Check out the recaps for SOL boys’ soccer teams in action Monday. (Photos provided courtesy of Danielle Hendrickson/UM soccer.)
Non-league
BENSALEM 3, CHELTENHAM 2
The Owls staged an impressive comeback, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the visiting Panthers.
After Emile Chanoine and Patrick Mudahemuka scored for the Panthers, Jordan Posten turned a pass from Aiden Price into a goal that made it a 2-1 game at halftime.
In the second half, Frank Bediako connected on the equalizer, and then it was Chase Esposito scoring the game-winner.
Scoring summary
First half
Emile Chanoine (C)
Patrick Mudahemuka (C)
Jordan Posten (B) assisted by Aiden Price
Second half
Frank Bediako (B) assisted by Jordan Posten
Chase Esposito (B) assisted by Brandon Bock
Bensalem coach Kevin Bock:
--On the game: “We came out with some positive momentum in the first half but just couldn't find the back of the net. Cheltenham was eventually able to put two in to take a 2-0 lead about 30 minutes into the first half. Our energy level seemed to fall off after their second goal, so we subbed out almost our entire lineup. The bench provided a huge energy boost as they were able to get a goal back before the half (Posten from Price).
“Our energy level was significantly better in the second half, and we controlled much of the play during the half. We tied the score up about 12 minutes into the second half when Posten sent a ball in to Bediako who had a nice volley over the keeper. We scored again about 12 minutes later when Brandon Bock slotted a ball through to Chase Esposito who finished nicely into the far corner. The defense held strong through the rest of the half.”
--Props: “Enew Garcia did a tremendous job controlling the back line and anchoring our defense today.”
Cheltenham coach Danny Shields:
--On the game: “(We) started the game brightly, jumping out to a 2–0 advantage with confident play and solid defending. The defense looked organized, while goalkeeper Wolff Brown made key early stops to keep Bensalem at bay. However, a lack of discipline and effort in the midfield and forward line began to show as the half wore on. Just before halftime, Cheltenham conceded an unfortunate own goal that shifted the momentum and sent the teams into the break with the score at 2–1.
“The second half saw Cheltenham holding strong defensively, but once again disaster struck when another own goal brought Bensalem level at 2–2. Bensalem capitalized further when a clever chip over the back line allowed a forward to run on and finish coolly into the bottom left corner, leaving keeper Wolff Brown with no chance and sealing a 3–2 comeback win.”
--Props: “Despite the result, several Cheltenham players stood out. Center-back Emile Chanoine was a rock on defense, consistently breaking up plays and providing a calming presence at the back. Goalkeeper Wolff Brown delivered another outstanding performance, pulling off a series of acrobatic, almost physics-defying saves to keep Cheltenham in the contest. In midfield, Aldin Sabljic worked tirelessly to win possession and push the team forward.
“Cheltenham supporters also played their part, providing plenty of encouragement from the sidelines and urging the team on until the final whistle.
“(We) were disappointed not to have taken all three points after their early lead, but the match showed both resilience in defense and standout individual performances that will be key as the season continues.”
Up next: Bensalem (1-1) will host Council Rock North in Thursday’s SOL opener, and Cheltenham (1-1) will host Lower Moreland in Thursday’s SOL opener.
Cheltenham 2-0 2
Bensalem 0-3 3
SPRINGFIELD TWP 3, UPPER DUBLIN 1
Harry Bates and Adam DiBattista both had a hand in a pair of goals, leading the Spartans to a win in their non-league opener.
Bates connected on a penalty kick five minutes into the game after the Cards were whistled for a hand ball. The Spartans – who lost seven starters from last year’s SOL Freedom Division championship squad - took that 1-0 lead into halftime.
Bates added a goal in the second half, this one with an assist from DiBattista, and DiBattista’s unassisted goal put the Cards on top 3-0 before Leon Kuznits found the net for the 3-1 final.
Scoring summary
First half
Harry Bates (S)
Second half
Harry Bates (S) assisted by Adam DiBattista
Adam DiBattista (S)
Leo Kuznits (UD)
Springfield Twp coach Dan Meder: “With all the varsity starters we lost from last year, I was really happy – although we’re still working on it - with the chemistry so far and with the pace and intensity of the guys that filled in.”
--Props: “I thought Adam was the player of the game. He had a goal and an assist. We moved him around, and everywhere he went, he looked great. He did a great job filling in.
“Roman Corcoran, who’s a midfielder, was outstanding, and the defense was really good – the whole group of them. They’re led by Brendan Noonan, Will McLaughlin, Daniel Caruso and Pat Schugsta. It was a good team win. Everyone played really well.”
Up next: Springfield Twp (1-0) will host Wissahickon in a non-league game Wednesday, and Upper Dublin (0-2) will host Wissahickon in Thursday’s SOL opener.
Upper Dublin 0-1 1
Springfield Twp 1-2 3
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 2, WILLIAM PENN CHARTER 0
The Indians - despite the absence of a key starter - turned in a strong showing in Monday’s non-league win. Matt Brozyna and David Morais accounted for the Indians’ goals, scoring one in each half.
“We were without our starting center back because of a red card that should not have been called,” Rock North assistant coach Brian Hoffman said. “That being said, we obviously had to change our starting lineup because the young man that went out was our captain and one of our best players.
“Ben Pucaro played in Darek Miller’s spot and had a great game as marking back. Andrew French, who paired with Ben, had an outstanding game. He has played really well for us throughout the scrimmages and throughout the last game when we were a man down.
Scoring summary
First half
Matt Broyzna (CRN) assisted by Logan Adams 38th minute
Second half
David Morais (CRN) 46th minute
Council Rock North assistant Brian Hoffman:
--On the game: “We scored what I will say are not the most beautiful goals that have ever occurred in the game of soccer. The first goal was technically scored by Matt Broznya. It really was a shot by Logan Adams, but it deflected off Matt and went into the net. The connection between Logan and Matt Broznya and Will Loudan on the opposite side and David Morais was cutting through the defense of Penn Charter. It was almost like it was just a matter of time. In fact, Matt had taken a shot, a defender or goaltender parried it away, and it came to Logan. I think Matt was just trying to get out of the way like it was dodgeball, but it resulted in a ball that popped over top of the goaltender as the goaltender dove on the initial shot. It was perfect – it hit the heel of Matt and like a bloop single over the shortstop – it went up over the goaltender in the back of the net.
“Multiple times, whether it was our backups or our starters, we were really putting pressure on their back line, and they created turnovers multiple times. One of those times, the ball got pinged around Penn Charter’s box and Dave Morais was the last one to touch it. He had a hit, and the goalkeeper parried it right into the face of one of his defenders, who knocked it into the goal. While it went as an own goal, Morais would be the one credited with that goal because he was the last one to touch it for our team
“I felt like the guys came out kind of flat. I think losing your captain is kind of hard psychologically, and for them to right the ship – we controlled play so well and made so many smart decisions. It was really a relief to see the maturity of a team that’s very young.”
--Props: “Logan Adams, Matt Brozyna and the tandem of our defensive mids, Andrew Foulke and James Murphy, played well.”
Up next: Council Rock North (1-1) will travel to Bensalem for Thursday’s SOL opener.
Penn Charter 0-0 0
Council Rock North 1-1 2
NESHAMINY 2, SOUTHERN LEHIGH 1
The Redskins bounced back from a disappointing loss Saturday to defeat visiting Southern Lehigh. Damien Castro was credited with the game-winner, scoring with 15 minutes remaining after Southern Lehigh rallied to knot the score midway through the second period.
Connor Chui’s goal midway through the first half sent the Redskins into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
Scoring summary
First half
Connor Choi (N) from Ryan McMillan 20th minute
Second half
Southern Lehigh goal, 60th minute
Damien Castro (N) assisted by Brady Collins 65th minute
Neshaminy coach Tom Foley:
--On the game: “Honestly, it should never have been a 2-1 game. We probably had the ball 80 percent of the game, but we kind of gift-wrapped a goal for them. We had a lot of possession in the first half – I don’t think they registered a shot on our goal in the first half.
“We had a couple of nice shots. It was one of those things where it just broke down on the last pass when it got to the penalty area. I thought we moved the ball really, really well. We gave up our bodies really well to win balls. That was a great change from Saturday when we were kind of lethargic and weren’t willing to get stuck in, so that was a great improvement.
“Even in the second half, we still controlled most of the game. We had a couple of good shots, their goalkeeper made some good saves. They got that goal, and we wilted for a minute or two, and then we got our act together again. We started moving the ball and possessing it and broke through and got that goal.
“We have to learn a lesson – when you get up on a team and are kind of dominating a team, you have to take care of your chances. We saw today – one mistake, and you’re in a tie ballgame, and anything from there can happen, but overall, it was a huge improvement from Saturday. I thought our guys really responded to the challenge to get back on the winning side. It was a good win for them.”
--The goals: “Connor Choi scored from a pass from Ryan MacMullan. Ryan slipped him a 30-yard pass through, and Connor is as fast as anything, and he got on the end of it. He went in on the goalie and tucked it in.
“They scored halfway through the second half. We had kind of a breakdown. Their goalie punted it, and we let it bounce. We kind of fumbled around and lost control of the ball, and to their credit, they buried the chance.
“We scored our second goal with 15 minutes to go. Christos Vasilarikos slotted a pass to Brody Collins. The goalie made a really nice save on him, and Damien Castro was there to pick up the rebound.”
--Props: “Brody Collins did a great job. He kind of quarterbacked us really well today, got us in motion, and that got our full flow going.
“Connor Choi was our man of the match today. He did a really nice job coming of the bench, getting the goal obviously and using his speed - getting to the end line and serving balls across.
“Ryan MacMullen had a really nice game for his second straight game.”
Up next: Neshaminy (1-1) will travel to Council Rock South for Thursday’s opener.
Southern Lehigh 0-1 1
Neshaminy 1-1 2
UPPER MORELAND 4, HARRY S TRUMAN 0
Luca Rohn and Max Hubbard both scored twice to lead the Golden Bears’ attack, and the defense also played a starring role in the win.
“Keeper Jakob Snyder, along with the back line of Townsend, Hitchins, Hood and Wood preserved the shutout,” UM coach Dave Darnesto said.
Up next: Upper Moreland (2-0) will travel to William Tennent for Thursday’s SOL opener.
WISSACHICKON 2, WILLIAM TENNENT 2 (2 OT)
After a scoreless first half, both teams scored a pair in the second. Two overtimes could not determine a winner.
The teams spent the second half exchanging goals. Lex Agou scored to put the Trojans on top 17 minutes into the half only to see Tennent even the score six minutes later on a goal by Vince Kurz.
With five minutes remaining in regulation Morgan Papa found the net to give the Trojans a 2-1 lead. Five seconds separated the Trojans from the win when Josh Laskowski scored with an assist from Leon Lembersky. Neither team could find the net in overtime.
Scoring summary
First half
No score
Second half
Lex Agou (W) 57th minute
Vince Kurz (WT) 63rd minute
Morgan Papa (W) 75th minute
Josh Laskowski (WT) assisted by Leon Lembersky 80th minute
Up next: Wissahickon (1-0-1) will travel to Springfield Twp for a non-league game Wednesday, and William Tennent (1-0-1) will host Upper Moreland in Thursday’s SOL opener.
William Tennent 0-2-0-0 2
Wissahickon 0-2-0-0 2
SPRING-FORD 2, CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 1
The Rams took a 2-0 lead into halftime. A goal by Aidan Pasternak with an assist from Dustin Weber 10 minutes into the second half cut that lead in half, but that’s as close as the Patriots would get.
“It was a competitive game all around, and we had our opportunities to finish and didn’t convert,” East coach Josh Isaacsohn said. “Credit to Spring-Ford for utilizing their long throw and dangerous corners to score a couple well run set piece goals.
“Although not what we wanted, there were a lot of positives to pull before we enter league play on Thursday.”
Up next: Central Bucks East (0-1) will host Central Bucks South in Thursday’s SOL opener.
Central Bucks East 0-1 1
Spring-Ford 2-0 2
LOWER MORELAND 2, FRANKLIN TOWNE CHARTER 1
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