Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Monday. (Pennridge/CB South photos provided courtesy of Abbe Kiwak/Pennridge Soccer)
SOL Colonial
Pennridge 5, Central Bucks South 1
Her efforts sometimes get lost amidst the goals, assists and highlights on the other end of the field, but the Rams know Seretha DeMoss is going to be there when needed.
Monday was a perfect example of what the sophomore goalkeeper means to her team. While Pennridge eventually won by four goals, it was just a two-goal game into the final three minutes and could have been much different if not for a bold save that DeMoss made with five to play.
“I think people don’t realize what she can do because our thought is, don’t give up shots,” Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. “We try really hard not to give up shots, but she can save some big goals like she did tonight. Right there, it’s 3-1 and if she gives that up, it’s 3-2 and a huge momentum change and who knows what happens after that?”
Last season, DeMoss stepped in as a freshman and helped lead Pennridge to the PIAA 4A title game. A year wiser, the keeper has the feel and presence of a more experienced player and she’s not afraid to command her defense, even if it’s one with a couple D-I recruits along its back line.
“Communication is key. I try to read everyone’s body language and just know where I need to be to make a save on anything,” DeMoss said. “I have more experience playing with them and them with me, so we all read each other now. It’s more fluid.”
DeMoss came up big in three spots on Monday. The first was less than a minute after Pennridge’s opening goal, the keeper getting big in front of goal to keep out a potential Titans equalizer.
She came out early on a second half cross that either had a line to go in or find someone’s boot in front, cutting down a potential threat before it formed. Finally, her charging play to get off her line and out to challenge a breakaway shot not only led to a save, DeMoss was able to recover and pull in a second service to end the South push.
“It’s teamwork and everything we put in together,” DeMoss said. “We’re very caring of each other and just go together. It’s a good mix.”
The Rams’ offense again came from several different places as five players scored. Malone got the first, a quick tap-in from close, thanks to a hustle play and cross by Tori Angelo six minutes into the match.
Senior defender Meredith Blannett said there’s an unspoken motivation within the team, especially among her fellow seniors.
“We all know what the end goal is,” Blannett said. “How close we were to it last year and to feel like it was taken away from us, it gives that extra push to where we want to be.”
Still, all the Rams had at halftime was a tie game. Riley Karpinski made sure of that, the South winger able to cut inside off the left flank and unleash a stirring goal that arched through the air and into the far upper back corner of the goal with four minutes left in the first half.
With the Rams hosting their Community Night and no shortage of young fans chanting for them in the seats, they knew the effort had to be better after halftime.
“Our whole halftime talk was that we need to do better, our energy needs to be higher,” Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. “In the second half, I was really happy with the energy and that’s what you need to see, especially from the seniors putting that standard out there for everybody else to see it.”
Liv Grenda put Pennridge back in front with a terrific effort five minutes into the second half. The senior midfielder made one of her trademark weaving runs through traffic with the ball on her foot before she hit a low, slithering shot that tucked inside the goal at the far post.
Seniors contributing goals, directly or indirectly, was a trend. With 24 to play, senior Hailey Primwhere hit a corner kick into the box that led to Addy Mills – starting in place of Hailey’s twin sister Hannah, out injured – knocking it home for the 3-1 lead.
“It started with our bond as a team, we knew what we wanted,” Blannett said. “I think we all just know what we’re going for and we’re all going for it together, not individually.”
After DeMoss’ heroics on the other end, Sophie Craig’s foot led to two goals. The senior midfielder hit a free kick that elicited a save from South’s Brooke Rosica, but the rebound eluded her and found Caitlyn Peace, who punched home the rebound.
In the final minute, Craig chanced one on target, her shot finding its own picturesque arc into the upper 90 that ended with her jumping into a teammate’s arms in celebration.
“They are having a lot of fun,” Anderson said. “Hopefully, that keeps growing, we want to be dynamic and unpredictable, and I think we’re hitting that target right now.”
South (2-2, 2-2 SOL) hosts Neshaminy at 5:30 on Wednesday to start crossover play. Pennridge (5-0-1, 4-0-1) hosts Harry S Truman on Wednesday.
PENNRIDGE 1 4 – 5
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1 0 – 1
Goals: P – Casey Malone, Liv Grenda, Addy Mills, Caitlyn Peace, Sophie Craig
Central Bucks West 4, Souderton 0
Birthday nights have been pretty good to the Bucks of late.
Last week, it was Emery Sterling celebrating her birthday with a dramatic game-winning goal. On Monday, senior Alexis Castro got a nice gift from her teammates with a well-played win all around.
“It was a good game, credit to Souderton who made it really tough in the first half. They were able to possess the ball and connect going forward,” West coach Bree Benedict said. “It took us a little while to settle in and connect our passes. Once we did, we were switching the point, getting our backs involved, and finding through balls for our forwards.”
The Indians are still searching for their first win of the season, but coach Ian Smith saw positives from that first half effort.
“We started with what was our best 30 minutes of soccer all year. It felt like we were first to every ball and doing a great job of possessing back to front, which we talked a lot about before the game,” Smith said. “While we didn’t get a ton of quality shots on net, we were able to get into some dangerous positions and it felt like everyone on the field was contributing at a high level.”
What looked like a prime opportunity for Souderton would end up turning things around for the Bucks.
“With about 10 minutes left in the half, Nicole Schulingkamp had a free kick in a dangerous crossing position that the keeper was able to claim and spring West on the counter,” Smith said. “With numbers forward we gave up the first goal and then a quick second goal shortly after to go down 2-0 just before half.”
Sterling would tally both of West’s first half markers. The sophomore forward explained how she was able to break away to open the scoring.
“First goal we won off a punt, I connected wide and got it back, and placed it in the corner,” Sterling said. “It was good to contribute to the team and get two goals in the last 10 minutes of the first half.”
Ashley Lott gave CB West a spark in the second half, chasing down a cross in the box and getting the benefit of the whistle from the official. Lott took it on herself, putting the PK away for a 3-0 lead.
With Souderton trying to chase the game, Mackenzie Gausch put one away to finish it off.
“Olivia Barrett crossed me the ball, I took on the defender, and was able to get around and find the corner,” Gausch said. “It felt really good to finally get a goal and step up for my team tonight.”
Despite the outcome, Smith wanted to give plaudits to a few of his players as the Indians look to stretch out the quality of their first half of play.
“Seniors Hailey Rohr and Nicole Schulingkamp played some of the best soccer I’ve seen them play tonight. I thought freshman Kylie Cummings got in some really dangerous positions for us off the bench as well,” Smith said. “Honestly, the first 30 minutes we could list everyone on the field as having a great performance, unfortunately West caught us and capitalized on our mistakes.
“Hoping to make that 30 minutes a full 80 at Bensalem on Wednesday.”
CB West is off to a solid start and heads into the crossover schedule with some positive momentum.
“I’m really proud of the group. Tonight everyone got in the game, stepped up, and played West soccer,” Benedict said. “It was a great program win.”
Souderton (0-4, 0-4 SOL) travels to Bensalem to start crossover play on Wednesday. CB West (4-1, 4-1) travels to Council Rock North on Wednesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 2 2 – 4
SOUDERTON 0 0 – 0
Goals: CBW – Emery Sterling 2, Ashley Lott, Mackenzie Gausch
Central Bucks East 5, North Penn 0
A number of lightning delays and a tenacious Knights side tested the Patriots, but once Mia Forney got going, so did they.
“North Penn came out strongly and made the game difficult in transition,” East coach Jake Nesteruk said. “We had good control of the ball, but North Penn’s backline prevented us from creating any clear-cut chances.”
Forney, a freshman following her older sister Elliot through the program, finished with a hat trick but it was her first goal that was the most crucial. With about 16 minutes to play in the first half, Jessie Bernabe got off a cross that Forney was able to punch home and the East attack was on its way.
“Once Mia Forney was able to break the deadlock, I thought we really found our rhythm and settled in,” Nesteruk said. “Mia was clearly great today and finished her chances really well which I was delighted to see.”
Forney added a second about four minutes later to give East a 2-0 halftime edge.
After the intermission, senior Sofia Mignon doled out a pair of assists, the first to Julia Santanello and the other to Bernabe. Forney wrapped it up with a solo effort in the final two minutes.
“Overall, we got good performances from all 19 kids who played today and gave us a foundation to build from for the rest of the week,” Nesteruk said.
CB East (3-2-1, 1-2-1 SOL) visits Council Rock South to start crossover play on Wednesday. The Knights (1-4, 1-3) host Pennsbury on Wednesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 2 3 – 5
NORTH PENN 0 0 – 0
Goals: CBE – Mia Forney 3, Julia Santanello, Jessie Bernabe
SOL Liberty
Plymouth Whitemarsh 2, Wissahickon 1 (OT)
Set pieces and overtime matches.
The Colonials have seen plenty of both already this season, the first having been a little more kind than the latter prior to Monday.
“We’re certainly thrilled to beat Wissahickon for the first time since 2019, but we’re not satisfied with how we played,” PW coach TJ DeLucia said. “It wasn’t our best effort, but good teams find a way to win. And we weren’t able to do that against Quakertown and Hatboro-Horsham, so this is a step in the right direction.”
With a bit more than 30 minutes played in the first half, the Colonials drew a free kick. So far, finding goals from the run of play has been a bit of a struggle, but PW has made up for it with tenacity to win a ball off a service.
“Meghan Wendler played a free kick into the box that Maddie McGuckien headed in,” DeLucia said. “That’s Wendler’s second assist of the season and McGuckien’s second goal.”
Wissahickon hasn’t seen the results in this early portion of the season, but the Trojans do have some skilled players who are more than capable of taking care of anyone overlooking them. The Colonials were not one of those teams, paying special attention to where Wiss was most dangerous.
“Wissahickon has some talented players on the wing, so I want to give a lot of credit to sophomore Marleigh Burton who had a lot to deal with out wide,” DeLucia said. “We’re asking a lot from Marleigh but she’s a terrific athlete and she can handle it.
“Senior Emma Vuotto stepped in cold in the second half and gave good minutes, as well.”
With less than three minutes to play, a PW foul in the box spotted the ball for a Wissahickon penalty kick. Lannah Werynski, who had been dragged down to draw the foul, got herself together and buried the look to force overtime.
It didn’t take long for the Colonials to reverse their recent trend in extra periods.
“Two minutes into overtime, Keira Whelan holds up the ball and plays a ball inside to Abby Boegner. Boegs then played a beautiful ball through the two defenders and Liv Reilly made a great run down the right side to get onto it,” DeLucia said. “She then played a cross in as we had a couple runners in the box. The ball took an unfortunate bounce off a Wissahickon player into the net.
“Glad to see one of Abby Boegner’s balls have an end product to it as she really enjoyed some space in midfield today. She’s continuing to play balls through that we really hope gets us some more goals in open play.”
It’s certainly been an unusual start to the season for Plymouth Whitemarsh and while they’re looking to make it a little easier on themselves, Monday was still a step in the right direction.
“That is three overtime games in a row for us,” DeLucia said. “It shows that we are competing, but we need to limit mistakes defensively and become a little sharper offensively so we can start winning some games in regulation.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-1-1, 2-1-1 SOL) hosts Cheltenham on Wednesday to start crossover play. Wissahickon (0-5-1, 0-4-1) travels to William Tennent on Wednesday.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 1 0 1 – 2
WISSAHICKON 0 1 0 – 1
Goals: PW – Maddie McGuckien; W – Lannah Werynski
Hatboro-Horsham 1, Upper Dublin 0
The Hatters seem to like playing under the lights.
Having captured a road win in a night game last week, Hatboro-Horsham got to give it a try in their own friendly confines Monday. Thanks to a tremendous goal from senior Sarah Roesing, the Hatters got chalk up another nighttime victory.
“It was a great match between the two teams and some very good battles,” HH coach Kelsey Daley said.
Roesing, who has committed to play at West Chester, provided a highlight reel goal in the first half. Spotted way out on the right flank, Roesing drove the ball on a pinpoint arc that carried right into the far side panel of the goal’s netting.
“She couldn’t have hit the ball to a more perfect spot,” Daley said. “It was beautiful.”
The win was also the team’s third straight shutout and fourth overall this season from keeper Alyssa Tooley.
“Total team effort by the entire group tonight,” Daley said. “We are starting to work better together day by day with passing and movement off the ball and I’m excited to continue to get better each day.”
The Hatters (3-3, 3-1 SOL) start crossover play by hosting New Hope-Solebury on Wednesday. Upper Dublin (1-2-1, 1-2-1) visits Springfield Twp.
HATBORO-HORSHAM 1 0 – 1
UPPER DUBLIN 0 0 – 0
Goals; HH – Sarah Roesing
Abington 2, Quakertown 0
The Ghosts’ attack might have been out of sorts in the first half Monday, but the back line was locked in.
Considering one of their key players in center back Sara Kaeser was not quite herself, it was quite the feat by Abington’s defenders to keep a scoreless tie after 40 minutes. In their last four games, the Ghosts have allowed just one goal.
“Sara’s been nursing an injury, so I took her out. Olivia Capps went in and did a really nice job, which allowed Sara to recover where she could go back in for the second half,” Abington coach Rick Tompkins said. “Madison Oldham is as steady as I can be and I love this outside back we have, Peyton Farabaugh. She was a midfielder, but she’s fast as can be and has a very good touch.
“Jocelyn Pollock is just steady, steady, steady so they all did a good job and Addison Hayden has a couple clean sheets in a row.”
It’s not easy to travel up to Quakertown and battle the Panthers at night on their field. Tompkins credited the Panthers for their always high work rate and playing well to their identity.
That also had an adverse effect on his team, with senior Piper McGinley just trying to do too much in an attempt to help herself and her team.
“The ball was flying everywhere, and I think they dominated us,” Tompkins said. “They had way more shots. They had a deeper sweeper in the back, so Piper wasn’t getting the ball and instead of staying up top, she was dropping into our midfield line which was really messing us up.”
The halftime talk was simple. McGinley needed to stay up top, and the midfielders needed to do a better job of getting her the ball so she didn’t feel the need to try and get it herself.
“What do they do? They give her the ball and she’s right on the edge of the last back, turns and cracks a beautiful shot,” Tompkins said. “After that, we started to play a little bit better.”
Piper and her twin sister Harper added the insurance goal off a corner kick.
“Piper passed it to Harper, who first-timed it past the goalie, so both goals were really nice,” Tompkins said.
Abington, unlike many SOL teams, has been able to get its games in through the weather-related challenges, which has helped the team get into a rhythm after an 0-2 start.
“(Quakertown) worked very hard, they put us under pressure the entire game and never stopped,” Tompkins said. “They know what they’re trying to do, we were fortunate enough to score first and that changed the momentum.”
Abington (4-2, 4-1 SOL) hosts Upper Moreland to begin crossover play on Wednesday. Quakertown (1-2-1, 1-2-1) visits Lower Moreland on Wednesday.
ABINGTON 0 2 – 2
QUAKERTOWN 0 0 – 0
Goals; A – Piper McGinley, Harper McGinley
SOL Patriot
Neshaminy 3, Bensalem 2 (OT)
Neshaminy coach Josh Van Reed knew full well the Owls were a team to look out for.
Thanks to a goal by Bri Garyah early in OT, the defending District I champions came out with a win, but it was by no means an easy one. While that’s a nice title to have, this is still a new Neshaminy team, so a win like Monday’s was a big step.
“Bensalem has been playing good soccer in recent years, and this year their hard work and effort has been paying off. They’ve gotten some good results early in the season so far,” Van Reed said. “Going into the game we knew that Bob (Crawford) would have them well prepared. They all know what the responsibilities are and move the ball real well.”
While there are a couple fixtures in the Neshaminy lineup, a lot of it is still in flux and a chief push early has been to create and finish chances. Despite it being obvious the game would be a battle, it was Neshaminy that managed to strike first.
“We were finally able to get a finish on a chance when Anna Axenroth got the ball endline and dropped a ball back towards the top of the 18,” Van Reed said. “Bri Garyah took a quick touch to her side and buried the ball in the upper left side
“It was a quality shot, the kind we talked about needing today. Bensalem’s keeper is not going to let anything easy in.”
Neshaminy led 1-0 at the half but it certainly felt tenuous. The Redskins coaches talked about getting a second goal quickly in order to try and stem the Bensalem surge they expected.
Easier said than done as the Owls came out firing and a back-and-forth second half was on.
“About 15 minutes in they came down and took a really good shot that floated in under the crossbar,” Van Reed said. “We came right back down field about a minute later and put a really nice sequence of passes together from Bri to Ana and Ana got some space behind the defense. She played a really nice ball back across that Bri tucked in the back corner.”
Bensalem continued to push the issue and their resilience paid off with 10 minutes left. Neshaminy couldn’t finish a clearance, allowing the Owls to pounce, tie the game and force overtime.
With a couple OT wins already to their name, Bensalem looked to grab another one as Neshaminy’s coaches preached the value of control and converting opportunities.
“When your opportunity comes, this is a time you have to step up. It didn’t take long into overtime, less than two minutes in, a ball was cleared from the back by Emmy Rooney,” Van Reed said. “It was a tough kind of ball to read, and it got through. Bri was already anticipating and got to the ball with space and time to carry up and finish.
“She had a great game and has been stepping up big for us this year.”
Garyah’s hat trick delivered a big win for a team that’s still building an identity.
“It was nice to see the team remain confident that they can and will score goals,” Van Reed said. “It’s a long season and the schedule is tough so winning close games like this is important.”
Bensalem (3-2, 3-2 SOL) hosts Souderton to begin crossover play on Wednesday. Neshaminy (3-1, 3-1) visits Central Bucks South at 5:30 on Wednesday.
NESHAMINY 1 1 1 – 3
BENSALEM 0 2 0 – 2
Goals: N- Bri Garyah 3
Council Rock North 3, Pennsbury 0
The Indians had already gone 11 days between matches, so what was a little lightning delay going to do?
While it was certainly irritating, disrupting the teams’ warm-ups and pushing back CR North’s Senior Night ceremonies, it didn’t slow down North once the whistle actually blew. Coming back to the field after two weather postponements last week, the Indians picked things right back up.
“We weren’t able to play last week, even tonight we were in a short lightning delay that ruined our warm-ups a little, credit to the girls and especially the seniors ensuring that we were ready to go,” CR North coach Gavin Flannigan said. “It’s been 11 days since we played and we encouraged the girls to come out fast, and they delivered.”
Thankfully for seniors Mairin Coghlan, Taylor Fischer, Lexi Fischer, Devianna Lepore, Nicole Muradov, Sienna Fazio, Ella Ciervo and Bridget Walstrum, they were able to have their moment then go get a win.
“As a group they have been very impactful over their time in the program and as we navigate this season it is clear that their leadership, maturity and selflessness are huge assets to the group,” Flannigan said.
CR North barely heard the opening whistle before it was in celebration mode.
“From a goal kick Nicole Muradov won a ball in the air and found Mia Cairone who was able to break through and score in the first minute of the game,” Flannigan said.
Another senior player to Cairone connection netted an important second goal in the final 10 minutes of the first half. The junior forward’s finish also broke up a run of possession for the Falcons that pressed CR North’s defensive unit into action a few times.
“We were able to add a second goal with about 10 left in the first half when Taylor Fischer released Mia Cairone again and she scored across the keeper,” Flanagan said. “At halftime we talked about getting the next goal to try and kill the game off, and I thought for the first 15 mins of the half we played really well, we were unlucky not to score, we hit the crossbar and missed some good opportunities.”
Eventually, all that pressure paid off, and the Indians won an opportunity to take a penalty kick. Cairone stepped to the spot, the Penn State recruit burying the take to give herself a hat trick and seal up the win for her seniors.
“Overall, we were happy with how the night played out, our seniors contributed well on their night,” Flannigan said. “I think we deserved to win and I’m glad our senior group got that outcome.”
While CR North did eventually put the game comfortably in hand, Flannigan had plaudits for the young Falcons and first-year coach Jenna Peters.
“Credit to Pennsbury they continued to battle and Mairin had to be alert a few times late in the game to make a couple of saves to keep the clean sheet,” Flannigan said. “You can see how hard the Pennsbury girls are playing for Jenna and her staff even though they may not be getting the scorelines they want.”
CR North (4-0, 3-0 SOL) hosts Central Bucks West to start crossover play on Wednesday. Pennsbury (1-5, 1-3) visits North Penn on Wednesday.
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 2 1 – 3
PENNSBURY 0 0 – 0
Goals: CRN – Mia Cairone 3
Council Rock South 6, Harry S Truman 0
An unwanted week off had CR South coach Nick Heim a little nervous about how his team would come out on Monday.
Cam Blatz bagged two quick goals and the Golden Hawks were on their way to a win.
“We challenged the girls to start fast. To their credit they answered the bell,” Heim said. “Cam Blatz had a brace in the first ten minutes on assists by Kathryn O’Kane and Lily Bross.”
Brianna Howard and Riley O’Halloran scored before halftime, both assisted by Cailey Doyle. O’Halloran added another in the second half, before Olivia Cei wrapped the scoring assisted by Ruby Bross.
“Truman’s goalie was outstanding,” Heim said.
CR South (3-1, 2-1 SOL) hosts Central Bucks East on Wednesday in the start of crossover play. Truman (0-5,0-5) visits Pennridge on Wednesday.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 4 2 – 6
HARRY S TRUMAN 0 0 – 0
Goals: CRS – Cam Blatz 2, Riley O’Halloran 2, Brianna Howard, Olivia Cei
SOL Freedom
William Tennent 1, Lower Moreland 0
The weather helped give the Panthers an indirect assist as they figured out a way past a motivated Lions side.
“This win came from the grit and determination of the whole team,” Tennent coach Elise Jara said. “We were definitely out-played in the first half, Lower Moreland plays the transition very well and it had us on our heels for the majority of the first half.”
A critical save by senior goalkeeper Emily Ehresmann kept the game scoreless at the break, the first-year member of the team registering her sixth straight clean sheet to start the season.
Just as the teams were about to return out of halftime, weather issues prompted a 45-minute delay that offered an opportunity for an extended talk and adjustments.
“We had time to regroup as a team and talk about our strategy for the second half,” Jara said. “We made a formation change to start the second half and that seemed to give us more support on the offense.”
Although there was only one goal scored in the game, there were a wealth of standouts for the Panthers.
“Freshmen Lia Jablonski and Bailey Kasner were both relentless on the ball in the second half and were able to put pressure on their defense and force some turnovers,” Jara said. “Maddie Hughes and Brielle Langford were able to keep the width and got several opportunities to put the ball in a dangerous position.”
The same could easily be said for Lower Moreland.
“This was the best game our team has played from start to finish. The girls committed to competitive play today and it really showed,” Lions coach Todd Hill said. “I felt like we dominated the middle of the field, we created a number of scoring opportunities, but we just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.”
It’s been a bit of a frustrating start for the Lions, who have battled some early-season injuries and a spell of bad luck that’s put them at 2-3. However, two of those losses were by just one goal and LM is starting to see progress.
“Kenna Rozanski gets stronger in the middle of the field every game. Morgan Pennisi and Nikki Sahl worked so hard and created opportunities for themselves and for others,” Hill said. “Amelia Brown really established herself as a presence in the back line, her leadership showed today. And Sandra Malave is getting more healthy every game after an early season injury.”
Finally, in the 62nd minute, the Panthers were finally able to crack the game open.
“The lone goal of the game came off an indirect kick from the 22 yard line in the 62nd minute,” Jara said. “Bailey Kasner played the ball to Paige Marek, who played the ball in the lower left side of the goal to beat Lower Moreland’s keeper.”
Tennent was able to push back against the Lions late surge to try and find an equalizer. Having wrapped up their first half of SOL Freedom play without dropping a point, the Panthers are now eyeing their next slate of games and tests.
“We are extremely proud of this group of girls and our 6-0 record with zero goals against shows the hard work they have been putting in,” Jara said. “We look forward to the next couple of weeks when we go into our crossover games.”
Lower Moreland (2-3, 1-3 SOL) opens crossover play hosting Quakertown on Wednesday. Tennent (6-0, 5-0) hosts Wissahickon on Wednesday.
WILLIAM TENNENT 0 1 – 1
LOWER MORELAND 0 0 – 0
Goals: WT – Paige Marek
Upper Moreland 5, New Hope-Solebury 0
The Golden Bears put together one of their most complete games of the season and it showed in the outcome.
“Our girls came together today and played a solid 80-minute match from start to finish,” UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. “Everyone on our roster contributed to today’s match.”
Leah King set the pace offensively with a goal and two assists while stalwarts Kyra Favors and Brooke Lobban each tallied a goal and an assist, with Lobban setting up Favors seven minutes in to open up the balanced scoring.
King added the first goal of her varsity career, assisted by Favors, then set up Mickie Soroka for a tally to complete a strong first half.
“As we settled into the game, we were able to find the gaps in New Hope’s defense and work the ball through our system to create some offensive opportunities,” Benvenuto said. “Our girls controlled the pace of the game and the flow; they were able to move the ball well through our system and stayed composed.”
King came out of the half with an assist to Lobban, and then Nikki Cancel got her first varsity marker assisted by Stephanie Jones.
Gracie Costello registered the first clean sheet as a varsity keeper to round out a team-wide showing.
“The ball movement throughout the team was really great to see today,” Benvenuto said. “The girls were able to capitalize on their opportunities, and they were really dangerous in their transitional play. This was a great team win for us.”
UM (4-1, 3-1 SOL) visits Abington on Wednesday to begin crossover play. New Hope-Solebury (1-4, 1-4) plays at Hatboro-Horsham on Wednesday.
UPPER MORELAND 3 2 – 5
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0 0 – 0
Goals: UM – Kyra Favors, Brooke Lobban, Leah King, Mickie Soroka, Nikki Cancel
Springfield Twp 3, Cheltenham 0
Put Kaleigh Evans and Alana Decker together on a soccer pitch and good things tend to happen.
The Spartans’ dynamic duo had a role in all three goals Monday.
“Kaleigh Evans and Alana Decker had another standout game,” Springfield coach Marissa Conover said. “Evans had complete control of the ball up top, putting many shots on goal.”
The Panthers stayed competitive throughout, especially combating the Spartans’ potent front line.
“The score didn’t turn out in our favor, but I thought we played well today. Springfield is a tough team that does a good job moving the ball and has good speed,” Cheltenham coach Leah Matusow said. “I thought we communicated well and did a good job defensively. Amaya Washington made some great saves, and we had some players step up as we were short-handed today.
“We need to work on capitalizing on opportunities and will continue to put in the work at practice this week.”
Evans scored twice, but only after she’d assisted Decker on the game’s opening tally. Decker returned the favor to Evans as the Spartans went up 2-0 at the half.
Shannon Silvius had the assist in the second half as Evans sealed the win with a brace.
“Overall great game by our girls – control, possession, great passes,” Conover said.
Cheltenham (2-4, 0-4 SOL) begins crossover play with a visit to Plymouth Whitemarsh on Wednesday. Springfield Twp (3-1, 3-1) hosts Upper Dublin on Wednesday.
SPRINGFIELD TWP 2 1 – 3
CHELTENHAM 0 0 – 0
Goals: ST – Kaleigh Evans 2, Alana Decker
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