Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Wednesday. CB West/CR North photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for a gallery of photos: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/f693471423
SOL Patriot/Colonial crossover games
Bensalem 2, Souderton 1
The Owls continued their season of comebacks by rallying for another win Wednesday.
As Bensalem coach Bob Crawford told it, it was anything but easy against a Souderton team that's giving all it has to find a win.
"It was a fast-paced game, (Souderton) definitely came out with a sense of urgency and they caught us a little bit off guard," Crawford said. "It's kind of a trend - once we settled down, they get their heads about them. We're still trying to reassure them it's not won or lost in the first half or first 15 minutes just because the other team scores."
Souderton coach Ian Smith has been looking for his team to grow in its spells of high-level play. Wednesday, he felt the effort was there, but a win again slipped from their grasp.
"Felt like one got away from us today. For the majority of the game, we looked like the better team and dominated the ball," Smith said. "Early in the first half we were first to every ball and were able to keep some strong possession."
That intensity led to a free kick around midfield that would set up the game's opening goal.
"Avery Carroll hit a great ball cross field that dropped just behind their back line," Smith said. "Lily Heron was able to get in behind the back line with a great run and then rounded the goalkeeper with her first touch for a cool finish to put us up 1-0."
Bensalem got back into the game with its passing. Crawford said that's one of the team's most improved areas this fall and while it's not been consistent for a full game yet, the Owls are able to move and share the ball.
"We always say to play the right way and play the way you face," Crawford said. "It's more fun when the whole team is involved and it's not one or two players."
Mary Beck dropped a long ball in between Souderton's defenders, allowing Caitlin Groves to slice in and hit the equalizer.
"Caitlin's been having a really good season," Crawford said. "She's been using her speed and athleticism to break the back line and run in on the goalie. She probably could have had two more today."
Smith felt his team was unfortunate to not get a penalty kick awarded on a challenge in the box before halftime, but the Indians were able to keep it locked 1-1 at the break.
Shortly after the half, Bensalem got a free kick in a good spot for their increasingly potent combo of Vanessa Shay and Devon Bell to link up again.
"It was probably about 25 out on our sideline, Vanessa played it across and Devon again just put it in," Crawford said. "She's just been a beast, she's got at least three goals on that type of play this season. She was the student-athlete of the week at Bensalem this week."
Also putting in a standout performance was Haley Esposito. Crawford said the goalkeeper has been really good all year thanks to her keen sense of the game and by being dynamic in and out of the goal.
"She's controlling her box, knowing when to be on her line and when to come off her line," Crawford said. "They started shooting at her from everywhere and if they broke our back line, she was there. She's an all-around goalie, she's not going to sit back and let them shoot on her, she can come out and get the ball."
Souderton (0-5,0-5 SOL) will visit Mount Saint Joseph Academy on Saturday morning. Bensalem (4-2, 4-2) visits CB East next Tuesday
BENSALEM 1 1 - 2
SOUDERTON 1 0 - 1
GOALS: B - Caitlin Groves, Devon Bell
Central Bucks West 1, Council Rock North 0 (OT)
Reegan Moran’s overtime goal decided the outcome, but it was the Bucks' defensive effort that was the winning factor.
"(I’m) really impressed with our disciplined and organized shape in the back. North did a great job of switching the point of attack and possessing the ball," Bucks coach Bree Benedict said. "We were great in our shifting and defensive communication and shut down some of their dangerous attacking opportunities."
Playing on the road against an Indians side coming off a solid Senior Night win on Monday, CB West had its hands full. Given they were a little shorthanded as well, the Bucks needed some standout efforts.
"Emery Sterling had the game of her life. Down two players she stepped up huge for the team," Benedict said. "She had multiple runs on the ball, winning her 1v1s and getting shots off."
From the front line to the back, there were no shortages of West players putting in max effort.
"Kira Winn and Ava Brunner were special today, they were tough, and they didn’t let anything past them. It was a tough day as we defended for long stretches, but they rose to the challenge," Benedict said. "Alexis Castro had a masterclass performance in midfield."
In her playing days, Benedict was a goalkeeper, so the Bucks coach has an appreciation for anyone who wears the gloves on the field. Even if that person does keep one of her players from scoring.
"Credit to the North keeper who made a fantastic save to hold off an Emery Sterling shot," Benedict
said.
Of course, the CB West coach had plenty of plaudits for her own keeper in the shutout, extra time effort.
"Cam Nocito was tremendous on corner kicks, she came out brave on all of them and punched them to safety for us to clear," Benedict said.
After 80 minutes of battling, the Bucks felt confident going into overtime. They're also not against scoring scrappy goals, and thanks to a rebound leading to a re-service, they got one.
"Once we got to overtime, we knew we just needed one chance," Benedict said. "Kira (Winn) played Anna McGrath wide, Anna with a high IQ play found Reegan Moran wide open in the middle.
"She took one touch, the goalie rushed her, but she got the shot off and it rolled in."
CR North (4-1, 3-1 SOL) visits Council Rock South on Thursday in a make-up date. West (5-1, 5-1) hosts Council Rock South at 7 on Tuesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0 0 1 - 1
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 0 0 - 0
Goals: CBW - Reegan Moran
Central Bucks East 2, Council Rock South 0
The Patriots deposited a goal on each side of halftime to pick up a quality road win Wednesday.
"I am proud of our girls' effort today," East coach Jake Nesteruk said. "I thought we played a good game on the road, and worked really hard to move the ball, create a handful of goal scoring opportunities, and keep the clean sheet.
"Credit to CR South for making us earn this game."
Senior co-captain Sofia Mignon netted a crucial first half goal for the Patriots, the center mid again connecting with fullback Grace Craig on a set play.
"It started with a free kick taken from Grace Craig to the right side of the eighteen," Nesteruk said. "Grace just played a very dangerous ball in, and Sof Mignon saw it through and just tucked it away."
While East had a lead at halftime, it was not an advantage that came easily. After the break, it started to feel a bit tenuous as well.
"We had good streaks of possession in the first half, but their backline defended us well," Nesteruk said. "Then in the second half, I thought their kids came out with a spark that forced us to adjust a bit and on the opposite end, CR South's keeper was excellent and kept this game tight."
With about 14 minutes left in the game, East was able to break the Golden Hawks' pressure to get an insurance goal. Kiera Sleicher, one of the Patriots' talented freshmen in the attacking third, was in the right spot for a clutch finish.
"Madelyn Hill drove down the right flank and was able to take the end line. She served a great ball back across the six and Kiera finished it clinically," Nesteruk said. "Kiera has been such a spark for us."
The crossover slate of games adds a different challenge in the middle of a long SOL season. While it's still in the early part of the season, it's getting to the point where teams start to play to their identity and on Wednesday, that was a unified front from CB East.
"We got a total team game, which is great to see at this point in the season," Nesteruk said. "I thought Katie Bullard had a great day. Syd Ralph and Savannah Hayes gave us big minutes when the pressure was on, and I thought Julia Santanello, Stella Genin, and Madelyn Hill played some of their best soccer today."
South (3-2, 3-2 SOL) hosts Council Rock North on Thursday, making up a postponed game. CB East (4-2-1, 2-2-1) hosts Bensalem next Tuesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 1 1 - 2
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 0 0 - 0
Goals: CBE - Sofia Mignon, Kiera Sleicher
North Penn 2, Pennsbury 1
The Knights and Falcons are both squads on the younger side this year, their records reflecting their lack of experience but not the way they're playing.
Wednesday, North Penn took Pennsbury's best shot early, then rallied to collect its second win of the season in a match that came down to the last few minutes.
"We definitely have less varsity experience than most of the teams we played, but I love how our girls constantly fought in those games regardless of the score and I think it helped us today when we went down 1-0 to come back," Knights coach Mike Rio said. "The more reps we continue to get together, we all feel like the play on the field will continue to improve and be more cohesive as well."
Rio extended plenty of credit to the Falcons as well, not only for grabbing the first goal, but continuing to pressure his team even after going behind.
"We knew we wanted to come out a little faster this game and I was actually really happy with how we started the game," Rio said. "When Pennsbury scored it was against the run of play, but you have to give them credit because they defended well and then made use of their opportunity."
While North Penn may have a lot of inexperience, the Knights do have Maddy Murphy. The junior is a third-year varsity player and someone the North Penn coaches look to as a leader on the field.
Murphy proved why by netting both goals in the come-from-behind win, showing poise and tenacity to do so.
"We finally had a breakthrough when Paula Fernandez made a run down the left side and was able to pass it to Maddy Murphy, who was able to finish," Rio said. "Maddy had hit the post in the first two minutes, so I’m sure it felt good to get it in the back of the net."
Murphy was on the finishing end again a bit later, again benefitting from some good buildup play through her teammates.
"Our second goal started with some nice control and technique from Paige Gladfelter in the midfield," Rio said. "She was able to lay the ball off to Keira Sparango, who then found Maddy Murphy on a great through ball and she showed great composure to put it by the keeper."
The fact that both goals started from a ball played by a freshman did not escape the Knights' coach.
"Three freshmen today, Paula, Paige and Jadyn Sperling, really were able to step up and impact the game," Rio said. "We’ve tried to challenge the girls to step up and make a mark when they are on the field and we’ve noticed a lot of girls starting to respond and step up."
Pennsbury did continue to pour pressure on, but the North Penn back line was able to hold together and protect its one-goal lead.
The Knights' record doesn't have as many wins as they'd like, but they know with the caliber of competition they've seen so far, they're getting stronger with each passing match.
"We had some really nice ball movement around the field and we worked hard to win as many 50-50 balls as we could," Rio said. "I also thought Katie Harkins had a good game in the center mid instead of the wing, she was able to really help in both defensive and attacking situations."
Pennsbury (1-6, 1-4 SOL) will host Pennridge next Tuesday. North Penn (2-4, 2-3) travels to Neshaminy on Tuesday.
NORTH PENN - 2
PENNSBURY - 1
Goals: NP - Maddy Murphy 2
Central Bucks South 2, Neshaminy 1
The Titans rebounded from a rough loss Monday with determined effort at home.
While Neshaminy made it interesting late, CB South's effort was enough to see the hosts through to the end and snap a two-game losing skid. Titans coach Gabbie Nolan chalked it up to a matter of effort from her players.
"They played hard, gave it their best effort and worked through a few changes," Nolan said. "Olivia Daniele stepped up for us today with her work ethic and constant pressure. Megan Schmidt and Alana Peev played really good defensively in the center for us."
Senior co-captain Brooke Hall had a strong influence on the game, assisting the first goal and scoring what held up as the game-winner.
"The first goal was a ball down the sideline from Brooke Hall to Delaney Rowe," Nolan said. "Delaney took a few touches and shot from the end line near post."
Hall made it 2-0 with about 10 minutes left, running under a ball that Peev hit in from about 40 yards out and poking it home through a mass of bodies in front of goal.
"Our captains have been great for us this year," Nolan said. "Lots of leadership on the field which is super helpful."
Neshaminy did grab a goal back with five minutes to play, but the South defense held its ground through to the final whistle. Peev was a key part of that, the defender having a really nice start to her season despite playing a new role.
"She’s been playing really hard for us this season," Nolan said. "It's her first year in center back and she’s been awesome."
Neshaminy (3-2, 3-2 SOL) will host North Penn on Tuesday. CB South (3-2, 3-2) hosts CR North at 7 pm next Tuesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0 2 - 2
NESHAMINY 0 1 - 1
Goals; CBS - Delaney Rowe, Brooke Hall
Pennridge 10, Harry S Truman 0
The Rams had nine different scorers - Liv Grenda, Riley Williams, Anna Croyle, Gabriella Howley, Bryn Constanzer, Addy Mills, Kaylie Thran, Peyton Rabinowitz and Molly Fannion - on Wednesday. Thran netted two goals.
Adding assists were Maddie Posey with two, Caitlyn Peace, Williams, Sam Rosenberg, Jessie Moylan and goalkeeper Seretha DeMoss.
Pennridge (6-0-1, 5-0-1 SOL) travels to Pennsbury next Tuesday. Truman (0-6, 0-6) hosts Souderton on Tuesday.
PENNRIDGE 9 1 - 10
HARRY S TRUMAN 0 0 – 0
SOL Liberty/Freedom crossover games
Lower Moreland 3, Quakertown 1
It was the effort and result the Lions had been waiting for.
"The girls played a really aggressive game today and it paid off," Lower Moreland coach Todd Hill said.
Morgan Pennisi had a role in all three goals, scoring two of them and assisting on the third by Amelia Brown. Kenna Rozanski also added an assist for LM.
"In addition to some really strong play up front, our back line had a really gutsy performance against a lot of speed up front for Quakertown," Hill said. "Our back line of Abbie Wasserstrom, Amelia Brown, Payge Lennon, and Agnes Kroll not only played a really physical game, but also played really smart, starting our counter attack all throughout the game."
Lower Moreland had an up-and-down start with a couple of one-goal losses, but the Lions kept working with the belief a performance like Wednesday's was on the horizon.
"Our team is really starting to come together and believe in each other and it showed on the pitch today," Hill said.
Lower Moreland (3-3, 2-3 SOL) hosts Hatboro-Horsham next Tuesday. Quakertown (1-3-1, 1-3-1) hosts Springfield Twp on Tuesday.
LOWER MORELAND - 3
QUAKERTOWN - 1
Goals: LM - Morgan Pennisi 2, Amelia Brown
Plymouth Whitemarsh 5, Cheltenham 0
The Colonials' budding sophomore duo was in top form on Wednesday.
Midfielder Maddie McGuckien and forward Kiera Whelan combined for three goals and three assists against the Panthers. Whelan assisted McGuckien on the opening goal.
"Senior Devyn Cohen continues to provide strong minutes off the bench and her play was rewarded today with a first half goal," PW coach TJ DeLucia said.
Junior Liv Reilly got her first goal of the season in the second half.
"Senior Goalkeepers Caitlyn Dinh & Chloe Markus combined for the shutout," DeLucia said.
PW (3-1-1, 3-1-1 SOL) hosts Calvary Christian Academy in a nonleague game on Thursday. Cheltenham (2-5, 0-5) hosts Abington next Tuesday.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 3 2 - 5
CHELTENHAM 0 0 - 0
Goals; PW - Maddie McGuckien 2, Kiera Whelan, Liv Reilly, Devyn Cohen
Abington 3, Upper Moreland 1
The Ghosts kept their winning run going, but it was much closer than a two-goal margin would indicate.
"It was not our best game," Abington coach Rick Tompkins said. "We're a work in progress, we're getting better."
Upper Moreland's efforts certainly had something to do with that, the Golden Bears defense giving Abington some trouble in the first half.
"Abington is an athletic team and we knew coming into the crossover series what we would be facing. We were able to slow down their attack and play pretty evenly," UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. "Although the score may show differently, we played a strong game but weren’t able to generate our offense the way we needed to."
The Ghosts are also dealing with a number of early-season injuries. With Piper McGinley, Nya Riggs, Hannah Gilchrist and Marissa Hellyer all sidelined on Wednesday, Abington got a spark off the bench from junior Braelyn Harrington on the opening goal.
"We needed somebody to step up," Tompkins said. "Harper (McGinley) took a pretty good shot and Braelyn was in the right spot and buried it. That got us going, so she deserves some kudos. It's her second goal of the year coming off the bench so she's doing some good things."
Abington senior Kara Slavin helped open things up, scoring the first of her two goals a few minutes before halftime. The midfielder, who will play at Penn State Harrisburg, added the insurance goal with seven minutes to play.
"She kind of took it on herself to beat the trap by dribbling through it," Tompkins said. "I was pleased to see that. They caught us offside half a dozen times in the first half, I don't think we really understood it but at halftime we adjusted."
Despite trailing 2-0 at the break, the Bears felt strongly about their play. The defensive unit as a whole put together a quality effort.
"Gracie Costello was strong in goal, and our defensive line of Molly Meakim, Annalise Messina, And Lizzie Walker were strong on the Abington forward line," Benvenuto said.
UM got a spark five minutes into the second half when Willow Taylor linked up with Brooke Lobban to cut the lead to 2-1. Tompkins was complimentary of Taylor's play, saying the UM senior caused some problems for his defenders.
"Kyra Favors was a workhorse in the middle finding our flanks and attack and winning 50/50 balls. We also had valuable minutes from Keiley Hawk, and Johna Pryzchowicz in the midfield," Benvenuto said. "Willow Taylor, Brooke Lobban and Madeline Cox played a solid game, connecting with each other and moving the ball into Abington’s defensive third."
After Upper Moreland cut into the lead, Abington's defense was able to close things down for the rest of the second half before Slavin opened up some breathing room.
"Peyton Farabaugh had a monster game as did Madison Oldham," Tompkins said.
Abington (5-2, 5-1 SOL) visits Cheltenham next Tuesday. UM (4-2, 3-2) visits Springfield Twp on Monday to make up a postponed game.
ABINGTON 2 1 - 3
UPPER MORELAND 0 1 - 1
Goals: A - Kara Slavin 2, Braelyn Harrington; UM - Brooke Lobban
Upper Dublin 2, Springfield Twp 2 (2 OT)
Upper Dublin rallied twice to take a point, but the Cardinals and Spartans both felt they had chances for more on Wednesday.
"We didn't look great in the first half, we played into what they wanted us to do by playing into the center of the field and into pressure," UD coach John Topper said. "After halftime, we were able to spread them out a little bit and got better going to goal."
Springfield struck first. A Kalei Noonan free kick forced a save and rebound, allowing Shannon Silvius to poach home the tally.
UD trailed 1-0 at the break, but was able to level the score shortly after play resumed.
"Abby O'Meara hit a beautiful set piece, just kissed it off the near post and into the back of the net," Topper said.
The Spartans regained the lead on a blast from Kalei Noonan well outside the 18-yard box.
"Huge kick from Kalei Noonan," Spartans coach Marissa Conover said. "MVP today absolutely goes to Noonan for controlling our middle."
Freshman Bridget DiMartile had another answer for Upper Dublin, scoring to ensure the Cardinals would at least get a point in the standings.
"Bridget was dangerous all game, putting them back on their heels," Topper said. "She really deserved that goal."
Topper also highlighted the play of Jane Hillman, who deposited some quality services into the box.
"Peyton Ward also stood out, she was playing in a position that was a little bit unfamiliar to her," Topper said. "She really did a good job of settling the game down and controlling the tempo. In the last second of the game, she put a shot on frame the keeper made a great save on."
Like Upper Dublin, Springfield Twp felt it had chances to take the full three points.
"We missed a PK which was a missed opportunity, honestly could have resulted in the win," Conover said. "We held possession for most of the first half, UD answering with a lot of possession in the second
"Both teams fought so hard."
Springfield Twp (3-1-1, 3-1-1 SOL) visits Penncrest on Thursday and hosts Upper Moreland in a make-up game on Monday. Upper Dublin (1-2-2, 1-2-2) will host Plymouth Whitemarsh on Monday.
UPPER DUBLIN 0 2 0 0 - 2
SPRINGFIELD TWP 1 1 0 0 - 2
Goals; UD - Abby O'Meara, Bridget DiMartile; ST - Shannon Silvius, Kalei Noonan
William Tennent 5, Wissahickon 1
Tennent's shutout streak may have ended, but the Panthers' winning ways continued.
The Trojans became the first team to slip a goal past Tennent's defense, but thanks to a strong outing by the underclassmen up top, it didn't factor into the finish. Going into a slate of six straight games against other Class 4A programs, the Panthers were eager for the tests.
"We couldn't have asked for a better start to our crossover division play," Panthers coach Elise Jara said. "Our freshmen really shined in this game."
Those freshmen accounted for four of Tennent's five goals. Lia Jablonowski and Bailey Kasner each netted a brace, while Sami Roby added an assist.
Junior Ava Higgins, from an assist by senior Maddie Hughes, locked up the win with a second half goal.
"As it has been all season, the back line was rock solid," Jara said. 'Strong games by senior Jess Villada and Madelon Senior on the back line."
William Tennent, now 7-0-0, occupied the top spot in the District 1 4A rankings Wednesday, just ahead of undefeated Garnet Valley. There's a lot of season left,however, and the Panthers are well aware of it.
"Next week will be a good test for us as we have three crossover games," Jara said. "The team has really started to come together as one unit, and they keep improving with each game played."
Wissahickon hosts Upper Moreland on Tuesday. Tennent visits Upper Dublin on Tuesday.
WILLIAM TENNENT - 5
WISSAHICKON - 1
Goals: WT - Lia Jablonowski 2, Bailey Kasner 2, Ava Higgins
Hatboro-Horsham 7, New Hope-Solebury 0
Emma Levin has faced constant defensive attention this fall and with good reason.
The Hatters senior, a Towson recruit, reminded everyone why on Wednesday, scoring a hat trick as Hatboro-Horsham opened crossover play with a resounding win. Levin, who frequently gets man-marked, also added an assist in a standout performance.
Lily Harvey, Logan Stroup, Ryleigh White and Sarah Boland also scored for the Hatters. Hatboro-Horsham was also locked in as a team, assisting on five of the seven goals. On top of Levin's, Dakota Slye and Leah Boland added assists while Madeline Klenk and Sara Roesing added assists on two of Levin's three goals.
Note: The Hatters' game with Quakertown on Sept. 8 has been ruled final with Hatboro-Horsham winning 2-0, per the District 1 website. Emma Levin had a goal and assist while Lily Harvey scored before play was suspended with 22 minutes remaining.
Hatboro-Horsham (4-3, 4-1 SOL) visits Lower Moreland next Tuesday. New Hope-Solebury (1-5, 1-5) hosts Plymouth Whitemarsh on Tuesday.
HATBORO-HORSHAM - 7
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY - 0
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