Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Thursday. Pennridge/CR North photos courtesy of John Gleeson CB East/Pennsbury photos courtesy of Tracy Valko, Abington/Lower Moreland photos courtesy of Troy Leatherbury, and Wissahickon/New Hope-Solebury photos courtesy of Karla Donohoe. Check back for galleries of all four games in the Photo Gallery. Hatboro-Horsham/Tennent photos courtesy of Diane Waeltz/HH soccer. All SOS photo galleries for GIRLS’ SOCCER can be viewed by clicking HERE.
SOL Freedom/Liberty crossover
Lower Moreland 3, Abington 2
Crossover play had been a struggle for the Lions.
After starting the season unbeaten with a string of 2-0 wins, a string of injuries and illness depleted the Lower Moreland lineup at the wrong time. The Lions battled but couldn’t quite find a way past their SOL Liberty foes.
With their lineup a little closer to full strength, Lower Moreland pulled off a dramatic comeback to change that on Thursday.
“I ended (Wednesday)’s practice by telling the girls two things about today’s game,” LM coach Todd Hill said. “First was that Abington will be a really tough team. Second was that I believe that our girls will be in the game and have an opportunity to win.”
And after falling behind 2-0 at halftime, rallying in the second half and finally winning in the second overtime?
“Both proved to be true,” Hill said. “Abington is a really good team. They come at you in waves. Our girls simply committed to do the really hard work of absorbing each wave while doing the often unexciting job of marking a girl and then supporting each other over and over. The defense did an outstanding job of this.”
Abington came into the game having outscored foes from the SOL Freedom 20-0 in three games to start the crossover. Maura Day and Harper McGinley, who punched in a rebound of a Maddie Egan shot off the post, both scored in the first half to put the Ghosts up 2-0.
That was all the Lions would give up on the day thanks to a gutsy defensive effort.
“All of our defenders did this all day long – but a shoutout to Sophia O’Brien who had multiple heroic moments to stop a goal,” Hill said. “Another shoutout to (goalkeeper) Sandra Malave, who has been limping on a sprained ankle for the past few games and did whatever was necessary to get her body in front of the ball today for the win.”
At the break, the Lions gathered and just talked it out.
“The focus of our talk at halftime was to keep our defensive marks all the way through the play,” Hill said. “Abington was crashing the net and they were beating us to second and third opportunities off of rebounds or misplays.”
Offensively, Lower Moreland was looking for chances to counter through Kenna Rozanski and Payton Lennon in the midfield but weren’t making the most of their opportunities.
“We talked about being more decisive with the ball while slowing the play down and not rushing,” Hill said. “Then I asked the girls if they believed that they could come back and win – they answered my question over the next 55 minutes of play.”
A name that had been absent from the lineup in recent games more than made up for the lost time in the second half and overtime. Morgan Pennisi had been doing all she could for the Lions but getting Demmi Fox back changed everything
“It was a connection that has been missing for the past couple games due to sickness that sparked the necessary offense. Demmi Fox and Morgan Pennisi connected three different times for their own respective hat tricks – Demmi, a hat trick of assists and Morgan a hat trick of goals,” Hill said. “Demmi kept finding Morgan who simply found the back of the net again and again and again.”
After the two combined for a pair of second-half goals to force overtime, they would link up one more time in the second extra session to turn the tables on Lower Moreland’s losing streak.
“The goal came out of a counterattack. Demmi carried the ball through the middle of the field before finding a gap and slipping the ball through two defenders and placing it on Morgan’s foot,” Hill said. “Morgan is so quick that she was able to carry the ball and create some space from the defender before shooting a rocket from the right side that hit off the crossbar and into the net.”
Lower Moreland (5-4, 5-3 SOL) visits Wissahickon at 3:30 on Sept 28. Abington (8-3, 7-2) hosts Springfield Twp at 5:30 on Sept. 28.
LOWER MORELAND 0 2 0 1 – 3
ABINGTON 2 0 0 0 – 2
Goals: LM – Morgan Pennisi 3; A – Maura Day, Harper McGinley
Wissahickon 3, New Hope-Solebury 0
The Trojans continue to just make it work despite an unfortunate run of injuries that have tested their depth and versatility.
A long road trip to New Hope-Solebury for a night game Thursday brought some new tweaks but Wiss was up for the challenge.
“We were very good at moving the ball and getting into dangerous spots today, but their keeper was able to turn away several quality strikes and keep it close,” Wiss coach Chris McDaniels said. “Lannah Werynski and Kylie Friedman were strong centrally and eventually we broke through and scored some nice goals.”
Friedman tallied a brace and Werynski continued her breakout season by adding another goal to her season tally.
New Hope-Solebury coach Matt Duffey saw plenty of positives from his side despite the result.
“The defensive areas we have been working on are starting to show, and the ball movement has really improved. Wissahickon is a very good team with many strong players but I think overall we held up very well against them,” Duffey said. “We go in knowing we are fighting an uphill battle, but we try to take the mindset that battling these teams on every area of the pitch is what will make us competitive.”
Defensively, the Lions made things difficult for a Wissahickon team that had scored 16 goals in its last three outings.
“Strong performances again from Margaret Tresler in goal. I always like to point out the whole defensive unit because they have been learning and growing so much all season long,” Duffey said. “Brooke McLaughlin, Nicole Michael, Elena Shire, Maggie Tritremmel, Isha Mukherjee all played well.
“On the offensive side, we really did move the ball well. Again, I always struggle with singling out individual players because our entire group is really just starting to understand the system I like to have them play,. Mia Usatin, Meeghan Griffith and Anne-Charlotte Arnould really showed me a lot this game.”
With the Lions fired up for a night game and Wissahickon having to work hard to score, the Trojans defense was able to take some pressure off by staying stout in the back.
“Ellie Stein, who has been excellent in the back for us, stepped into the midfield due to some missing players, and played very well on both sides of the ball,” McDaniels said. “Keeper Meredith Blight came out on through balls to limit their opportunities on long balls and was rewarded with the clean sheet.”
Wissahickon (8-2, 7-2 SOL) hosts Lower Moreland at 3:30 on Sept. 28. New Hope-Solebury (2-8-1, 1-7-1) travels to Upper Dublin at 7 pm on Sept. 28.
WISSAHICKON 2 1 – 3
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0 0 – 0
Goals: W – Kylie Friedman 2, Lannah Werynski
Hatboro-Horsham 3, William Tennent 0
There’s something about playing at night that seems to bring out another level from Hatboro-Horsham.
“Lady Hatters came out with a lot of pride and energy for a home night game under the lights,” HH
coach Kelsey Daley said. “Our goal in this game was to come out strong and fast and I would say we succeeded.”
The Hatboro-Horsham defense – Abby Waeltz, Jordyn Harris, Nat Tocci and Gracynne Smith, plus keeper Alyssa Tooley – posted its fifth shutout of the season.
Cait Carpenter opened the scoring for the hosts, heading in a corner kick from Caroline Shegogue. While Shegogue didn’t score, she netted the assist as the cap on a standout performance.
“Caroline Shegogue had one of the best games I have seen her play. She really dominated the center-mid from 50/50 balls, through balls and taking on players,” Daley said. “She played a great game for us.”
Not content with just one goal in the first 40 minutes, Hatboro-Horsham went and got a second.
“Emma Levin got the ball at her feet, beating three defenders to then fire a shot to make it 2-0,” Daley said.
The Hatters got plenty of players minutes and closed out the win with a solid 40 minute effort in the second half.
“Kitty Randa was able to secure the win in the second half with a beautiful shot with about 7 minutes left in the game, assisted by Mia Bellizzie,” Daley said.
Hatboro-Horsham (8-0-2, 8-0-1 SOL) visits Upper Moreland at 3:30 on Sept. 28. Tennent (4-7, 4-4) hosts Plymouth Whitemarsh at 3:30 on Sept. 28.
HATBORO-HORSHAM 2 1 – 3
WILLIAM TENNENT 0 0 – 0
Goals: HH – Cait Carpenter, Emma Levin, Kitty Randa.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 2, Springfield Twp 0
A quick goal to start each half and a robust defensive effort kept the Colonials on the winning path.
Thursday marked a fourth straight win for PW, and coach TJ DeLucia is seeing his team coming together. The defense has been stout, allowing just one goal in the last four games and the attack is growing in confidence.
“Continuing on our recent emphasis of starting games fast, we won a corner two-and-a-half minutes into the game. Marleigh Burton played a beautiful ball into the box that Springfield cleared, but not out of the box,” DeLucia said. “Caelin Kosvitch attacked it first time with her left foot past the keeper. Springfield did not go away though and their forward, Kaleigh Evans, drew our attention all half.”
Kosvitch had a brace for PW and is one of the players who has ramped up her level of play since the start of crossover play. Burton, Maddie McGuckien and Keira Whalen have also started to find their stride, following the pace of hard-working senior Angelina Balcer.
Fittingly, all of them would get some share of the credit for the Colonials’ second goal.
“We discussed a few things defensively at halftime and emphasized again, coming out strong with an early goal,” DeLucia said.
The entire sequence was pretty chaotic, with neither team giving up on it.
“Kate Yocom plays a terrific ball into the box that draws the keeper out, Maddie McGuckien makes a strong play on the ball and the ball comes loose. Angelina Balcer cleans up the loose ball with a shot on net, but a Springfield defender makes an excellent clearance off the line,” DeLucia said. “Springfield received a drop ball and freshman forward Keira Whelan intercepted the pass and rockets a shot off the crossbar. Marleigh Burton finds the rebound and is fouled in the box. Caelin Kosvitch takes the PK, and it was a no-doubt-about-it goal.”
With a 2-0 lead just 90 seconds into the second half, the Colonials would have to hold it against a Spartans team that can score goals in a hurry against even a focused opponent.
“We played about as well as I’ve seen us play all year for the final 37 minutes. Our defense of Kate Yocom, Bri Reynolds, Meg Wendler, and Katie Lukens were outstanding, and Caitlyn Dinh earned another shutout in net,” DeLucia said. “At practice yesterday, I challenged our group of center mids who I thought didn’t play their best against Lower Moreland. We received a bigtime response from the entire group. Liv Reilly, Abby Boegner, Devyn Cohen, and Maite Jayo really dominated the midfield all game along with Kosvitch.”
The midfield had a good leader to rally behind in senior and two-year captain Ella Clark.
“Ella Clark had her best of the game of the season – adding some outstanding offensive play to her usual max defensive effort. The Springfield goalkeeper had an outstanding save, robbing Ella of her second goal of the year,” DeLucia said. “Our counterattack was dangerous today, led by senior Angelina Balcer and freshmen Maddie McGuckien and Keira Whelan but credit to the Spartan keeper who made several saves to keep the game close.”
PW (5-4 SOL) will host MaST Charter at 3:45 on Friday. Springfield Twp (3-6) visits Penncrest at noon on Saturday, then is at Abington at 5:30 on Sept. 28.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 1 1 – 2
SPRINGFIELD TWP 0 0 – 0
Goals: PW – Caelin Kosvitch
Upper Moreland 1, Quakertown 0
The Golden Bears turned in another impressive showing to pick up their second crossover win of the week.
It took a defensive effort in the first half and a clinical finish in the second half to find a way past a Quakertown team that’s always tough on its home field.
“We had a really strong effort through the entirety of this match,” Bears coach Lisa Benvenuto said. “The first half, Quakertown had the wind on their side, and we knew they would be looking to feed their flanks and utilize their speed on the frontline. We needed to be strong on the ball and track the weak side.”
With the advantage of the wind, Quakertown was the more dangerous team on the attacking end in the first 40 minutes, but UM keeper Natalie Walton was up to the task, making some big saves to keep it 0-0 at the break.
Upper Moreland had the wind and the sun on its side for the second half. What the Golden Bears always have on their side, regardless of conditions, is Willow Taylor, and the forward came up clutch again in the 58th minute.
“We held the middle well and controlled the ball much better. We had a quick play that found Maggie Brophy in the middle who was able to get Willow on a diagonal pass,” Benvenuto said. “Willow received it in stride and finished solidly. Willow, Maggie Brooke Lobban and Kylie Wiest have really stepped up our offensive threats/opportunities.”
Benvenuto credited the play of Annalise Messina, Skye Kramer, Devin Bush and Katie Slear on the back line in front of Walton.
“We had some injuries which caused some shuffling, and our defensive line held strong. Kyra Favors was pivotal in the second half winning 50/50 balls, containing Quakertown’s attack, she is the spark for our team,” Benvenuto said. “This was a great team win; we have a quick turnaround for tomorrow; we will continue to learn and grow from today’s match.”
Upper Moreland (4-5-1, 4-5 SOL) travels to Interboro at 3:30 on Friday. Quakertown (5-5, 3-5) visits Cheltenham at 3:30 on Sept. 28.
UPPER MORELAND 0 1 – 1
QUAKERTOWN 0 0 – 0
Goals: UM – Willow Taylor
Upper Dublin @ Cheltenham – Postponed.
Upper Dublin hosts New Hope-Solebury at 7 on Sept. 28. Cheltenham hosts Quakertown at 3:30 on Sept. 28.
SOL Colonial/Patriot crossover
Central Bucks South 3, Bensalem 0
Gabbie Nolan knew exactly what to say.
After four straight shutout losses, the Titans just needed to see someone score a goal. Finally, on Thursday, Mary Nagle was able to do it. Even better, the senior did it twice to lead South to a win.
When Nagle’s first goal went in? The drought was no more.
“That’s exactly how we worded it too. We told her she ended the drought,” Nolan said. “It was a simple goal, one v one with the goalie and she just placed it. As soon as she scored, we all felt a sense of relief. “
By halftime, it probably felt like a monsoon as the Titans netted all three goals in the first 40 minutes. Nolan and her assistant coach/sister Kayla sure weren’t about to go and turn the faucet off.
What impressed the first-year Titans coach is how much each scoreless minute seemed to make her players work even harder the next day to end it.
“The best thing about this group is that they want more for themselves as a team and they know that they have to work hard to get it, so giving up in hard times isn’t an option to them,” Nolan said. “Kayla taught the girls about Dawn Staley’s 24-hour rule. Feel what you need to feel for 24 hours after a hard loss and then move on to the next practice or game and build from it. The team has really bought into that and let the frustration make them better.”
CB South’s combination play has been a strength this season, and it was only fair that each of Thursday’s three goals came off an assist.
Aurora Jacalone and Olivia Wade each had an assist on one of Nagle’s goals while the very first varsity goal for freshman Riley Karpinski came off a helper by Mia Conte.
“Each assist was from a defensive player so it was great to see our defense contributing to our offensive play,” Nolan said. “It was another hard-fought game which led to the result we’ve been working for.”
Nolan also wanted to highlight the work of one player who didn’t score on Thursday but has embodied the team’s whatever is needed approach.
“Junior Brooke Hall has been phenomenal for us. She’s played every single position on the field, and she’s played each one well,” Nolan said. “She’s a player every team needs because she’s willing to do anything and everything for the team.”
CB South (4-6, 3-6 SOL) visits Harry S Truman at 3:30 on Sept. 28. Bensalem (4-6-1, 2-6-1) hosts North Penn at 3:30 on Sept. 28
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 3 0 – 3
BENSALEM 0 0 – 0
Goals: CBS – Mary Nagle 2, Riley Karpinski
Central Bucks East 3, Pennsbury 0
For the first time, the Patriots got to have a Senior Night at night, and it was a special one for coach Jake Nesteruk.
“We started six seniors – Brielle Guarracino, Savannah Jagoda, Elliot Forney, Brooke Roumy, Camryn Williams and Gwyn Krystkiewicz. Sometimes the season feels
so long when you are in it from every perspective – coach, player, team, but this was an emotional one for me as it was my first full cycle,” Nesteruk said. “These kids were just getting here when we were really in the process of building the foundations of the program again, and it’s because of the dedication, sacrifice, love of the game, love for each other, and grit that we’ve gotten this far.”
Fittingly, three of the seniors would facilitate the opening goal of the night.
“It came off some excellent combination play at the top of the box between Camryn, Gwyn and Elliot with Elliot getting the finish,” Nesteruk said. “Gwyn picked up the assist on that one.”
Mikayla Gray doubled the lead before halftime, taking what Nesteruk described as a “mean hit” from the top of the 18-yard box to rocket in a goal.
“Elliot, Camryn and Gwyn continue to create for us and with the attention they are getting defensively, it opens some of the game up for others,” Nesteruk said. “I thought Mikayla Gray had the best game of her season so far which was great to see.”
While CB East picked up the win and a shutout, which was shared by Mae Leedy and Aralynn Patterson
in goal, it wasn’t as easy as the final score may have made it seem.
“Our kids played a very good game against a defensively organized team. We had to work hard for our scoring chances tonight and that’s a credit to their coaches and kids at Pennsbury,” Nesteruk said. “I thought we looked sharp in our buildup and at times made things a bit more challenging in the final third than they had to be, but all said and done, tonight was a great way to celebrate our seniors.”
Krystkiewicz capped the scoring in the second half.
“It was just an excellently timed run and a really calm finish,” Nesteruk said.
It’s been a busy stretch and finishing it with the emotions of a senior night – the first for the program under East’s new stadium lights – the team will have some time to regroup before hitting the second half of the schedule.
“More than anything, I was just proud of how our seniors stepped up when and where we needed them soccer-wise and leadership wise,” Nesteruk said. “After a long two weeks of games, I believe six in the last 10 days or so, we can take a bit of an exhale and then we turn our focus to a really tough game against Neshaminy.”
CB East (8-3, 6-3 SOL) hosts Neshaminy at 3:30 on Sept. 28. Pennsbury (3-5-2, 3-5-0) hosts CB West at 3:30 on Sept 28
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 2 1 – 3
PENNSBURY 0 0 – 0
Goals: CBE – Elliot Forney, Mikayla Gray, Gwyn Krystkiewicz
Central Bucks West 11, Harry S Truman 0
The Bucks’ offense fired on all cylinders under the lights Thursday night.
“Sam Kubala scored a rocket from 25 yards out and Andrea Friel had a great individual effort to get her first varsity goal. Everyone played well,” CB West coach Mike Moyer said.
CB West (6-4 SOL) visits Villa Joseph Marie at 3:30 on Friday. Truman (0-8) hosts CB South at 3:30 on Sept. 28
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST – 11
HARRY S TRUMAN – 0
Pennridge 2, Council Rock North 1
Coming off their first loss of the season, the Rams knew one loss could turn into two if they weren’t sharper on Thursday.
Granted, the schedule didn’t give them a break with another difficult road match against a quality foe, but Pennridge seemed to have learned its lesson after falling to Neshaminy. Specifically, keeping the ball and keeping it moving helped turn things around.
“We were able to connect a lot better in the midfield, especially in the second half,” Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. “We moved really well off the ball so that opened up some opportunities for us to dribble and create scoring opportunities by splitting their defenders.”
The teams played to a scoreless draw in the first half, but not without a number of chances both ways. It would be the second half that saw all the scoring and a fair share of chaos.
“It was a back-and-forth game for sure, I always know when I coach against Gavin (Flannigan), his team is going to have a really good game plan and they’re going to stick with it,” Anderson said. “I think in the second half, our mids just did such a good job of moving the ball and moving off the ball and that was the difference in the game.”
Tori Angelo had started the season strong offensively but had gone a little quiet in terms of scoring in recent games. The junior forward regained her touch on Thursday and was instrumental in both of Pennridge’s goals, despite only scoring once.
With a little more than 15 minutes left, Angelo made a run into the box that would kick off a busy final stretch of the match.
“Tori made a penetrating run into the box and got taken out, and that’s our forwards there, we want to be dangerous in the box,” Anderson said.
Liv Grenda took and converted the ensuing penalty kick, but it was not meant to be a long-lived lead for the visitors.
“Maybe 30 seconds later, we foul and give them a free kick,” Anderson said. “It just lofted up in the air, under the crossbar and over (Seretha DeMoss)’s fingertips. It was crazy.”
The match calmed a little bit from there, with both teams sticking to their strengths looking for a breakthrough. Anderson felt her back line played a sound game, citing junior Anna Croyle’s defending against CR North sophomore Mia Cairone and the work of Lindsey Balmer and Casey Malone on the flanks.
Eventually, Angelo’s work up top netted the junior another opportunity and this one was all on her.
“It’s hard to defend someone like Tori, she’s so strong and quick on the ball,” Anderson said. “She made a great run, we played her the ball and she finished the shot. It was a great game-winning goal.”
Anderson was pleased with her team’s mentality taking the field after a loss, saying her players treated it like a big game they needed to win.
Grenda and Sophia Craig have been mainstays in the Rams’ midfield all season. On Thursday, Pennridge saw Ava Kiwak jump in the mix and turn in a standout effort.
“Ava, Liv and Soph did an outstanding job in there,” Anderson said. “Ava was so great in the air, the last few games it’s just been fun watching her grow. When we played Neshaminy, it was a year to the day that she tore her ACL so for her to be playing the way she is, she’s fearless. She goes out and does it, I don’t think she cares there’s a brace on her knee.”
Pennridge (8-1 SOL) visits Owen J Roberts at 6 on Saturday. CR North (7-2-1, 6-2-1) travels to Souderton for a 6:30 start on Sept. 28.
PENNRIDGE 0 2 – 2
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 1 – 1
Goals; P – Tori Angelo, Liv Grenda
North Penn 0, Council Rock South 0 (2 OTs)
The results may not be there, but it hasn’t affected what the Knights are doing on the field.
After 180 minutes against both Council Rock schools this week, there’s actually been a lot to like. Right now, the struggle has just been getting the ball to find the back of the net.
“I think we’ve played really well the past few games. Just great team play, good possession and a great work rate,” North Penn coach Mike Rio said. “We’ve been creating chances and we have just been a little unlucky on the attacking side of things. It’s been a difficult season, but I’ve been really proud of the way the girls continue to fight and play.”
Rio said the games this week were two of the best his team has played this season and he hopes the players are looking at the positives in their performances. Keeping a Golden Hawks team that was coming in confidence off a sweep of the Central Bucks schools scoreless was a strong accomplishment.
“I thought the movement tonight on and off the ball was fantastic and we were creating a lot of great opportunities,” Rio said. “You can tell the girls are playing with confidence and trust in their teammates and regardless of the record, they are making sure that every time we step on the field nothing is easy for the teams that we are playing against.”
CR South has run a gauntlet since starting crossover play, but its defense was able to keep the clean sheet and pick up a point in the table on Thursday.
“Both teams had some moments, especially in OT when tired legs made for open spaces at both ends. Ultimately, we weren’t clinical enough in the final third,” CR South coach Nick Heim said. “Hopefully we can learn from it and prepare for the final week of crossover play before we meet our conference rivals again.”
Soccer isn’t a sport that lends itself to an abundance of statistics and sometimes a player’s impact can’t be gauged by production. In North Penn’s case, there has been a cast of contributors giving the Knights good effort that isn’t necessarily reflected in goals or assists.
“Kylie Holmes has played exceptionally well the past few games. We’ve always seen bursts of it from her in practices and games, but she’s really put it all together consistently the past few games,” Rio said. “She’s been working hard all over the field, she’s got great pace and a great attacking mindset, but alas also been working back defensively as well. Overall, she’s just really kicked it into another gear the past three or four games.”
Even in a challenging season, Rio praised his players for being open to try anything the coaches have asked and for continuing to pour in their best effort.
“Audrey MacNair is another one who has just done whatever I’ve asked of her all season. Whether that’s in the midfield, as a winger or as an outside back, she rises to every challenge,” Rio said. “Her work rate and effort is unmatched and she very rarely makes a mistake, she’s someone that we’ve really been able to count on to do whatever can help the team and doesn’t necessarily always get the recognition she deserves.”
CR South (7-1-2, 7-1-1 SOL) travels to Pennridge at 7 on Sept. 28. North Penn (1-8-1, 1-7-1) travels to Bensalem at 3:30 on Sept. 28.
NORTH PENN 0 0 0 0 – 0
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 0 0 0 0 – 0
Neshaminy 5, Souderton 0
Neshaminy honored its 10 seniors with all-around performance and another win to continue its unbeaten start.
“The defense and our goalie were able to keep another clean sheet tonight. This was our senior night tonight and I am so proud of all of our seniors and the tone and example they set for the team,” Neshaminy coach Josh Van Reed said. “We have 10 seniors this year, all of whom bring something unique to the team and who all played great tonight contributing to the win.”
The team’s seniors, not surprisingly, had a lot to do with the success in front of goal and keeping the ball out of the other goal. Senior Carly Fox scored twice while senior Hannah LaBadie netted her first goal of the season, a notable feat given she’s the starting goalkeeper.
Neshaminy came out strong, netting four goals in the first half with three coming from the senior class – the first two from Fox.
“About 10 minutes in, a ball was played into the corner and Mercedez Paino collected it on the run and turned inside to find Carly Fox who beat her girl to the PK spot and fired a one-time ball,” Van Reed said. “The second goal was a really nice hard-hit corner kick taken by Alexis Ocasio to Carly Fox who buried the header at the back post.”
Angelina Daino extended the lead to 3-0 shortly after, with Kaylee Avallone showing some good vision with a quick throw-in to find Daino, who turned quickly inside the box and finished low.
Late in the half, a foul would present an opportunity for another senior to get on the scoreboard. Gyzell Rowan hit a cross into the box that found Kylie Maxwell, who was taken down to earn a penalty kick.
From all the way down the field, LaBadie got the call to the spot. Her initial take was saved, but the senior stayed after it, hitting in the rebound for her first goal at Neshaminy.
Co-champions in the SOL Liberty a season ago, Neshaminy is in excellent position to contend for another division title thanks to the leadership of its senior class.
“Alexis Ocasio has been steady and consistent for us all season, always calm on the ball and again tonight as always in the back. Carly Fox, who plays on the left side and midfield for us, is always a workhorse and started the game off with two great goals,” Van Reed said. “Gyzell Rowan had some great moments tonight with quick and clever play creating opportunities and serving dangerous balls into the box.”
Neshaminy tacked on an additional goal in the second half thanks to a nice combination play in the build-up.
“Allie Ortman collected the ball in the midfield on our half and turned to look up field. She put a nicely placed ball in the path of Kylie Maxwell,” Van Reed said. “Kylie was able to meet the ball in stride and keep the defender off of her long enough to strike a ball from distance and slot the ball past the keeper for the final goal of the night.”
Goals haven’t come easily for Souderton this season and while coach Ian Smith is still looking for consistency in his defense, he feels some of the final scores against his side are masking standout play between the posts.
“Our senior goalkeeper Abby Allen deserves all the praise in the world. In a different year she’d be a lock for first team all-league because of her consistency in net. Game in and game out she performs at a top level, coming up with big saves,” Smith said. “Tonight, she saved a PK in a game where it would’ve been easy to be disengaged. Unfortunately, we haven’t gotten her the shutouts or stats to reflect the quality she has brought every day.”
Neshaminy (7-1-2, 7-1-1 SOL) visits West Chester Rustin at 3:45 on Friday. Souderton (2-8-1, 1-7-1) hosts Council Rock North at 6:30 on Wednesday, Sept. 28.
NESHAMINY 4 1 – 5
SOUDERTON 0 0 – 0
Goals: N – Carly Fox 2, Angelina Daino, Hannah LaBadie, Kylie Maxwell
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