Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Tuesday. Upper Moreland/Hatboro-Horsham photos provided courtesy of Kathy N Leister Photography. Upper Dublin/Abington photos provided by Geanine Jamison. Check back for photo galleries. (Pennridge/CB West photo courtesy of Karin Harbeck)
SOL Continental
Pennridge 1, Central Bucks West 0
The calendar still reads as September, but there was a definite November feel at War Memorial Field on Tuesday night.
Pennridge won the SOL Continental last season but lost twice to CB West, so the teams’ first meeting this fall was a definite test for both.
“Before the game started, I talked to all of our seniors and on the back of our shirts this year it says ‘here and now’ so we just want to make the most of every moment,” Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. “This tested us. We know how they play, we know the players on their team and how capable they are.”
For 80 minutes, the ball just seemed to jump back and forth as both teams traded runs up the field, usually ending in some kind of chance or a sturdy defensive stand. The first half ended without a score, mostly thanks to the efforts of those defenders and the two respective keepers.
West junior Jenna Abaza was the standout for her team, making tough save after tough save and just leading the back four of Keely McGlone, Courtney Moylan, Bella Centenera and Gracie Miller against Pennridge’s offensive pressure.
“I was so proud of the effort my girls gave tonight,” West coach Mike Moyer said. “Jenna Abazza was fantastic and Keely McGlone and Courtney Moylan were lights-out in the back. It was a shame that we had an own goal, but I give Pennridge a ton of respect for how they play. They are relentless in the final third.”
It was also a line-in-the-sand type of match for the Rams’ defenders in front of keeper Meghan Kriney. Junior center back Maddie Angelo had a sterling performance, covering a lot of turf and breaking up a number of serious threats from the Bucks’ front unit of Taylor Moyer, Shea Lubin and twins Ryan and Erin Fitzsimmons.
“Maddie Angelo was outstanding,” Anderson said. “She sprinted 50 yards to keep Shea or Taylor from getting a breakaway, I loved it. That’s something we’re learning we can do, Maddie is playing a new position on the field but I am super comfortable with her there.”
The match was intense, with both teams contesting hard for every header or 50/50 ball but not over the top. There’s a respect between the two sides, with the Rams looking forward to the way the Bucks seem to bring out their best effort when they meet.
Even after going down, the Bucks only seemed to play harder and had chances into the final seconds of the game.
“It was one of the best high school girls games I’ve been a part of,” Moyer said. “We are only four games into the season and that had all the makings of a game in November. It was an 80-minute battle that went back and forth.”
Pennridge scored with about 27 minutes to go when a shot from Emily Kriney on the right side deflected off a Bucks defender and into the net.
Both coaches took plenty of positives away from their respective team’s effort. Moyer said his side needs to be better at converting its set pieces into goals but felt his team did well to create those chances.
Anderson was beyond happy with how her players were able to stick to their brand, connect passes and move the ball while being under pressure and felt the Rams played like it was a postseason contest.
“We said tonight’s game was going to be decided by energy and whoever played with the highest amount of energy,” Anderson said. “West, they love to be loud, this is their field and we knew that coming in it would be high-energy, high-emotions and just a matter of who wanted it more. It could have gone on for another 20 minutes.”
Pennridge (4-0, 2-0 SOL) visits CB South on Thursday night. CB West (3-2, 2-1) hosts PAC power Spring-Ford on Saturday at 5pm
PENNRIDGE 0 1 – 1
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0 0 – 0
Souderton 3, Central Bucks South 2 (2OT)
The Indians and Titans waged another tight battle on Tuesday night.
South got on the board early when outside back Dori McMennin pushed up and served a ball that Ally Cutter drove in for a fourth-minute goal.
“Souderton was forced to chase the game and throw numbers forward. With 28 minutes left in the first half, Grace Kelley provided the spark Souderton needed to tie the game,” Indians assistant coach Ian Smith said. “Kelley won the ball in the midfield and beat her mark to slip a ball into Souderton’s attack. From there, Hannah Alderfer and Averie Doughty were able to combine down the sideline for Alderfer to fire home a powerful finish.”
While South applied pressure late, the teams retreated to the half tied 1-1.
Souderton flipped the script in the second half, attacking off the bat in the second 40 minutes.
“Souderton was on the front foot as they worked the ball into the wide areas and sent in a number of dangerous crosses, ” Smith said. “Alderfer sprung in behind the defense with 32 minutes left in the half and unleashed a dangerous shot that the South keeper was able to poke wide of the net with a strong kick-save.”
Finally, with about nine minutes left in the game, Avery Nogami capitalized with the Titans’ defense scrambling to try and break up the chance. Nogami stuck one in the corner of the open net to put her side up 2-1.
“South was quick to answer with a goal by Janessa Watson following a pass in front of the net by Grace Tecce,” Titans coach Betsy Bullock said.
Nogami had the best chance of the first overtime but was denied by another good save. Souderton keeper Morgan Molyneaux was also busy, making a handful of acrobatic saves to keep the score level.
Finally, in the last moments of the second overtime, Souderton found a winner.
“Leah Mowery sent in a dangerous ball off a set-piece, which Taylor Yoder was able to poke home,” Smith said.
Despite the setback, the Titans felt they left all they had on the pitch.
“It took until the final moments of the second OT for Souderton to finish the game winner,” Bullock said. “It was a very competitive match and I was so pleased by the Lady Titans resolve and tenacity.”
CB South (2-2, 1-2 SOL) hosts Pennridge on Thursday night while Souderton (4-1, 2-1) will host PCL champion Lansdale Catholic at 5 p.m. Friday.
SOUDERTON 1 1 0 1 – 3
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1 1 0 0 – 2
Goals: S – Hannah Alderfer, Avery Nogami, Taylor Yoder; CBS – Ally Cutter, Janessa Watson
North Penn 1, Central Bucks East 1 (2OT)
The Knights and Patriots dueled for 100 minutes but couldn’t decide a winner.
Emily Varilla continued her strong form to start the season with a goal for the Knights off assists from Lauren Blanch and Tia Sheehy midway through the first half.
“Credit to NP, they jumped us early,” CB East coach Jake Nesteruk said. “We need to put together a full 80 minutes. I thought Courtney Curry was really strong for us today and same with Marissa Plack.”
Izzy Mignon found the equalizer with about 15 to go, where the score stayed until the end of extra time.
“Overall our girls played hard, lots of effort on both sides of the ball,” North Penn co-head coach Mike Rio said. “East also never let up, pretty evenly contested game, physical with a lot of back and forth play.”
North Penn has been busy out of the gate, contesting seven matches in 12 days but Rio said there hasn’t been any letdown in terms of energy or effort.
Liv Urban was also a strong contributor for the Knights by working hard all over the field.
“We are putting ourselves in position to come out on top of these games and as we continue to move through the season we will look to find ways to execute a little bit better to secure the win,” Rio said. “Overall, not many negatives, we like what we are seeing out on the field and the way we are playing with the energy level every game.”
North Penn (2-3-1, 0-1-1 SOL) will get a rare practice day Wednesday, then visit Quakertown on Thursday. Central Bucks East (1-3-1, 0-2-1) will host Souderton on Monday.
NORTH PENN 1 0 0 0 – 1
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 0 1 0 0 – 1
Goals: NP – Emily Varilla; CBE – Izzy Mignon
SOL National
Pennsbury 2, Bensalem 0
The Falcons were able to dig deep and crack a resilient Bensalem side.
“It took us a while to get going today. To Bensalem’s credit, they stayed organized and tried to make us uncomfortable,” Pennsbury co-head coach Kim Lindemann said. “The first half we didn’t play our best soccer. But we challenged the girls at half to find another gear.”
Freshman Taylor Mays turned in another strong game for Pennsbury with both goals. Mays scored in the 56th and 58th minutes, enough of a burst for the Falcons to carry on.
“She’s just not afraid to take people on and her off ball movement is what finds her so much success,” Lindemann said. “She never assumes she will get a perfect pass. She makes the play happen for herself.”
Gianna Durle also had an impactful effort, assisting Mays both times.
Lindemann added the Falcons were much better at keeping possession in the second half, due to a more disciplined approach.
“Bensalem’s goalie made a lot of good saves today,” Lindemann said. “We knew Bensalem would be well coached and come in with a game plan, but I was proud of our girls for finding a way to win even if it wasn’t our best soccer today.
“I thought in the second half our outside mids Kendall Palatine and Gianna Durle did a better job winning the end line but overall it was just the whole team deciding to take the game into their hands in the second half and get the win.”
Pennsbury (3-1, 2-0 SOL) will travel to William Tennent on Thursday, and Bensalem (0-5, 0-3) will host Council Rock South on Thursday.
PENNSBURY 0 2 – 2
BENSALEM 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Taylor Mays 2
Council Rock North 3, William Tennent 1
Both William Tennent and Council Rock North have big weeks on deck, but the Indians got the jump in their meeting Tuesday.
“As always it was another tough game in the SOL today,” CR North coach Gavin Flannigan said. “I thought we started the game very well, our possession was good and we created a couple of early opportunities before our first goal.”
Sammy Judge struck one from 25 yards after Paige Addis laid off a great pass to set up the chance.
Tennent stormed back for the equalizer from Caroline Weir on a solo effort.
“Caroline Weir plays as a workhorse and refuses to ever give up,” Tennent coach Bill Hontz said.
Despite the response and taking a tie to half, the Panthers weren’t able to capitalize on the change in momentum
“We struggled to not make mistakes in the second half,” Hontz said. “Lindsay Kinsky and Lindsay Mulholland did have solid mistake-free play.
The Indians, feeling they could have been up at the half, made the effort in the second half.
“One of our biggest problems last season was not turning close games into wins, we spoke at halftime about having the right mentality and focusing on the tactical adjustments we gave them,” Flannigan said. “The girls responded really well, their mindset and work rate was very good in the second half.”
Set pieces decided the game, with Council Rock North turning two restarts into goals. All 18 players who saw time were integral in the effort for the Indians.
“Anna Cairone managed to finish a loose ball in the box and Taylor Brennan had a great finish from another free kick,” Flannigan said. “Overall the game was pretty physical and both teams competed hard. For us, our back five were very good today, Grace Needham had 12 saves overall but more importantly she was confident in organizing and communicating during the second half.”
Council Rock North (4-1, 2-1 SOL) faces Neshaminy on Thursday night while William Tennent (1-2, 1-1) hosts Pennsbury.
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 1 2 – 3
WILLIAM TENNENT 1 0 – 1
Goals: CRN – Sammy Judge, Anna Cairone, Taylor Brennan; WT – Caroline Weir
Neshaminy 5, Harry S Truman 0
SOL American
Upper Dublin 3, Abington 1
Cardinals coach Chuck Gesing knew it was just a matter of time.
After being shut out in two games to start the season, Upper Dublin is starting to find the net with regularity. Tuesday, they also got some payback against last season’s SOL American champion Galloping Ghosts.
Abington swept the matchups last year, but UD’s team defending was the difference this time out.
“I loved our commitment to team defense today. We made a point to really challenge Abington and not give away anything easy,” Gesing said. “I also loved the finishing. The first few games we really struggled to get shots but in the last two, it’s starting to come together for us.”
Goalkeeper Rachel Adelman made six stops for Upper Dublin while the back line of Anna Desch, Molly Brown, Maddie Amoia and Bliss Brenner limited the Galloping Ghosts and striker Casey Touey.
“We knew how fast Casey is and we used junior Anna Desch to match her speed,” Gesing said. “She did a great job keeping (Touey) going side to side.”
Alex Devers bagged a first half brace, assisted in the 11th minute by Lauren Melick and in the 36th by Laura Pendleton. Julia Eustace pushed the lead to 3-0 just two minutes into the second half.
Devers, a freshman, now has four goals in her last two games.
“We are just getting comfortable with our relatively young team. With a few games under our belt it seems we are finding Alex more,” Gesing said. “Alex is also getting used to high school and playing with new teammates. It’s a process and it’s coming along nicely.”
Upper Dublin (2-2, 2-1 SOL) visits Upper Moreland on Thursday while Abington (2-2, 2-1) hosts Plymouth Whitemarsh in a night game at Schwarzman Stadium.
UPPER DUBLIN 2 1 – 3
ABINGTON 0 1 – 1
Goals: UD – Alex Devers 2, Julia Eustace
Hatboro-Horsham 6, Upper Moreland 3
A night after pulling off a dramatic win, the Hatters got their offense going in a high-scoring game.
Maggie O’Neill got the scoring started in the 12th minute and Ally Eutermoser converted off a Gabrielle Liott free kick to make it 2-0 in the 25th. The Golden Bears cut the lead in half on Madison Zachweija’s 30th minute tally, where it stayed into the half.
Cam Ryan found O’Neill for an early goal in the second half, Emily Thomas connected to Kara Thomas for a goal and Sophia Liott headed in a Ryan corner to push the Hatters up 5-1.
Grace Burns bracketed two goals around a score by the Hatters’ Graceanne Griffiths for the final margin.
“The first half was fairly even, both teams having opportunities,” Bears coach Lisa Benvenuto said.
“Hatboro was able to capitalize on opportunities in the second half giving them the win today. Jaclyn Martino did not make it easy for them with 10 saves on the game.”
Hatboro-Horsham (4-0, 3-0 SOL) takes its unbeaten SOL American record to Springfield Township on Thursday while Upper Moreland (1-3, 1-2) hosts Upper Dublin on Thursday.
HATBORO-HORSHAM 2 4 – 6
UPPER MORELAND 1 2 – 3
Goals: HH – Maggie O’Neill 2, Kara Thomas, Sophia Liott, Ally Eutermoser, Graceanne Griffiths; UM – Grace Burns 2, Madison Zachweija
Wissahickon 5, Springfield Twp 2
The Trojans used a scoring burst to bounce back from Monday’s tough loss.
Springfield Township actually took the lead out of the half, but the Trojans buried five goals in about 25 minutes of game time.
“We were sluggish for a good portion of the game,” Wissahickon coach Chris McDaniels said. “Anna May provided a needed boost in second half by taking over in the middle of the field. She was great attacking and defending.”
Carly Amato scored a pair of goals to lead Wissahickon, which also got tallies from May, Natalie Ryan and Kylie Friedman.
Wissahickon (2-1 SOL) will host Cheltenham Thursday, and Springfield Township (0-4, 0-3) will host Hatboro-Horsham on Thursday.
WISSAHICKON 0 5 – 5
SPRINGFIELD TWP 0 2 – 2
Goals: W – Carly Amato 2, Anna May, Natalie Ryan, Kylie Friedman
Plymouth Whitemarsh 5, Cheltenham 0
The Colonials had a balanced attack with five different players scoring.
Fiona Gooneratne had a goal and assist to lead PW. Bella McNew, Max Leszczynski, Leah Kaye and Anni Shula all scored while Ava Schreiber, Sophia Kosvitch and Angelina Balcer all had assists.
Hope Barrist recorded a shutout.
“Another solid defensive performance,” PW coach Ryan Zehren said. “I thought we played very well in the mid field today through Shula and Natalie Lannie.”
Cheltenham (1-3, 0-3 SOL) visits Wissahickon on Thursday while PW (3-1, 2-1) is at Abington for a night game.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 2 3 – 5
CHELTENHAM 0 0 – 0
Goals: PW – Bella McNew, Max Leszczynski, Leah Kaye, Fiona Gooneratne, Anni Shula
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