Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Monday. CB East/CB West photos provided courtesy of Tracy Valko. Neshaminy/CR North photos courtesy of John Gleeson, and Lower Moreland/Springfield Twp photos courtesy of Greg Zesinger. Check back for galleries of all three games. Wissahickon/Upper Dublin photos courtesy of Josh Stelzer/Wissahickon soccer, and Pennridge/Souderton photo courtesy of Althea Tomlinson/Pennridge soccer)
SOL Freedom
Upper Moreland 4, Willliam Tennent 3
A near-disaster of a start turned into a stirring comeback for the Golden Bears on Monday.
“We knew coming into this match up that we were going to be faced with some really strong competition. Bill (Hontz) does such a great job with his girls,” UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. “They play fundamentally sound and strong. We had quite a few mistakes in the first twelve minutes of the half that cost us three goals.”
In a blink, the Panthers had a 1-0 lead thanks to Jackie Sowers’ goal less than two minutes into the match. Theresa Ditri scored two minutes apart at 10:19 and 12:20 to make it 3-0 and had Upper Moreland back on its heels.
Tennent carried the advantage into the half, but UM came out a different team.
“At the half, we talked about what needed to be tweaked in our game plan, that being down three was going to be difficult, but it was possible,” Benvenuto said. “We believed that we could do it, as long as we started quickly. We had 40 minutes, and we had work to do. This team put it all out on the field today.”
The first 10 minutes of the second half belonged to Kyra Favors and Emma Frasca, who went on a rampage to level the deficit in short order.
“Kyra Favors and Emma Frasca were the spark for our squad. They have provided us with so many opportunities, and they were really able to turn it on for us. Emma found Kyra on a diagonal ball, Kyra was composed and placed the ball in the back of the net,” Benvenuto said. “Five minutes later, off a set piece corner, Annalise Messina put a ball back in play and Emma Frasca was able to get on the ball first, cutting the lead to one. Two minutes later, Frasca again found Favors with some combination play and Kyra finished solidly giving us the tie.”
UM had absorbed a first half blow and Tennent did the same, settling in and taking the game back at the Bears.
“We saw some outstanding play by our defensive backs, Kylie Gaul, Molly Meakim, Annalise Messina, and our goalie, Natalie Walton. Our defensive end really stepped up in the second half to minimize Tennent’s attack,” Benvenuto said. “We had some strong play by Abby Engart, Mallory Roedig, Katie Slear, Mikel Lancit in the midfield that continued to give some opportunities. Our central midfielders played a strong second half.”
The Bears would seize the go-ahead and eventual winning goal with a little more than seven minutes to play. A set piece delivery allowed Mallory Roedig to find Brooke Lobban, who buried the chance.
With the win, Upper Moreland handed William Tennent its first conference loss since the SOL realigned to four conferences. The Panthers were undefeated conference champions last fall and had won their first three SOL games this season.
“Today’s result was hard fought, and it took everyone to get the win,” Benvenuto said. “We are so proud of what our girls were able to accomplish today.”
William Tennent (4-1, 3-1 SOL) hosts Lower Moreland at 3:30 on Wednesday. Upper Moreland (4-0) hosts New Hope-Solebury at 3:30 on Wednesday.
UPPER MORELAND 0 4 – 4
WILLIAM TENNENT 3 0 – 3
Goals: UM – Kyra Favors 2, Emma Frasca, Brooke Lobban; WT – Jackie Sowers, Theresa Ditri 2
Lower Moreland 4, Springfield Twp 3 (OT)
The Lions and Spartans had a little bit of everything going on Monday, with LM withstanding a Springfield comeback to win in extra time.
“What a game,” LM coach Mike Gould said.
A back and forth first half saw the teams trade goals with LM opening things up when sophomore Morgan Pennisi hit home a cross from freshman Nikki Sahl. Pennisi scored on a free kick just before halftime, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead after Springfield’s Marlo Williams scored a gorgeous hit into the upper 90 off Alana Decker’s assist.
“We felt good at half and felt like we were creating a ton of chances and kept our shape really well,” Gould said. “Ton of credit to Springfield. Their two forwards were really dangerous and gave our back four a ton of issues but sophomore center back Amelia Brown has really grown into a leader, keeping us organized.”
Pennisi finished off her hat trick with another set piece goal to give the Lions a 3-1 lead, but they went into lull after that point.
“Must’ve been less than a minute before Springfield made it 3-2,” Gould said. “About 10 minutes left Springfield scored a free kick to make it 3-3. We responded really well and created two high quality chances that Springfield’s keeper, who was awesome all day, made great saves on.”
Spartans coach Dan Malora said Maddie McDevitt had the first goal on a high-arcing shot and Kalei Noonan hit the equalizer on a free kick just outside the box.
The game went into extra time but it didn’t take long for the Lions to respond and pick up the points.
“Freshman Payge Lennon served a corner that Nikki Sahl flicked onto the goal. Keeper made a great save and a big scrum in the box came from it that ended with sophomore left back Abbie Wasserstrom sliding through to score the game winner,” Gould said. “I was so proud of their effort in overtime with heavy legs and the way such a young team responded to losing a two-goal lead. This group has risen to the occasion, scoring 15 goals in our last four games after starting the season scoreless through two games.”
Gould felt the play of junior Demmi Fox was instrumental in Monday’s win and in general during the team’s recent surge offensively.
“Demmi didn’t have a goal and didn’t have an official assist but drew both of Morgan’s free kicks. Demmi was the most dominant player on the field and seemed to have some major involvement in the build of every goal,” Gould said. “Demmi is a natural forward who sees the field well and has dropped into a center attacking mid role to get on the ball more and give service to Sahl and Pennisi. Statistics don’t show how much she’s been a difference maker this season as Nikki and Morgan’s combined fine season wouldn’t have been possible without her.”
Lower Moreland (4-2, 3-1 SOL) will visit William Tennent at 3:30 on Wednesday. Springfield Twp (1-4, 1-3) hosts Cheltenham at 3:30 on Wednesday.
LOWER MORELAND 2 1 1 – 4
SPRINGFIELD TWP 1 2 0 – 3
Goals: LM – Morgan Pennisi 3, Abbie Wasserstrom; ST – Kalie Noonan, Maddie McDevitt, Marlo Williams
New Hope-Solebury 1, Cheltenham 0
New Hope-Solebury entered the week still looking for its first goal and first win of the season.
The Lions got the former and it led to the latter in a scrappy, competitive tilt with the Panthers.
“The match was definitely gritty, Cheltenham was tough and it was a good match for us,” Lions coach Derek Antonini said. “They had chances, we had chances.”
Cheltenham is still seeking its first win in SOL play, but coach Leah Matusow knows it’s not from lack of effort.
“It was a competitive game and we had our chances to score, but didn’t capitalize on them today,” Matusow said. “We are very close to connecting the dots and will continue to put in the work at practice.”
New Hope-Solebury had shown flashes but hadn’t put everything in place for a full 80 minutes prior to Monday.
“We finally put out a full effort offensively and defensively,” Antonini said. “We had a bunch of chances and Meeghan Griffith scored the goal, our first goal of the season. She’s a junior and it was actually her first varsity goal.”
Riley Marschall drove the end line and won her team a corner, Ava Marrone took the service and Griffith was there to stuff it home.
“It was a nice finish, she put it into the right frame.” Antonini said. “(Griffith) played a really good match, she was all over.”
Antonini also cited the play of goalkeeper Margaret Tresler, a first team SOL Freedom selection last year, who recorded her first clean sheet of the fall.
“She had a first team all-league showing,” Antonini said. “A couple nice saves, really held her posture and came up big.”
New Hope-Solebury (1-4, 1-3 SOL) will travel to Upper Moreland for a 3:30 game on Wednesday. Cheltenham (2-4, 0-4) heads to Springfield Twp for a 3:30 start Wednesday.
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0 1 – 1
CHELTENHAM 0 0 – 0
Goals: NHS – Meeghan Griffith
SOL Colonial
Central Bucks East 2, Central Bucks West 1
The first battle between the fierce rivals went to the Patriots, but it was a result that was very hard-earned.
“No doubt another great East-West game,” Patriots coach Jake Nesteruk said. “After a slow start that saw East fall behind 1-0 off a corner, we were able to bounce back with two goals in the first half to take the win.”
East has ripped off three wins in a row since falling at Pennridge to open SOL play. Keeping the streak going on Monday required significant contributions up and down the roster.
“West got the better of us for the first 20. They are incredibly disciplined and so well coached in how they play and press that it took us a while to get ourselves going,” Nesteruk said. “As competitive and heated as our games, it is nothing but respect for our programs. Once we were able to calm down, I thought we had a ton of success in the midfield and combining with our front line.”
Ashley Macomber stayed in form, notching her third goal in as many games thanks to a helper from Elliot Forney that tied the score. Senior Elise Duffy, the Patriots’ leader up top with five goals in five games this fall, tallied the match-winner off a Morgan Kelly assist.
“In the second half, I thought our midfield did a very good job of controlling the game in possession – from Morgan, Soph (Mignon), Issie (Reid), and Elliot,” Nesteruk said. “This was Elliot Forney’s best game so far this season and she was critical for us settling us down.”
Nesteruk also cited his senior keeper Skylar Gash and the entire back line for their efforts in the first half dealing with West’s “intense” forward tandem. The East coach also noted his midfield and wide players were integral to holding off the Bucks.
“Camryn (Williams) was awesome today out wide – probably doing more defending than she wants to but created a ton off of her flank in combining with Elise, Brooke (Roumy), and Issie. Chloe (Strawn), Gwyn (Krystkiewicz), and Ash were great in transition and gave us big minutes and helped to take care of this one in the second half,” the Patriots’ coach said.
CB East (4-1, 3-1 SOL) will visit North Penn on Wednesday at 7pm. CB West (3-2, 1-2) heads to Souderton for a 6:30 Wednesday start.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 2 0 – 2
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 1 0 – 1
Goals: CBE – Ashley Macomber, Elise Duffy
North Penn 1, Central Bucks South 0
The Knights’ defense picked up its second straight shutout and, thanks to one of their backs, made sure this one also came with three points in the table.
“We played another really solid game,” North Penn co-head coach Mike Rio said. “We created a lot of opportunities on offense and moved the ball nicely up the field. Had a lot of quality chances and couldn’t get the ball past their keeper for the majority of the game.”
North Penn’s back line was stout in Friday’s scoreless draw with Souderton, but to avoid extra time again, the defenders took matters onto their own feet Monday.
“In the second half after stepping up and intercepting a clearance, our left back Keira Sparango hit a beautiful shot from about 25 yards out that went in just under the crossbar,” Rio said. “It was really an excellent strike and I’ve been really happy with how both Keira and our other outside back Audrey MacNair have been getting involved offensively. They have both really been working on both sides of the ball.”
Senior keeper Anna Fiore picked up her third clean sheet of the fall and the entire defensive unit has been playing solid with 180 scoreless minutes in the last two games.
“They have been attacking the ball nicely, trying to limit time on the ball and quality looks at our goal. The communication and shape have been great and they’ve all been working really well together,” Rio said. “They are also often starting our attack from the back and not giving away free possessions but making sure the ball is moved with purpose up the field.”
The Titans (2-3, 1-3 SOL) will host Pennridge at 4pm Wednesday. North Penn (2-2-1, 2-1-1) hosts CB East on Wednesday at 7pm.
NORTH PENN 0 1 – 1
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0 0 – 0
Goals: NP – Keira Sparango
Pennridge 6, Souderton 0
A strong first half by the home Rams made sure the latest chapter of the rivalry wouldn’t come down to any late heroics.
After an even first 24 minutes, Tori Angelo opened the scoring. Liv Grenda, Joey Tomlinson and Leah Malone all tallied in the next 16 minutes as the Rams took a 4-0 lead to the break.
“The team was well organized through the first 35 minutes and looked ready to go into halftime with a 1-0 deficit. A series of mistakes led to a score of 4-0,” Souderton coach Ian Smith said. “Our team is working through a number of early season injuries and quarantine challenges, which has opened the door for a lot of underclassmen to get the opportunity to gain more varsity experience.”
Malone capped her brace in the second half with Lindsey Balmer adding the final margin later in the frame.
Souderton (1-4-1, 0-3-1 SOL) hosts CB West in a 6:30 start Wednesday. Pennridge (5-0, 3-0) visits CB South at 4pm Wednesday.
PENNRIDGE 4 2 – 6
SOUDERTON 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Leah Malone 2, Liv Grenda, Tori Angelo, Joey Tomlinson, Lindsey Balmer
SOL Patriot
Neshaminy 1, Council Rock North 0 (2 OT)
The Redskins have shown they can score goals this season and on Monday, they showed they can grind out a win as well.
A resilient and organized Indians side battled unbeaten Neshaminy into a second overtime, but the Redskins were able to scrape out a late winner in another battle between the conference rivals.
“It’s another tough, gritty Suburban One battle,” Neshaminy coach Renny Papendick said. “We know them very well, it’s a local rival, they’re very-well coached and they came out and had a scheme for us.”
The Indians have been in a couple close scraps already this season but were a bit short of picking up a result against the conference leaders in the first of their two scheduled meetings.
“A really competitive HS game today. We knew we had to be at our best against a strong Neshaminy side who have started the season well,” CR North coach Gavin Flannigan said. “The girls brought a tremendous effort and we had a few chances to win it, including hitting the crossbar late in regulation.”
Papendick credited the Indians’ defense for staying organized and limiting the opportunities his team was able to generate. Neshaminy has thrived on set piece and corner kick goals this fall, but CR North was able to keep the Redskins from converting any.
Both sides had spells of possession and opportunities to score, but couldn’t put any away.
“I thought Danielle Eden was extremely good in goal today, she was commanding and dealt with a number of set pieces, crosses and shots with confidence,” Flannigan said. “Jayne Bogle was a real threat on the outside for us while Ella Needham and Marlena Ries were excellent in the middle once again.”
Neshaminy was able to hold its ground in the second half and first overtime, then got the wind in the second extra time.
“Mercedes Paino, who played tremendous for us in center mid, picked up the ball for a quick throw and played it to Kylie Maxwell, who made a nice run to the endline, cut across and put in a nice a ball that Avery Papendick put in for the game-winner,” coach Papendick said.
Neshaminy still feels it has yet to play its best game and the Redskins didn’t think they were clinical enough in front of goal, but at the end of the day, they came away with three points.
“A win is a win, especially in the tough division we’re in,” Papendick said.
Hannah Labadie recorded her third consecutive shutout and the Neshaminy defense has allowed just one goal all season.
“She’s very consistent and did a great job for us,” Papendick said. “Our midfield players – Giselle Rowan, Paige Borkowski, Shaylee Nelson – battled all game, Avery Papendick had the game winner, so we’re not a one-player team. It’s a true team effort.”
Flannigan is hopeful North’s tough opening slate, which included a one-goal loss to sister school CR South and a 1-0 win over Class 3A state power Villa Joseph Mare, will help his side out in the long run.
“We have a few games under our belt now and I think our younger and inexperienced varsity players are really seeing the competitive level we have to be at each game,” Flannigan said.
Council Rock North (2-3, 1-2 SOL) hosts Pennsbury at 3:30 on Wednesday. Neshaminy (4-0) visits Bensalem at 3:30 on Wednesday.
NESHAMINY 0 0 0 1 – 1
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 0 0 0 – 0
Goals: N – Avery Papendick
Pennsbury 9, Harry S Truman 0
A Taylor Mays hat trick powered the Falcons past the Tigers on Monday.
The junior forward was joined in the scoring column by Ashley Rosati, Sarah Tuohy, Jillian Haley, Emily Rittenhouse, Sam Welsh, and Dylan Stein. Pennsbury was also in a helping mood with Kayla Karamis and Brynn Kozlowski each notching a pair of assists and Tuohy, Haley, and Jade Gallagher also assisting once each.
Truman (0-5, 0-4 SOL) will travel to Council Rock South at 3:30 on Wednesday. Pennsbury (3-2-1, 2-1-1) plays CR North a visit at 3:30 on Wednesday.
PENNSBURY 3 6 – 9
HARRY S TRUMAN 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Taylor Mays 3, Ashley Rosati, Sarah Tuohy, Jillian Haley, Emily Rittenhouse, Sam Welsh, and Dylan Stein
Council Rock South @ Bensalem – ppd
CR South hosts Harry S Truman at 3:30 on Wednesday. Bensalem will host Neshaminy for a 3:30 start Wednesday.
SOL Liberty
Hatboro-Horsham 1, Quakertown 1
After falling behind for the second time in as many games, the Hatters were able to dig down and pick up a point on the road Monday night.
“After losing a tough match on Friday, the Lady Hatters bounced back in the best way possible. We were connecting passes, talking and being there for one another – everything that we weren’t doing on Friday,” Hatters’ coach Kelsey Daley said. ” After going down 1-0 four minutes into the game off of a long, high shot, we didn’t put our heads down but responded and fought back.”
Callie Abel hit a deep strike to give the host Panthers an early advantage. Emma Levin, who has been a catalyst for the Hatters all fall, helped get her team back in the game with a second half goal.
“Bridget McFadden hit a free kick into the box and Emma Levin went up and headed it into the net,” Daley said. “Both teams battled very hard and both had good opportunities in OT. We were able to come out with a tie and gain a point in the league. I give credit to the entire defense today. They played very strong for us tonight.”
While the visitors would level the score after halftime, Quakertown also battled hard all match to get a point out of the contest.
“Maddie LaBonge, Mackenna Calabria and Kyla Frederick all played very well,” Quakertown coach Mike Koch said. “Carol Sipprell hit the crossbar for us in OT.”
Quakertown (1-1-2, 1-0-2 SOL) will be on the road Wednesday at Abington for a 7pm start. The Hatters (2-1-1) host Upper Dublin for a 7:30 start Wednesday.
QUAKERTOWN 1 0 0 0 – 1
HATBORO-HORSHAM 0 1 0 0 – 1
Goals: Q – Callie Abel; HH – Emma Levin
Upper Dublin 1, Wissahickon 1 (2 OT)
The next-door rivals each scored once and settled for a draw under the lights on Monday.
Upper Dublin, which played its third overtime game of the season, was able to strike first.
“Another grind-it out game for the Cards,” said UD coach Chuck Gesing, whose team took a 1-0 lead on a goal in the 37th minute by Alex Devers. “Cards had plenty of opportunities but couldn’t put the second one away.”
The host Trojans would level the score midway through the second half when Margaret Wilde set up Kylie Friedman for the equalizer.
“It was a great game,” Wiss coach Chris McDaniels said. “Our goalkeeper, Olivia Lore, came up big with three phenomenal saves. The game was very even, with them having a bit more action in the first and we had the better play in the second half.”
Wissahickon (1-2-1, 1-1-1 SOL) heads to PW for a 7pm start Wednesday. UD (1-1-3, 1-1-2) will be on the road at Hatboro-Horsham for a 7:30 start on Wednesday.
UPPER DUBLIN 1 0 0 0 – 1
WISSAHICKON 0 1 0 0 – 1
Goals: UD – Alex Devers; W – Kylie Friedman.
Abington 4, Plymouth Whitemarsh 0
The Ghosts kept their offense clicking against the Colonials.
“Lily Gray got the Ghosts on the board early and Abington never looked back,” Abington coach Rick Tompkins said.
Harper McGinley, Maura Day and Taylor Reilly added the other tallies for the Ghosts, who have won two of their last three and have nine goals in that span.
“Piper McGinley had three assists,” Tompkins added.
Abington (3-2, 3-1 SOL) hosts Quakertown on Wednesday night at 7pm. PW (0-4) welcomes Wissahickon for a 7pm start on Wednesday.
ABINGTON – 4
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH – 0
Goals: A – Lilly Gray, Harper McGinley, Maura Day, Taylor Reilly
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