORELAND 0 1 – 1
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0 0 – 0
Goals: UM – Brooke Lobban
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