Check out the recaps for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action Friday. Pennridge/CR South photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. Lower Moreland/Wissahickon photos courtesy of Greg Zesinger. Check back for galleries of both games: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/f405978483
SOL Liberty/Freedom crossovers
Plymouth Whitemarsh 1, William Tennent 0
At this point, it’s worth pondering what Caitlyn Dinh can’t do.
The Plymouth Whitemarsh senior is a brick wall in goal, a position she’s held down full time since her sophomore year. She’s also an outstanding student, having just committed to the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology this week.
Apparently, she’s also pretty good from the penalty spot.
“Currently, we don’t have a designated penalty taker. We had some kids step up and take them during Tuesday’s practice. There were a lot of good strikes but the most impressive was our senior goalkeeper, Caitlyn Dinh,” Colonials coach TJ DeLucia said. “While I didn’t tell anyone who was going to take one in the game, I had a decent idea in my head that I was going to go to Dinh this week. So, I called her up from goal and I think she was a bit surprised.
“After the jog down the field, she took the penalty as calm as ever – scoring her first Varsity goal. It was a pretty exciting moment for our team in a big home win.”
Dinh converted from the spot, after sophomore Maddie McGuckien had drawn the foul in the box, with about 17 minutes to play in Friday’s second half. It was fittingly the only separation between two teams that have built their season around a strong goalkeeper and rigid defense.
“This was a terrific, physical game between two good teams. I can see why Tennent was 10-1 coming into this game,” DeLucia said. “They have a clear way they want to attack, and their coaches have them organized.”
Tennent, which has lost back-to-back games, felt it played a better match than Wednesday’s loss to Hatboro-Horsham. However, it didn’t show on the scoreboard.
“We played well and possessed the ball throughout the first half. Kaitlyn Frank and Paige Marek kept composure in the midfield and won the majority of the 50/50 balls,” Panthers coach Elise Jara said. “Our midfield worked all game, and they had time and space to create chances. We just couldn’t seem to finish in the offensive third.”
Likewise, PW was coming off a result on Wednesday it wasn’t thrilled with. While the Colonials did get a point out of their 1-1 draw with Springfield Twp, they wanted all three points that were available.
“We are trying to figure things out as we deal with some crushing injuries. Our team was less than pleased with the 1-1 draw at Springfield. Springfield plays really hard and has some talented attackers, but it was a game that our team felt we should have won,” DeLucia said. “We had a terrific practice yesterday and I’m really proud of the way the team came out today. We had to gut this game out and play a full 80 minutes.”
To emphasize the extent his team gutted it out, DeLucia pointed to sophomore Olivia Budin.
“She is fighting through an illness and wasn’t able to play Wednesday at Springfield,” DeLucia said. “She is still not recovered but really gave everything for the team today, playing 60 minutes while she could barely breathe out there.”
The Panthers did more than enough to keep the Colonials’ attack frustrated for 60-plus minutes.
“We were able to hold a high line with our defense that created turnovers and we moved the ball well. The game was decided by a PK midway through the second half which changed the momentum of the game,” Jara said. “I’m proud of the way we fought until the end but it’s still a hard loss to take. I have every confidence we will regroup and come out strong for our next game against Abington.”
McGuckien received the ball in the box and held it, eventually absorbing enough contact to draw the whistle from the officials with a point to the penalty spot.
There was certainly a gamble having Dinh take the penalty kick. If she was off target or the shot was saved and it went back into play, she was out of goal on the other end of the field. All the senior did was make sure none of that mattered.
What PW did need from her after that was more of the work she’s been known for.
“Honestly, after the PK, Tennent turned up the pressure and we had to sell out defensively to close out the game. Dinh was as solid as ever in net as she continues to perform at a first-team all-league level,” DeLucia said. “Senior defender Brianna Reynolds was spectacular in defense, aided by the consistent play of Meghan Wendler and Katie Lukens.
“Those three have just had unbelievable seasons as, I believe, we’ve only given up six goals in 11 games. I demand mistake-free soccer from them because that’s how talented they are.”
PW (8-1-2, 7-1-2 SOL) visits Upper Moreland at 3:30 on Wednesday. William Tennent (20-2, 8-2) visits Abington at 7 pm on Wednesday.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0 1 – 1
WILLIAM TENNENT 0 0 – 0
Goals: PW – Caitlyn Dinh (PK)
Hatboro-Horsham 2, Upper Moreland 1
A strong final push from the Golden Bears tested the Hatters, but they were able to hold on and remain atop the SOL Liberty table.
“Going into the game I told my team that it was going to be a tough game from start to finish. From what I know about UM is they never give up and fight from start to finish,” Hatters coach Kelsey Daley said. “So I give them so much credit for scoring with three minutes left in the game and putting up a fight till the clock hit zero today.”
Upper Moreland dropped its second one-goal match of the week, but the Bears felt differently about Friday than they did following Wednesday’s loss to Quakertown.
“We put in some work yesterday, after losing to Quakertown, we knew that we needed to tighten a few things up heading into today’s match. Hatboro Horsham is a strong program. We knew we had to contain, and slow down HH’s attack,” UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. “We went into the half down one, and we were pretty pleased with our play. It was a competitive half, and we were able to get a few good looks at the goal.”
Sarah Boland netted the first half goal for the Hatters, putting a ball away 16 minutes in.
“I thought the times that we had the ball on the ground, and we connected passes that we were very dangerous all over the field,” Daley said. “Maddy Morino was a huge ball-winner for us today in the center midfield.”
HH carried that lead for 17 minutes into the second half until a foul put their ace over the ball.
“The second goal came from Emma Levin off another one of her beautiful free kicks about 25 yards out,” Daley said.
Levin scored her sixth goal in the last three matches for the Hatters.
The deficit only encouraged Upper Moreland to pursue the game even harder.
“At no time did our girls give up. We were able to string together a really nice passing sequence that involved our midfield, which then ended up with Kyra Favors hitting Brooke Lobban who found Willow Taylor for our goal,” Benvenuto said. “We continued to press forward, even though there were only six minutes left in the game determined to try to get an equalizer.
“With seconds left we received a free kick about 25 yards out, and Hatboro’s goalie was able to make the save.”
The Hatters were able to hold off Upper Moreland’s push thanks to their defensive unit’s standout play.
“Strong defensive play by the back four – Nat Tocci, Jordyn Harris, Cara Neeld and Madison Duggan who all played the full 80 minutes today,” Daley said. “Alyssa Tooley was also strong in net.”
UM has a quick turnaround before its next game, but the Bears head into next week off an effort they feel much stronger about.
“We had a solid 80-minute game today. Our defensive backs did a great job of clearing the ball and stepping into space. Our midfield showed well on both our offensive and defensive halves. Our forwards continued to press, and worked to get off some great shots,” Benvenuto said. “Gracie Costello had seven saves in the goal today. Midfielder Madeline Cox had a phenomenal game, although she doesn’t show on the stat sheet, her presence was definitely felt.
“Again, Hatboro is a very talented team and we played pretty evenly with them.”
Upper Moreland (5-6, 3-6 SOL) hosts Upper Dublin at 5:30 on Monday. Hatboro-Horsham (9-3, 9-1) visits Cheltenham at 3:30 on Wednesday.
HATBORO-HORSHAM 1 1 – 2
UPPER MORELAND 0 1 – 1
Goals: HH – Sarah Boland, Emma Levin; UM – Willow Taylor
Upper Dublin 3, New Hope-Solebury 0
The Cardinals wrapped up a 3-0 week with their third shutout in as many outings.
“Olivia Broome, Ally Stenstrom, and Abby O’ Meara were dominant at the center back position, helping goalkeeper Jordyn Levine and the UD defense to their third shutout of the week.” Cardinals coach John Topper said.
UD got off to a fast start, with Peyton Ward hitting a solo effort from outside the box in the third minute.
That was all the scoring in the match until the latter part of the second half.
“Mads McManus hit a screamer from 25 out that made the GK work and Abby O’Meara tucked home the rebound in the 63rd,” Topper said.
With the back line closing in on its third clean sheet of the week, the Cardinals added a little more insurance in the waning minutes.
“Meghan McGinly and Meghan McMeel controlled midfield play all afternoon, with McMeel getting the final goal in the 79th,” Topper said.
Upper Dublin (4-4-2, 3-4-2 SOL) visits Upper Moreland at 5:30 on Monday. New Hope-Solebury (1-9, 1-8) visits Quakertown at 3:30 on Wednesday.
UPPER DUBLIN 1 2 – 3
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0 0 – 0
Goals: UD – Peyton Ward, Abby O’Meara, Meghan McMeel
Abington 0, Springfield Twp 0
Despite being shorthanded on Friday, the Ghosts still made the Spartans work to pull a draw from their match.
“Both teams had corner kick opportunities, header opportunities, breakaways, and scrappy fights in the six, and I’d say shots and possession were fairly equal,” Spartans coach Marissa Conover said. “Abington is both strong and fast, so the game was controlled by them initially and I’m proud of my girls for matching their pace.”
It was a busy day for both goalkeepers with Abington’s Addison Hayden and Springfield’s Grace Dailey both having to come up big for their teams.
“Kaleigh Evans had a few amazing shots, the Abington goalie is very talented. Kalei Noonan had a few free kicks but Abington’s goalie was making some great saves,” Conover said. “Maddie McDevitt and Murphy McGranahan controlled the defense sidelines, with Fiona Rizzo and Sam McDevitt working the midfield wings to set up shots for Alana Decker and Evans.”
It wasn’t one-way traffic either, with the Spartans keeper putting in her share of efforts.
“There were for sure a few close calls for us, and Grace Dailey our goalie had a great game too,” Conover said.
Abington (7-2-1, 7-1-1) visits North Penn on Monday. Springfield Twp (6-2-3, 5-2-3) visits Wissahickon at 3:30 on Wednesday.
ABINGTON 0 0 0 0 – 0
SPRINGFIELD TWP 0 0 0 0 – 0
Wissahickon 0, Lower Moreland 0
A defensive battle saw the Lions and Trojans each walk away with a point on Friday.
“I thought my girls really worked hard to dominate the middle of the field today,” Lower Moreland coach Todd Hill said. “Wiss is good at executing on free kicks and corner kicks and our defensive group committed to not giving up any goals off of their set plays.
“Sandra Malave and Amelia Brown were very solid in the back for us.”
Wissahickon’s back line also turned in 100 strong minutes to match Lower Moreland.
“Lainey Werynski and Gillian Blight did a great job at outside back, they faced 1-v-1 numerous times and locked their attacking players,” Wiss coach Chris McDaniels said. Sophia Yeh won several important balls in the air to limit chances.”
The Lions also got another nice game from one of their underclassmen.
“Another player who has been really clutch for us this year is our freshman right back Agnes Kroll. She is so solid at stopping the attack and then is a strong threat in the counterattack,” Hill said. “Wiss’ defensive line made scoring really difficult for us, though we did create a number of opportunities but could not finish.”
Wissahickon (3-6-2, 3-5-2) hosts Springfield Twp at 3:30 on Wednesday. Lower Moreland (5-6-1, 3-6-1) visits Upper Dublin at 6 pm on Wednesday.
WISSAHICKON 0 0 0 0 – 0
LOWER MORELAND 0 0 0 0 – 0
Cheltenham @ Quakertown – Ppd
Quakertown visits Pennridge at 7pm on Monday. Cheltenham hosts Hatboro-Horsham at 3:30 on Wednesday.
SOL Colonial/Patriot
North Penn 3, Bensalem 0
The Knights knew they couldn’t let up until the final whistle on Friday.
“Wednesday (a 1-0 loss to CR South) was a tough contest, we felt like we played well and just came up short against a good team,” Knights coach Mike Rio said. “Today, we knew Bensalem was playing well so it would be another big challenge and we stressed playing with urgency and putting a full game together.
“Bensalem came out really strong and we were on our heels a little at the start but then got composed and were able to start to possess and control the game.”
North Penn withstood the early salvo from the Owls, then replied with a goal to take advantage.
Lily McGee played a ball across to Maddy Murphy, the junior forward and Buffalo recruit putting it away for the 1-0 edge.
“We took the one-goal lead into half and the main message was to not let up,” Rio said. “We knew they had a few games this season where they fought back from behind and didn’t want to let them back in the game.”
Early in the second half, a foul spotted North Penn a free kick about 45 yards out.
“Maddy Murphy stepped up and hit one of the better free kicks I’ve seen in high school soccer. From 45 out she put it in the top right corner in an unsaveable location,” Rio said. “It was really just a wonderful strike.”
With a two-goal lead and still looking for more, the Knights gave their reshuffled back line some room to work.
“Izzy Kee stepped into the center back role and did a fantastic job with the rest of the line, Gardenia Mikhail, Jadyn Sperling, and Emily Patkos,” Rio said. “In addition Sophia Zampirri and Bella Fiore did a great job stepping into the midfield for us for more minutes today and really won a ton of balls for us.”
North Penn has hit its stride during the crossover portion of the schedule, but there was still one thing missing from the Knights’ season resume.
“It was really great to get our first shutout of the season with so many players having an impact on the game,” Rio said. “We’ve been playing well and it was a great time to really put a full defensive and offensive performance together against a team that is dangerous and has been scoring some goals.
“Sam Ridler has also continued to play strong in goal and I’m glad she finally got her first shutout of the season because she has been so solid for us.”
McGee added a second assist to her tally for the day, taking a through ball by a defender and to the end line before hitting a cross to Paula Fernandez who was crashing far post for the third marker.
“I also thought Keira Sparango had a great game in the midfield,” Rio said. “She’s been really stepping up lately and although she doesn’t end up on the score sheet all the time, she’s been creating a lot of opportunities and has helped us as a teamwork the ball through the midfield.”
North Penn (4-5-1, 4-4-1 SOL) hosts Abington at 7 pm on Monday. Bensalem (5-6, 5-5) hosts Pennridge at 3:30 on Wednesday.
NORTH PENN 1 2 – 3
BENSALEM 0 0 – 0
Goals: Maddy Murphy 2, Paula Fernandez
Central Bucks East 5, Neshaminy 0
A quick start and a constant supply of pressure helped the Patriots claim a rematch of last year’s District 1 4A title game.
“Very proud of our group today. Going into the game we talked about starting strong and I thought our first 15 minutes were some of our best on the season,” East coach Jake Nesteruk said. “Kudos to Neshaminy. They made us work very hard for our goals and thought they pressed the ball really well against us and put us in difficult moments we had to work through.”
Mia Forney didn’t score, but the freshman still aided the cause plenty. Her cross led to Jessie Bernabe’s opening goal and her work in the box set up senior Sofia Mignon to twice demonstrate her steady approach from the penalty spot.
“Even though her name didn’t show up on the score sheet, Mia Forney was a constant threat and drew our two PKs,” Nesteruk said.
East led 2-0 at half on Bernabe’s marker and Mignon’s first penalty kick. After Mignon converted from the spot again early in the second half, East added on two more goals.
Grace Craig had a role in both, hitting a cross to Liv Curry to make it a 4-0 game, then the fullback put one away herself off a cross by Bernabe.
“We talk a lot about how you get to a certain point in the season, you need good games from everywhere and our girls did just that,” Nesteruk said. “Katie Bullard in the back was so locked in today and had one of her best in an East jersey.”
CB East (8-2-1, 6-2-1 SOL) visits Souderton at 3:30 on Monday. Neshaminy (4-5-1, 4-5-1) hosts CB West at 7 on Wednesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 2 3 – 5
NESHAMINY 0 0 – 0
Goals: Sofia Mignon 2, Jessie Bernabe, Liv Curry, Grace Craig
Central Bucks West 5, Pennsbury 0
The Bucks spread out five goals between four players in Friday’s win.
Eva Wierzbowski netted a brace to pace West, which also got tallies from Kate Weyer, Alexis Castro and Anna McGrath.
“Janelle Blokker and Cece Funseth were great in the back and Rian Detweiler brought great energy,” West coach Bree Benedict said. “I felt like we really possessed the ball and switched the point of attack well.”
Pennsbury hosts Council Rock South at 4 on Monday. CB West visits Neshaminy at 7 on Wednesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST – 5
PENNSBURY – 0
Pennridge 6, Council Rock South 0
The flame emojis kept popping up alongside Sophie Craig’s photo on the Rams’ team Instagram account Friday.
Given the day the senior midfielder had, the flames were warranted. Craig’s corner kicks were a force on Friday as she scored a goal and helped out on four others.
“She has been working on her corners for the past two weeks,” Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. “She’s been working on being more consistent with where she plays the ball, she did exactly that today.
“She was incredible, I’m so happy for her.”
Craig’s corners led to assists on both goals by Addy Mills and Tori Angelo’s match-winner. She also played in the ball that Anna Croyle turned into an assist on Gabriella Howley’s marker that made it 2-0.
Craig also scored, making it 3-0.
“Aside from her corners, her play on the field was great. She covered a lot of space in the midfield and was great at breaking down the passes from CR South in the midfield,” Anderson said. “She’s a great player and a great leader for this team.”
Junior forward Caitlyn Peace capped the scoring in the second half.
Anderson also cited the play of her defensive unit.
“Anna Croyle, Hannah Primwhere, Gabby Herrman, and Meredith Blannett were great today,” Anderson said. “Anna was great in the air and composed under pressure. Gabby and Meredith did a great job getting forward and giving us good width.”
Pennridge (10-0-1, 9-0-1 SOL) hosts Quakertown at 7pm on Monday. CR South (5-4-1, 4-4-1) visits Pennsbury at 4 on Monday.
PENNRIDGE 4 2 – 6
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Addy Mills 2, Sophie Craig, Tori Angleo, Caitlyn Peace, Gabriella Howley
Council Rock North 1, Souderton 0
Souderton put together one of its stronger performances of the season, but came up short of a win on Friday.
“We started the game really strong today and did a good job of setting the tone and winning balls in the midfield. Early in the first half we were finding space in the channels between defenders and were able to use the width and create some opportunities,” Souderton coach Ian Smith said. “Lily Heron got in behind a few times but wasn’t able to get anything on net. She finally found some space on the right wing and hit a nice cross into Sienna Stunkard who hit a nice one-time shot that was saved well by Council Rock’s keeper.”
Despite their overall record, Souderton had the full attention of CR North.
“Our league and crossover games are very unpredictable in terms of outcomes and Souderton’s record doesn’t reflect their challenge,” North coach Gavin Flannigan said. “They are well organized and hard to break down.”
At the half, Souderton re-focused on finding the spaces between the lines and was able to generate some looks again, only to be shut down by a determined Council Rock North group.
“Hannah Beckett slipped a nice ball through to Sienna for a good chance, but it was saved well again by the keeper. Jules Purvy was able to create an opportunity for herself on the opposite wing a few minutes later. She was able to round the keeper and cut it on net, but a Council Rock defender made a last-ditch effort to put her off and did just enough to force her shot wide.”
CR North also felt it had some good opportunities but lacked the final pass to break through the defense. At the break, the team discussed being more prudent in its possession and playing off that.
Midway through the second half, the deadlock was finally broken.
“Eventually our pressure paid off. Lexi Fischer was able to fire a ball from just outside the box on a clearance to score the game winner,” Flannigan said.
Having a goal scored against them off a blocked clearance was a cruel twist for a Souderton defense that had otherwise put together a strong showing.
“Other than that, I thought Avery Carroll, Jules DeCaro, Hailey Rohr, and Paige Geiger did a great job of keeping things organized at the back,” Smith said. “Paige had another outstanding game on both sides of the ball.
“We made a push at the end of the game, but just couldn’t find a finishing touch to get a result.”
CR North has played a lot of minutes over the past few weeks, so Friday was a good opportunity for some of the team’s younger players to provide a spark.
“We’ve had a long couple of weeks, and we’ve been unlucky with some injuries, over the last few games our depth has been tested in different ways. On Wednesday we had girls work really hard defensively to try and stop Pennridge, today we had some younger attacking players who really gave us a burst after halftime to help us win,” Flannigan said. “Isabel Diaz, Keagen Terry & Isabella Lanza are all freshmen who made big contributions today in earning a victory.”
CR North (6-3-2, 5-3-2 SOL) visits Central Bucks East at 7 pm on Monday. Souderton (2-8, 1-8) hosts CB East at 3:30 on Monday.
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 1 – 1
SOUDERTON 0 0 – 0
Goals: CRN – Lexi Fischer
Central Bucks South 9, Harry S Truman 0
The Titans got two goals each from Abbie Bass and Kelly Donnelly, plus markers from Tessa Hughes, Riley Karpinski, Lily Black and Monika Daly. An own goal completed the scoring.
Truman hosts MaST Charter at 3:30 on Monday. CB South visits Neshaminy at 4 on Wednesday.
Thursday, Sept. 28
Lower Moreland 5, Cheltenham 0
The Lions turned in a team effort in Thursday’s win over the Lady Panthers, receiving contributions up and down their lineup.
“Everyone on the team contributed,” LM coach Todd Hill said. “I felt like the girls worked hard today to play a sharp game, and it paid off.
“Cheltenham’s goalie played a really strong game, making us really have to work hard for each of our goals.”
Kenna Rozanski’s hat trick led the Lions.
“Kenna Rozanski dominates the middle in many games; however, she has a really good shot, but she doesn’t look for it often enough,” Hill said. “Today was an exception, and she netted a hat trick.
In addition, freshman Shannon Mahon scored twice. Freshman Quinn Rozanski had a pair of assists and Morgan Pennisisi chipped in one helper.
Despite the outcome, Cheltenham coach Leah Matusow was pleased with her team’s effort.
“The scoreboard doesn’t show it, but I thought we did more of the little things well today, and that is important for us moving forward,” the Lady Panthers’ coach said.
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