Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Thursday.
SOL Continental
Pennridge 3, Central Bucks South 0
Lindsey DeHaven didn’t even open it up to debate.
Twice, the Pennridge junior simply picked up the ball, walked to the penalty spot and set it down during Thursday’s rain-soaked contest at Central Bucks South. Both times, DeHaven converted the penalty kick and combined with her early assist to Emily Kriney, she had her foot in all three goals.
“Lindsey sees the field really well and plays that target forward really well,” Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. “When both PKs were called, Lindsey just picked up the ball and walked it over, there was no question, it was just ‘I got it,’ and that confidence is great.”
Pennridge took a 2-0 lead early, Anderson estimated about 15 minutes in, which allowed the Rams to play in front the rest of the way. DeHaven connected with sophomore Emily Kriney in the first few minutes of play before putting away the first of her two PKs.
“She knows where (Emily) Kriney and Leah (Malone) are most of the game,” Anderson said. “The first couple of minutes, for her to put that cross in and Emily Kriney to finish it, that’s just where Kriney always is so they’re starting to figure out where each other runs and where to play the ball.”
The contest was played in a heavy rain that Anderson said let up only during halftime and resumed right as the second half whistle blew. Contesting the elements and a determined Titans side made the task doubly tough.
“We did a good job of putting our bodies behind the ball, I know that sounds silly but we were playing on their grass field, so it was a little sloppy on the hard ground and wet field,” Anderson said. “We made it a point to make sure bodies were behind the ball instead of just sticking a foot out. We were very defensive minded because we didn’t want anything to go behind us but I was happy we were able to play through those elements and understand how we were going to have to play.”
Even with a lead, the Rams never had a chance to relax on Thursday.
“South – they played hard and wanted to score,” Anderson said. “They didn’t give up after it was 2-0 and they didn’t give up after it was 3-0. Again, with such a young team, we need to learn how to play when it’s 2-0, when we’re losing 1-0, all those things, so I was happy with the second half.”
Anderson cited the play of junior defender Maddie Angelo and senior midfielder Chance Hendricks among a solid team effort.
Equally important for Pennridge was finding a way to win coming off an intense game Tuesday night at Central Bucks West that Anderson noted did take a lot out of the players.
“I love that about this team – we look at it as a game and it’s over with, celebrate the win and are back at it the next day,” Anderson said. “We were tired today. Yesterday we had a bit of a recovery day but you could tell that West game took a toll physically, so it was good to get this one out of the way and give ourselves a little bit of a break before we play again.”
Pennridge (5-0, 3-0 SOL) hosts Souderton on Tuesday in the first meeting between the neighboring rivals since the PIAA 4A title game last November. The Titans (2-3, 1-3) will visit Great Valley on Monday in a nonleague game.
PENNRIDGE 2 1 – 3
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Emily Kriney (Lindsey DeHaven), DeHaven 2
North Penn 1, Quakertown 0
It’s been a long week for the Knights, so what was a few more minutes waiting around for the weather to ease up?
Despite a heavy rain causing a temporary suspension of play, the Knights were able to get back in the win column after their third game in four days. Knights’ co-head coach Mike Rio felt his team built off a strong effort in Tuesday’s draw with Central Bucks East.
“Quakertown is a really well coached and disciplined team and are always difficult to break down,” Rio said. “The first 15 minutes were really back and forth before the rain delay and when we came back we really came out hot and jumped on them.”
Liv Urban continued her recent run of strong play for North Penn, scoring the match’s lone goal from long distance. Urban buried a shot from about 25 yards out just past the midway point of the first half.
“She’s been playing really well for us. Just really her all-around play,” Rio said. “She is a smart player and consistently makes the right choice and her technique allows her to be both a facilitator and target as we move the ball up field.”
A senior, Urban has been the definition of a utility player for the Knights so far, providing some goals, assists and anything else the coaches ask of her.
“Defensively she has a great work rate and has been focusing really hard on improving her positioning defensively,” Rio said. “But the last couple games with some other injuries we have had to shift her around the field because we know she can play consistently in a bunch of different areas.”
Thursday’s match was also a key milestone for junior keeper Anna Fiore, who recorded her first shutout of the season.
“Defensively we played a strong game with few mistakes and were able to keep a clean sheet for the first time this season,” Rio said. “Quakertown played a great game, and everything is always so tightly contested in this division that it feels good to walk out of there and into the weekend with a positive result.”
North Penn (3-3-1, 1-1-1 SOL) hosts Central Bucks West on Tuesday. Quakertown(3-2, 1-2) is at Upper Dublin on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
NORTH PENN 1 0 – 1
QUAKERTOWN 0 0 – 0
Goals: NP – Liv Urban
SOL National
Pennsbury 2, William Tennent 0
One is a senior, the other a freshman but the Falcons’ forward tandem of Evie Ciaccia and Taylor Mays is starting to put it together.
After Mays provided all the scoring Tuesday, Ciaccia took up the task in Thursday’s downpour. Pennsbury felt it left more goals on the field, but thanks to stellar goalkeeping from Erika Hansen, they had enough.
“It was definitely a messy game. Despite the conditions, the girls excelled at creating opportunities today,” Falcons co-head coach Kaitlyn Battiste said. “We didn’t finish on as many of them that we would’ve liked, but we continue to create dangerous opportunities in every game.”
Hansen made six saves on the soaked field, including one most keepers would be hard-pressed to make on a perfect day.
“Defensively, Erika was awesome in goal today. She was active today and continues to make the routine saves, but she saved a PK early in the second half that could’ve leveled the score,” Battiste said. “We know we have a leader and mentally strong player in Erika, but she continues to show her value to this team by doing whatever it takes to keep the ball out of the back of the net. She hasn’t let up a goal yet this season.”
The keeper has four shutouts in four appearances.
Pennsbury’s first goal came early before adding a second late in the match. Just 10 minutes in, Kendall Palantine and Ciaccia connected for the first strike, while the forward duo of Mays and Ciaccia linked up in the 79th minute to seal the win.
Mays played the role of creator well on Thursday, providing most of the Falcons’ best chances but it took some time to put the last piece together.
“Evie and Taylor are really working on understanding one another’s strengths. It’s special to have a senior and a freshman working together and making each other better,” Battiste said. “Finally, as Taylor drove in behind their defense, Evie made adjustments in her timing and positioning to finish the opportunity. The more the two of them continue to play together, the more dangerous they’ll become.”
William Tennent (1-3, 1-2 SOL) is slated to host Wissahickon on Friday afternoon. Pennsbury (4-1, 3-0) crosses the river to face New Jersey power Pennington on Saturday afternoon.
PENNSBURY 1 1 – 2
WILLIAM TENNENT 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Evie Ciaccia (Kendall Palantine), Ciaccia (Taylor Mays)
Council Rock North 0, Neshaminy 0 2OT
Neither team was able to find a goal, but it didn’t take any drama from Thursday’s battle.
“Tonight was a great competitive soccer game. Both teams may feel like they could’ve won, both teams probably could’ve lost,” CR North coach Gavin Flannigan said. “This was another step for us in the maturation process of this group. They are really coming together as a team and they understand the work and selflessness it takes at this level.”
It wasn’t the prettiest night in terms of weather, but neither side let it affect their efforts.
“Tough, hard-fought and rainy game at Trifecta Sporting Club, a great atmosphere,” Neshaminy coach Renny Papendick said. “CR North is a very well coached team and played a strong match.”
The first half was a back-and-forth as both teams had ebbs of stronger play.
“I thought we had the better of the play early and late in the first half. Neshaminy had us on our heels in the middle,” Flannigan said. “Grace Needham came up big on a save from Emily Tantala and we had three or four dangerous set pieces as well as some longer range shots we couldn’t finish.”
Neshaminy likewise had several players influencing the proceedings.
“Freshman Hanna Labadie in net was key and made some big saves and Jordyn Fregia was dynamic on defense,” Papendick said. “Carly Gross was creative in the midfield while Kristin Curley was all over the field and played every minute.
“Gina Sexton and Carly Fox has multiple chances up top, but couldn’t break through. Emily Tantala continues to lead on and off the field for us.”
Flannigan said the conditions and larger field stretched the game out more in the second half with neither team getting much in terms of chances to score.
“I thought we had stolen it late in the second OT but Neshaminy stood firm, ultimately, a tie was probably fair,” Flannigan said. “I’m glad we don’t have to play tomorrow though.”
Council Rock North (4-1-1, 2-1-1 SOL) faces PCL side Conwell-Egan on Tuesday. Neshaminy (4-2, 2-1-1) hosts William Tennent on Tuesday night.
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 0 0 0 – 0
NESHAMINY 0 0 0 0 – 0
Council Rock South at Bensalem (Ppd)
The Golden Hawks and Owls will meet on Saturday, Sept. 28 in a make-up game.
SOL American
Hatboro-Horsham 4, Springfield Twp 1
The Hatters stayed undefeated with another balanced offensive effort.
Maggie O’Neill scored for the third straight game, then assisted a goal from Ally Eutermoser to stake the Hatters to a 2-0 halftime lead.
In a second half downpour, Cam Hughes assisted a Kara Thomas goal before Caroline Shegogue made it 4-0 with 13 minutes to play. Springfield scored a late goal to break up the shutout effort.
The Spartans (0-5, 0-4 SOL) host Lower Moreland on Friday at 3:30. Hatboro-Horsham (5-0, 4-0) hosts Cheltenham on Tuesday.
HATBORO-HORSHAM 2 2 – 4
SPRINGFIELD TWP 0 0 – 0
Goals: HH – Maggie O’Neill, Ally Eutermoser (O’Neill), Kara Thomas (Cam Hughes), Caroline Shegogue
Wissahickon 5, Cheltenham 0
Carly Amato bagged a first half hat trick to pace the Trojans to second straight win.
Anna May and Emma Baker scored in the second half.
“Anna Schools and Margo Kasenchar played well at the back by limiting Cheltenham’s chances,” Wiss coach Chris McDaniels said. “The fullbacks, Elaina Bailey and Natalie Ryan, were able to play forward and join the attack throughout the game.
“Overall, our work rate was much better than Tuesday. Offensively, we were able to get in dangerous positions throughout the game.”
Cheltenham coach Mark Woodcock – despite the outcome – noted it was a much better effort by his squad.
Wissahickon (3-1SOL) will travel to William Tennent for a non-league game Friday, and Cheltenham (1-4, 0-4) will host Faith Christian Academy in a non-league game Friday.
WISSAHICKON 3 2 – 5
CHELTENHAM 0 0 – 0
Goals: W – Carly Amato 3, Anna May, Emma Baker
Upper Dublin 0, Upper Moreland 0
The Flying Cardinals and Golden Bears’ game was halted early in the second half due to field conditions with the two teams locked in a scoreless tie.
Plymouth Whitemarsh at Abington (Ppd)
The Colonials and Ghosts will now clash at 3:30 pm on Friday.
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