Check out the results for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Thursday. To view photos of Wednesday’s CB East/CB West and CR South/Truman games, please visit the Photo Gallery.
National Conference
ABINGTON 0, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0
The Indians were reeling from back-to-back losses, a 2-1 loss to Wood on Wednesday and a 2-0 loss to William Tennent on Tuesday. They were unable to get back on the winning track as a gutsy Ghost squad battled the Indians to a scoreless tie.
“It’s the first time since I’ve been with Abington that we’ve tied one of the ‘Big 4,’” said fourth-year coach Rick Tompkins of Neshaminy, Council Rock North, Council Rock South and Pennsbury. “It was pretty even though - both sides had decent chances.”
Tompkins’ team has been dealing with difficulties finishing as they have been shut out on six different occasions, but he admits when they do score, they score in bunches. In Thursday’s match, the Ghosts’ scoring woes kept them from finding the back of the net during the 100-minute bout.
“We couldn’t get the transition from defense to offense,” said Tompkins. “There were a lot of breakdowns in the midfield, so we didn’t muster the kind of attacks I think we are capable of.”
However, keeper Destiny Walters had one of her best performances of the year, helping the Ghosts keep the Indians off the board by stopping 15 shots.
“Destiny had a great game tonight,” said Tompkins. “Goalkeeping has been sporadic at best for us, and she knew she played well tonight. She left the field with a big smile.”
One of the best chances for the Ghosts came midway through the second half when Jamie Gosselin had a wide open shot, but the Indians’ keeper turned it away, keeping it a 0-0 game.
Ghost midfielders Maddy Dolye and Gabby Nolan were kept busy, and Tompkins credited them with excellent performances.
“Victoria Hill (CR North) had a good game, but Maddy was all over the place knocking balls down for us,” said Tompkins. “We would get the balls, but we couldn’t connect the pass up to our forwards.”
Although the Ghosts’ offense struggled to find a rhythm, Tompkins acknowledged his defense was tough to break down.
“Defensively, we did a good job of locking them up,” said Tompkins. “Toni Washington, Samantha Penecale and Jess Domansky fought especially hard for us.”
Domansky has been one of Tompkins go-to players since the beginning of the season and is the glue that keeps the Ghosts’ defense together.
“I don’t know what I’d do without her,” said Tompkins. “When the breakdowns occurred, she was there to clean it up and she does it all the time. She is our most valuable player.”
The Indians’ record in the league is now even at 3-3-3 (3-4-4 overall) and they host Truman on Monday. The Ghosts are 2-5-2 (3-7-2 overall) and face National League powerhouse Neshaminy on Monday.
“We are going to try and be competitive with Neshaminy, but when they are on, they are a very difficult matchup,” said Tompkins, whose team is showing marked improvement and hoping to continue the trend. “Overall, this team is working very, very hard, and there is no question they are giving me everything they have.”
ABINGTON 0-0-0-0 0
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0-0-0-0 0
WILLIAM TENNENT 0, PENNSBURY 0 (2 OT)
The Panthers went from being 0-6 a week ago to now boasting a 2-6-1 mark after back-to-back league victories and a tie with one of the best teams in the National Conference. One of the common denominators in their success in the past three games is varsity newcomer Lauriel Krause in goal. The rookie keeper stopped 19 of the Falcons shots on Thursday and has been a crucial piece to keeping the Panthers in their games. So far, the Panthers are 2-0-1 with Krause in net.
The first time these two teams met, the Falcons won 2-0 and controlled the ball essentially the entire game. This time, however, the Panthers gave them a run for their money and racked up their own opportunities to score although none found the back of the net.
“It was a very exciting game back and forth,” said coach Dan Russo. “The first time we played them I don’t even think we had a shot. There are good ties and bad ties, and this was a good tie.”
Both teams had opportunities, although the Falcons held the advantage on shots and corners, and both keepers kept their teams in the game with important saves.
Russo was particularly pleased with defenders Rachel McCabe, Terry Barker, Shannon Troy, Heather Moss and Erin Thompson, who were able to fend off the Falcons’ advances.
“Our defense played really well,” said Russo. “These are young kids learning. I think they are more confident with each other and are not intimidated anymore.”
Krause had a game-saving diving stop midway through the second half that was crucial in keeping Pennsbury scoreless and allowing Tennent to stay on the path to a comeback in the second half of the season.
“We want to keep the roll going,” said Russo. “We’ve had two shutouts against pretty good teams (CR North and Truman). Everybody’s being more responsible and they are keeping us in the games.”
The Panthers host Bensalem on Monday to test their streak while the Falcons, whose record is now 5-1-3 (8-1-3 overall), kick off their week hosting Council Rock South.
TENNENT 0-0-0-0 0
PENNSBURY 0-0-0-0 0
NESHAMINY 8, BENSALEM 0
The Redskins used a balanced attack to down the Owls as eight different players recorded goals and assists. Jess Kelly (2 assists) opened the scoring in the 11th minute as she converted a Gabby Farrell (1 goal, 2 assists) assist into a goal. Megan Schafer (1 assist) scored the next two to up the ‘Skins lead to 3-0 (Katie Suchodolski and Amy Mandia assists). Farrell and Alyssa Tobin each chipped in goals before the half, using Jess Kelly assists and staking out a 5-0 halftime lead. Fran Donato scored back-to-back goals three minutes apart in the second half while Katie McCoy closed out the scoring for the ‘Skins, who upped their record to 9-0 SOL (11-0 overall). The Owls saw their record fall to 2-5-2 (3-8-2 overall) and they prepare to face a red hot William Tennent team on Monday. The Redskins host Abington as play resumes on Monday and then close out their week on Friday with a key matchup against Council Rock South.
NESHAMINY 5-3 8
BENSALEM 0-0 0
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 6, TRUMAN 0
The Golden Hawks improved their record to 7-1-1 and continue to hold on to second place in the conference behind Neshaminy (9-0). The Hawks wasted no time outscoring the Tigers as they went to halftime with 4-0 lead. All six goals were scored by different players - Nikki Caffey, Jesse Magee, Alexis Nicholl, Gabi Rosenfeld, Emily Wilkinson and Lindsay Hirsh. Elissa Dotzman was credited with two assists in the victory while Cait Jackson, Sydney Jones and Shelby Stoltz each chipped in single assists. The Hawks scored an impressive 12 goals this week over their league opponents, as they downed Abington 6-1 on Tuesday. The Tigers’ record fell to 0-9 SOL (2-10 overall), and they host Council Rock North on Monday as the Hawks travel to third-place Pennsbury for a bout under the lights.
CR SOUTH 4-2 6
TRUMAN 0-0 0
Continental Conference
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 0, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0 (2 OT) (10/2)
There is no doubt the Continental Conference is an evenly matched league. Consider only the number of ties that have occurred already this season- nine total, which is already two more than the entire 2012 league season.
“This conference is competitive, and it’s a good environment to be in right now,” said Patriots coach Paul Eisold.
East and West have added two ties to that list, as their first matchup ended up suspended in overtime due to lightning and remained 0-0 just like Wednesday’s match.
‘It was a closer match this time,” said West coach Jorge Rodriguez. “They had maybe a handful more opportunities than we did, but we were definitely more competitive and more entertaining.”
The Patriots’ opportunities were definitely there as well, but so was Bucks’ keeper Grace Bendon, who has been a key factor for them in just about every game.
“She came up big in moments that typically define a game like corners and crosses,” said Rodriguez. “She also communicated really well with her backs throughout the game.”
The Bucks had a solid look at the goal in the second half when Abby Mulhearn was inside the box for a wide open shot, but Patriots keeper Paige Marcinkowski stepped up, cutting off the angle and stopping the shot.
“Paige was outstanding,” said Eisold. “As a four-year starter, she is really coming into her own, but they were able to keep us shooting from outside, and we were unable to penetrate into the 18.”
In overtime, Rodriguez admitted the Patriots controlled the ball.
“They had good possessions and got into a good rhythm,” said Rodriguez. “They had a lot more scary moments that we had to deal with.”
The Bucks were prepared for the second matchup with the Patriots, who currently are in the top spot in the league standings.
“We knew from the beginning they are one of the better teams we are going to face, and with us having Shea McCarty, Mary Kate Vinkler and Mulhearn on the roster, we thought we would have better chance,” said Rodriguez. “We were playing to win, but at the same time, we were aware of their weapons and we did a nice job balancing.”
Eisold agreed that the Bucks were prepared for them.
“CB West is a very admirable opponent,” he said. “They are well coached and their game plan worked for them. I thought we had the better of the play, but they had the better of the scoring opportunities.
The Bucks record now stands at 5-0-4 in the league, right behind the Patriots 6-0-3 record. West will square off with Souderton at War Memorial on Monday while the Patriots travel to North Penn.
“Our players are still getting to know each other,” said first-year coach Rodriguez. “But they definitely jelled a lot more, figured out what combos are working on the field, and it was nice to see them get into a rhythm.”
Eisold knows there is no time to rest. “It’s back to improving, improving the team and improving the individual. We will be working on getting in and finishing our chances.”
CB WEST 0-0-0-0 0
CB EAST 0-0-0-0 0
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1, NORTH PENN 0
The Titans picked up their third league win of the season with a shutout victory over the Maidens. The Titans and Maidens remained scoreless for the majority of the game until in 65th minute when Lexi Brockenbrough poked home a ball that was deflected off the wall from a Nikki Weiss free kick just outside the box for the game winner.
Maidens’ coach Jim Dehner credited the play of keeper Laura Leonard and backs Riley Houlihan, Sydnee Towns, Steph Bresadola, and Lizz Volz. The Titans are 3-4-2 (4-5-2 overall) and square off with Quakertown under the lights on Monday while the Maidens (1-5-3, 2-7-4 overall) host one of the top teams in the conference, Central Bucks East.
CB SOUTH 0-1 1
NORTH PENN 0-0 0
HATBORO HORSHAM 2 , SOUDERTON 1 (OT)
After 95 minutes of intensity, H-H defender Emily Sheehan drove a free kick to Rachel Kaplan who controlled the ball with her first touch and gave the Lady Hatters an overtime victory with her second. Kaplan, a three-year starter, found herself at striker for the first time in her high school career and made the most of the opportunity.
The win brought celebration to the visiting squad and heartache to the home team.
"Souderton is so much better than their record reflects," said Hatters coach Ben Winderman. "They moved the ball exceptionally well and brought out the best in our backs. Kelly Griffin, Mikaela Malofiy, Emily Sheehan, Emily Butler, and Bergen Sims kept us in the game, so that goals from Cait Smith and Kaplan could equate to victory."
Still scoreless in the 66th minute, the Lady Hatters combined nicely to find Maddy McNutt in the box. The junior midfielder was fouled and senior Cait Smith buried the penalty.
"It was an excellent build up and finish, but we've struggled this season to close out games,” Winderman said.
Within three minutes Souderton struck back as Juliana Ofalt scored the equalizer.
"We have to mature in terms of managing games," explained Winderman. "Souderton came at us with determination and we have to learn how to deflate the game."
Both teams looked dangerous in overtime, but it was the Hatters who created better chances. Annette Disipio ran onto a feed from Mikaela Malofiy, but Souderton GK Jackie Parry smothered the ball at the 18. Souderton earned two consecutive corner kicks but the Hatters defense stiffened and eventually Kaplan scored the game winner.
The Hatters travel to Easton for a non-league match Friday and look to pick up where they left off.
"These girls have shown a willingness to compete and capacity to grow," said the long time Hatters coach. "They showed a lot of grit tonight and earned some needed optimism."
The Hatters improved to 2-6-1 in league play (3-6-2 overall) while the Indians fell to 0-7-2 in the league (3-7-2 overall).
PENNRIDGE 4, QUAKERTOWN 1
The Lady Rams had to overcome some emotional hurdles before facing the Panthers on Thursday night as three of their teammates were involved in a car accident on Fifth Street in Perkasie on Wednesday. Two of the athletes were treated and released from Lehigh Valley Hospital and the third from Grandview, and they are home recovering.
The Rams have been having an outstanding season, but an event like that can rattle any team. Fortunately for the Rams, they were able to battle through, and Ashley Butcher’s goal in the 13th minute helped ease the tension. Three minutes later, Butcher struck again, sending in a pass to Kennedy Peace who slipped one past the Panthers’ keeper to give the Rams an early 2-0 lead. The Panthers got on the board four minutes before the end of the half when Linzi Wolfe scored off Shannon Gibat’s corner kick. Peace found the net again for the Rams as the second half got underway (Andrea Caya assist) before Julia Cardie officially put the game out of reach with a goal in the 65th minute off a Rachel Velez assist. Erinne turned away seven of Pennridge’s shots while Amanda O’Hara stopped two for the Rams and Brittany Smith stopped one. The Rams share the top spot in the standings with East with matching 6-0-3 records and the host Hatboro on Monday afternoon. The Panthers league mark fell to 4-5 (6-6 overall) as they prepare to host CB South at Alumni Stadium Monday evening.
PENNRIDGE 2-2 4
QUAKERTOWN 1-0 1
American Conference
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 5, CHELTENHAM 0
Nic Abbott connected for the hat trick to lead the attack for the Colonials, who led 4-0 at the half. Crissy Terraces and Madi Berman added single goals in their victory over the winless Lady Panthers. Cheltenham’s league mark is now 0-8-1 (0-11-1 overall) while the Colonials improved to 6-3-1 (6-4-1 overall) and hold on to second place behind Upper Dublin with Upper Merion right behind them in third place. The Colonials open their week with an important match against Wissahickon and the Panthers host Upper Dublin.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 4-1 5
CHELTENHAM 0-0 0
UPPER DUBLIN 4, NORRISTOWN 0
The Lady Cardinals remained undefeated with a decisive win over the Eagles on Thursday. Brigid Peyton paced the offense, scoring a hat trick while Sofia Mercurio added a single goal. The Cards upped their record to 9-0-1 in the league (9-3-1 overall) while the Eagles fell to 0-8-1 (0-10-1). Both teams are back in action on Monday as Norristown visits Upper Moreland and Upper Dublin travels to Cheltenham.
UPPER DUBLIN 4-0 4
NORRISTOWN 0-0 0
UPPER MERION 1, UPPER MORELAND 0
The Vikings have made a name for themselves in the American League this season as their 6-2-1 record has them in a tie with Plymouth Whitemarsh for second place. The Vikings upped their winning streak to three with a shutout over the Golden Bears. Jenna Kelly scored the lone goal for the Vikings in the 65th minute to secure the victory in the evenly matched battle. The Golden Bears saw their record fall to 4-4-1 and host Norristown on Monday while the Vikings take on Springfield.
UPPER MERION 0-1 1
UPPER MORELAND 0-0 0
WISSAHICKON 2, SPRINGFIELD 1
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