Check out the recaps of SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Thursday.
SOL National
Neshaminy 1, Bensalem 0
Neshaminy has asked a lot of its seniors this fall and they’ve responded.
Thursday was a perfect example as three seniors played a key role in the Redskins’ 79th minute winner. Kristin Curley scored the goal off a header, Mel Prinos played the corner in and Kelli Kowalick drew the double team that opened space for Curley.
Put it all together and it was just seniors doing what they’re expected to.
“We played very well defensively, our midfield was very strong but we had some difficulties in the final third,” Neshaminy coach Renny Papendick said. “Bensalem, they played well defensively. They’re a well-coached team as well, they cleared three balls off the line on us, we had a couple breakaways where we didn’t convert so that made it an interesting game and gave them some momentum.”
The game was played on the Owls’ grass field, but Papendick said it held up very well and helped the match flow well.
“I know Bensalem has a handful of freshmen in the mix and we have a few freshmen in the mix due to injuries, but they’re definitely higher-level club players,” Papendick said. “It was a good back-and-forth.”
Emily Tantala didn’t play a role in the game-winner, but Papendick also praised the senior midfielder for “leading the way from the start” on Thursday. In a match played in tough conditions with strong rain and wind, it was pivotal the veteran players came ready to go.
“Emily has been great and Kristin has been really, really consistent for us,” Papendick said. “Mel Prinos plays the corner and Kelli Kowalick, our center back, she’s big and strong, she’s going to be a collegiate basketball player, so she’s about 5-10 and they double-teamed her so Kristin slipped in and finished a really nice ball.”
Coming off a loss to rival Pennsbury on Tuesday, the Redskins knew Thursday’s match was a turning point for the remainder of their season.
“I pulled the girls together and said this could be a defining moment of the season,” Papendick said. “We either come together, hunker in and try to make some noise or we could hang our heads on that loss. The girls came together today and played very well.”
Papendick also noted the play of sophomore Jordyn Fregia as Kowalick’s center back partner.
“We’ve put Jordyn in a sort of sweeper role and she’s been really dynamic for us and does really good work,” Papendick said. “The senior leadership today stepped up but we had some underclassmen pushed into roles where they had to give significant minutes and they held their own.”
Neshaminy (9-1-1, 7-0 SOL) will travel to Abington for a non-league game Friday, and Bensalem (1-7, 1-4) will be on the road at William Tennent on Wednesday.
NESHAMINY 0 1 – 1
BENSALEM 0 0 – 0
Goals: N – Kristin Curley
Pennsbury 1, Council Rock North 0 (OT)
The Falcons have developed quite the knack for late, clutch goals.
After using a final-minute tally to edge Neshaminy on Tuesday, Pennsbury got an overtime goal to topple a resolute Indians squad on Thursday. Of course, having seniors used to big moments goes a long way.
“I think it all goes back to the experience of success this team, and these seniors have had a lot over the past four years. Our seniors have the experience of winning three league titles and a district title in their time on this team so far, and they are hungry for more,” Pennsbury co-head coach Kim Lindemann said. “They don’t see losing as an option. After our game against CR South where we scored three goals in three minutes, they absolutely believe that they can win a game at any moment.”
Seniors Rosie Bostian and Evie Ciaccia carried the day for Pennsbury, rising to the occasion in the second half and into the extra period and changing things for the better in the Falcons’ favor. Pennsbury also expected Council Rock North to have a plan and the Indians proved formidable.
“They are well coached and we knew they would be organized and make us work for it,” Lindemann said. “But those two in particular kept fighting and their experience made a big impact when it mattered most.”
Going through the SOL National for the second time as defending conference champions, the Falcons expect every team to have a plan in place for them.
“Thankfully we have a core group of seniors who have had to deal with the target on their backs before, and we are confident that they can handle it again,” Lindemann said.
The game-winning goal came off a build-up but one that saw the ball bounce around a bit. Lindemann said Gianna Durle found Taylor Mays down the wing and the ball would eventually find Ciaccia, who played in a cross that Kendall Palantine stuck home in the 88th minute.
“You could tell Evie wanted it today and she stayed hungry and aggressive throughout the game even if things weren’t quite going our way,” Lindemann said. “In overtime we decided we were committed to winning this game, and would not be complacent with any other result so we decided to add an attacker and trust that our defense could take care of business.”
Pennsbury (9-1-1, 7-0 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks South for a non-league game, and Council Rock North (7-3-1, 3-3-1) will be on the road at Harry S Truman on Wednesday.
PENNSBURY 0 0 1 – 1
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Kendall Palantine
Council Rock South 7, Harry S Truman 0
Sammy Jones scored twice and assisted a pair of goals as the Golden Hawks put in seven before the half. One of those assists came to twin Allie Jones, who had two goals herself.
Jordi Rubakh had a goal and assist while Mackenzie Mohr also had a helper. Carli Dickel recorded the shutout.
Council Rock South (7-2, 5-1 SOL) will be on the road at Neshaminy on Wednesday, and Harry S Truman (0-8, 0-7) will host Council Rock North on Wednesday.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 7 0 – 0
HARRY S TRUMAN 0 0 – 0
Goals: CRS – Sammy Jones 2, Allie Jones 2, Jordi Rubakh, Jordan Sweeney, Aubrey Hondros
SOL CONTINENTAL
Quakertown 3, Central Bucks South 1
When he heard it, Mike Koch knew “confident” was the right word to describe his team.
The Panthers scored first, led at the half and built their lead up as they picked up a second win over the Titans this fall. Defensively strong from the beginning of the year, Quakertown’s offense is starting to find its groove.
“I like that word a lot, we’re confident, we’re generating attack but also trying to defend passionately,” Koch said. “We’re playing hard, getting a lot of different people in to step in and help out, and it seems like it’s a different person each night.”
Restarts have continued to be friendly for the Panthers, who bagged two more goals off set pieces on Thursday. Haley Hangey scored twice, center back Cori Pursel had the other and service specialist Sam Barkholz had two assists.
“That’s been the one theme most consistent throughout the season, Haley scoring and Sammy assisting,” Koch said.
Quakertown started quick, with Hangey scoring off a Barkholz assist in the eighth minute. Used to holding a one-goal lead, the Panthers carried that edge into the half.
“Sam Barkholz hits the best restart around,” Koch said. “She just hits a really, really good ball and puts it in dangerous areas. Hangey made a really good play on the first one and Pursel just figured out the right place to be on the second.”
Once the second half began, it didn’t take five minutes for Barkholz to find Pursel for the 2-0 lead.
“She’s been insanely good in the back and I like that our center backs are getting some goals and I want to send them up on the restarts,” Koch said. “About 10 minutes after that, Hangey scored on a really sweet pass from Haley Gordon.”
Bridget Curtis scored off a restart with about seven minutes left to put CB South on the board.
“CB South, which is a credit to them and their coach, Betsy Bullock, kept fighting the whole game,” Koch said. “I know they’ve had a couple tough losses but I was very impressed with their heart and their fight.”
Quakertown made a name for itself early in the season winning 1-0 games and they used that experience again on Thursday despite having a three-goal edge at one point.
“I didn’t know what to do, it was very unique for us,” Koch said. “We’re used to the onslaught trying to hold onto that one-goal lead. But again, South made it feel like a one-goal lead the way they were playing and I give them a lot of credit.”
Quakertown (5-5-1, 2-4-1 SOL) is off until Monday when they will host Southern Lehigh in a non-league game, but the Panthers will end the month with a lot left to play for.
“The fact that when we play our next game will be September 30 and it will be meaningful and we’re in the hunt for something will keep us energized,” Koch said. “I think we’re getting more and more confident as we play each game but also maintaining that humility that makes us work.”
Central Bucks South (3-6, 2-5) will host Pennsbury in a non-league game Friday.
QUAKERTOWN 1 2 – 3
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0 1 – 1
Goals: Q – Haley Hangey 2, Cori Pursel; CBS – Bridget Curtis
Souderton 2, North Penn 1
Thursday’s match between the Indians and Knights had four acts.
The first act took place in the first five minutes, with Souderton’s Taylor Yoder scoring only to see North Penn’s Landry Holt answer about a minute later. The second act was the heavy downpour that ate up most of the first half with the third act being Yoder scoring a second goal six minutes before halftime.
The final act was the longest, with North Penn doing all it could to score a second goal, but Souderton and keeper Morgan Molyneaux kept them at bay.
“We talk about composure a lot,” Souderton coach Lindsy Jones said. “The goals were composed, especially Taylor’s first goal, and on defense, they’re not panicking.”
Grace Kelley started the first goal with a throw that found its way to the forehead of Averie Doughty, who nodded it down to Yoder for the close-in finish.
Doughty, who started at attacking midfielder, had the assist on Yoder’s second goal, slipping in a through ball after Avery Nogami won a ball out of the air and found Doughty.
“She’s good at winning the ball and delivering the ball well,” Jones said. “That’s what you need in your attacking center mid, you need someone who can connect and find your other players.”
Molyneaux, returning from an injury absence that kept her out in the team’s previous two matches this week, made a terrific save right after Yoder’s first goal to concede a corner. North Penn’s Riley Saxman played a great ball that defender Landry Holt leapt up and headed home to tie the score.
The Knights heavily tested the Indians’ defenders in the second half.
“Towards the end of the half, North Penn began throwing numbers forward in an attempt to get a second goal to tie the game, but Souderton’s defense held strong,” Souderton assistant Ian Smith said. “The Indians’ goalkeeper, back line, and defensive midfield were up to the task, and were able to keep the surging Knights’ attack at bay to hold on for the win.”
Molyneaux made nine saves in the win, while the central defense of Darby Kramer, Payton Carroll and Kaitlyn DiCandilo did their part to force the Knights attackers including Grace Sacchetti, Tia Sheehy and Liv Urban into shots from longer distances.
“Morgan was fantastic today, I couldn’t be more proud of her,” Jones said. “She’s so talented and I’m grateful she plays for us and not anyone else. She’s had a ton of saves this season.”
Souderton (8-3-1, 4-2-1 SOL) will host Haverford in a non-league game Saturday, and North Penn (4-7-1, 2-4-1) will host Archbishop Ryan in a non-league game Wednesday.
SOUDERTON 2 0 – 2
NORTH PENN 1 0 – 1
Goals: S – Taylor Yoder 2; NP – Landry Holt
Cenral Bucks East 0, Central Bucks West 0
Pink was the color of choice Thursday night at War Memorial Field.
Nearly every player on the Bucks and Patriots had part of their hair dyed pink, almost as many wore pink ribbons, and pink headbands were everywhere. The Bucks had pink face paint and coach Mike Moyer was decked out in a you-couldn’t-possibly-miss-it pink suit and tie.
For the sixth straight year, the rivals’ Kick for Pink night was more than just a soccer game and while neither side scored or went home a winner, the play on the field was top tier.
“This game lived up to the hype. Crosstown rivals that left everything on the field,” Moyer said. “The crowd was huge and the student section for both teams was electric. It was a great experience for these girls to be a part of.”
From the start, the teams went up-and-down the field. West would make a foray, only for East to come right back, and it never really slowed down even as regulation ended and the overtime sessions began.
The Patriots, playing their third match in four days, certainly didn’t look tired at the end.
“They’re a tricky customer to plan for, they do so many things well going forward and defensively,” East coach Jake Nesteruk said. “Defensively, they’re a really phenomenal group and really well coached, so I think our girls just saw it through and defended a lot and were really organized and won the 50/50s and I’m proud of the result.”
Most of West’s best chances came on set pieces, with the hosts drawing five corners and at least that many free kicks in dangerous areas.
Fortunately for the Patriots, keeper Kiera Donnelly was on top of her game Thursday, capping a week where she allowed just one goal in three matches. The junior made five saves, the best a leaping punch over a Bucks attacker off a free kick in the first overtime that drew praise from Nesteruk on the sideline.
“The way she’s reading the game is really important,” Nesteruk said. “Not only is she making the saves we need her to make, but she’s coming off her line really well and that’s really helpful. She covers a lot for our backline and she’s doing all the right stuff. Anytime your goalkeeper has confidence, it helps your whole entire team.”
East was a little more dangerous from the run of play. While the ball was in the air a lot, Olivia Black might’ve had her feet off the ground as much as they were on it with the number of headers she won and Elise Duffy wasn’t afraid to get in on a tackle.
When it had to, however, the West defense got the stops. Freshman center back Courtney Moylan played terrific, as did Keely McGlone and Erin Stranix.
“I was really happy with Erin Fitzsimmons and Courtney Moylan tonight. They were both solid and really kept us in the game,” Moyer said. “I also love that we had another clean sheet. Jenna (Abazza) really didn’t need to make a tough save all game and that’s a credit to my back four.”
The level of play was high but both teams certainly left wanting more. East can certainly take plenty from a 2-0-1 week as it looks to build momentum and make a run at a postseason spot.
“We’re trying to turn the page, we’ve been trying to do that for a while now but I think this week has been really good for us,” Nesteruk said. “Anytime you’re in a game like this, it’s close and it’s going to go either way and we’ve had a lot of those. We’ve had a lot of double overtimes and we’ve had a lot of really close games, the ball’s bounced the other way but we’re going to keep grinding and hopefully string together some wins.”
West (7-3-1, 4-2-1 SOL), which hosts William Tennent on Friday afternoon, also wanted the two extra points that come with a win but like every other game, it’s all meant to prepare the Bucks to be at their best when the regular season ends.
“We were disappointed with a tie and that shows how far this team and program has come in the last year. For the last 4-5 years East has dominated this rivalry and now we feel like we have put ourselves in a good place to win these games,” Moyer said. “We just have to keep getting better each game and learn from this. I give East a ton of credit, they played extremely tough tonight. It was a great game that hopefully everyone enjoyed watching.”
Thursday’s tie was the first for Moyer since taking over the helm.
Central Bucks East (4-6-2, 1-4-2) will host Central Bucks South on Wednesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 0 0 0 0 – 0
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0 0 0 0 – 0
SOL AMERICAN
Plymouth Whitemarsh 1, Wissahickon 0 (OT)
The Colonials are getting hot at the right time.
Thursday marked five straight victories for PW even if it did require going to overtime. Fresh off their biggest win of the season with Tuesday’s win over Hatboro-Horsham, the Colonials had to dig deep to keep their streak going.
“We had a really energized practice yesterday, coming off a big win that’s expected. However, we came out very flat in the first half,” PW coach Ryan Zehren said. “Wissahickon had a number of chances and even hit the post on one. In the second half, we were a much different team but still not playing at the level we know we can play at.”
The Trojans’ defense was a major factor in PW’s slow grind on the attacking end of the field.
“Wissahickon has two outstanding center backs that really made things difficult on (Max) Leszczynski offensively,” Zehren said. “However, as the game went on she began finding space behind their outside backs on diagonal runs to the flag. She found that space again early in OT.”
A junior striker, Leszczynski has really helped fill the void left by Alyse Caffery’s graduation, and the three-sport athlete has grown more and more comfortable as the season has gone on. As she’s taken on more, the coaches have asked more of her.
“We have been preaching to her there are times she’s going to run out of real estate and when you do try to get yourself to the end line and either beat your defender or win yourself a corner,” Zehren said. “She executed those instructions perfectly winning herself a corner. It was that corner three minutes into OT that we scored the game winner on.”
Even that corner proved a difficult task to actually get in the back of the net.
“After Wissahickon blocked about five opportunities at goal on that corner, Ava Schreiber was finally able to bury it to win the game,” Zehren said. “Ava plays center back and also had an amazing game defensively winning everything out of the air. It felt like she was first to any ball in the air or even on the ground. Really helped us limit their chances all game.
“The corner kick was taken by Anni Shula who delivered multiple great balls on corners all afternoon. She played fantastic in the midfield today.”
PW has allowed just one goal during the five-game win streak, posting its fourth shutout and third overall in that span.
“Great game for our defense preserving another shutout. Devon Skiles made a number of very difficult saves through the rain and wind,” Zehren said. “She really showed how much she has improved and matured over the first half of the season.”
Wissahickon (6-4, 5-3 SOL) hosts Pennridge on Friday afternoon, and Plymouth Whitemarsh (8-3, 6-2) will travel to Springfield Township on Wednesday.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0 0 1 – 1
WISSAHICKON 0 0 0 – 0
Goals: PW – Ava Schreiber
Upper Dublin 0, Hatboro-Horsham 0
Thursday proved to be a standout day for the defensive units of the Cardinals and Hatters.
“Another great outing by the defense of Ella Eustace, Bliss Brenner, Maddie Amoia and Molly Brown,” UD coach Chuck Gesing said. “They got help from Molly Papalardo and Laura Pendleton in breaking up H-H’s attack. A clean sheet was kept by Rachel Adelman who made eight saves on the day.”
Pendleton, a senior co-captain who can play just about any position, solidified the area in front of the back line.
“We also tried to keep Lauren Melick between the midfield and the attack,” Gesing said. “When they got tired Emma McGinley picked up right where they left off.”
Conversely, the Hatters’ back line and defensive midfield group was solid in front of keeper Martine Royds.
“My defense really stepped up today. Aly Yankanich and Peighton Toale played amazing in the back to keep the score at 0-0,” Hatters coach Kelsey Daley said. “Cam Ryan controlled the center mid like she does every game and keeps our team together.”
Hatboro-Horsham rebounded off its first loss of the season, although the Hatters did want more than one point out of the meeting.
“We are having some trouble finding the back of the net right now, we keep getting unlucky with hitting the post or just wide,” Daley said. “But I know these girls and this team will bounce back in the right way and we will continue to fight for the league title.”
Upper Dublin’s attack was also quieted but not for a lack of effort.
“UD has some great service by Anna Desch and good looks by Mia Wright and Julia Eustace but Hatboro’s GK kept them off the board,” Gesing said.
Upper Dublin (3-5-2, 3-3-2 SOL) will be on the road at Conestoga on Friday while Hatboro-Horsham (7-1-1, 6-1-1) hosts Downingtown West Saturday evening in a doubleheader with the boys facing Archbishop Wood after.
UPPER DUBLIN 0 0 0 0 – 0
HATBORO-HORSHAM 0 0 0 0 – 0
Upper Moreland 2, Cheltenham 0
The Golden Bears picked up a win but were again pushed to their limits by the Panthers.
“We have had some tough losses the last couple of games and really needed to re-center our focus as a team. Our goals today were to take the lead, and hold it,” UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. “Cheltenham’s Donya Baxter and her team did everything they could to get back. Mark (Woodcock) has a really great group of girls that work 80 minutes for him. Baxter is such a dangerous player for them.”
Kathryn Morrow again played a key role for Upper Moreland, assisting both goals. Her first helper went to Grace Burns in the 48th minute before she cued up a goal from Emma Meakim in the 73rd minute.
“We created a lot of opportunities throughout the match. Our win today was a team effort,” Benvenuto said. “We had some really good moments today and we are going to use this momentum as we go into our weekend match versus Springfield Delco.”
Upper Moreland (4-5-1, 3-4-1 SOL) will host Springfield-Delco Saturday at 10 a.m. in a non-league game. Cheltenham (3-8, 1-7) will be on the road at Upper Dublin on Wednesday.
UPPER MORELAND 0 2 – 2
CHELTENHAM 0 0 – 0
Goals: UM – Grace Burns, Emma Meakim
Abington 5, Springfield Twp 3
The Ghosts needed all of their firepower to top a determined Spartans team Thursday night.
Casey Touey bagged a hat trick to pace the Abington firepower.
“Emily Friel scored a brilliant header off a cross from Mayana Bebee-Gomberg and Maura Day added a goal and an assist,” Abington coach Rick Tompkins wrote.
Abington (6-4, 6-2 SOL) will host Neshaminy in a non-league game Friday, and Springfield Township (1-9-1, 0-8) will host St. Basil Academy Friday in a non-league contest.
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