Check out all of Tuesday’s SOL opening round District One AAA Tournament soccer action. To view photos of the CB East and Pennsbury boys’ and girls’ games, please visit the Photo Gallery.
GIRLS’ PLAYOFFS
#20 Council Rock South 2, #13 Hatboro-Horsham 1
Golden Hawks Defeat Lady Hatters – By Ben Winderman
For two first-year varsity coaches, Tuesday night was an opportunity to compete for the prize of playing again. Unfortunately for one coach and her team, the season would end.
Kimmy Francis of CR South and Kate Lamplugh of Hatboro-Horsham prepared their teams well. Players in both jerseys left their all on the pitch, and thanks to an impressive defensive effort, strong goalkeeping, and the two-goal performance by sophomore Nicole Caffey, it was the Golden Hawks who advanced to second round.
For coach Francis and CR South, it’s practice on Wednesday with a squad that she says has been “underestimated.” For Lamplugh and the Hatters, it’s frustration and a bit of sadness but also great pride in a team that created many highlights all its own.
The match actually began with the Hatters dominating possession and creating the game’s first clear chance. In the eighth minute, midfielder Sydney McNutt played a ball behind the Hawks’ defense that forward Tory Adlam ran onto. South’s sophomore goalkeeper Allison Taub came out well and forced Adlam to miss just wide to the right.
“She’s been the starter since the second time through our league,” Francis said of Taub. “She’s made us better.”
The Hatters pressured Taub more with opportunities from Lauren Brophy and Ramsey McMenemin, but it was the Golden Hawks who would score first. Caught on a counter attack after a corner kick, South’s Paige McDowell played a perfectly timed ball to Caffey, who beat keeper Brianna Cummins from point blank range. It looked as if the Hawks would take the lead into halftime, especially after Adlam hit the post in the 37th minute, but thanks to a Brophy goal, assisted by Mikaela Malofiy, with 20 seconds remaining, the score at the break was locked at 1-1.
“We felt good at halftime,” said Lamplugh. “We were creating chances and applying pressure, but we give South a lot of credit. They adjusted well and limited our opportunities in the second half.”
As the Golden Hawks’ defense was stiffening, Caffey broke through again in the 48th minute and gave CR South a lead that it would never relinquish. Anchored by Amanda Nicholas, Alyssa Palio, and Gabrielle Rosenfeld, Council Rock South’s defense got stingier as the game progressed and never gave Hatters sensation Mary Kate Bateman a clean look at net. In the 69th minute, Rosenfeld sacrificed her own safety to make a tackle in her box that thwarted a Bateman surge.
These players treated the fans in attendance to an exciting and well-fought contest. No doubt these programs will face each other again. For now, the Golden Hawks prepare to clash with the defending state finalist Pennridge Rams, whose last loss came at the feet of these Lady Hatters.
#10 Pennsbury 2, #23 Downingtown East 0
The Falcons advanced to Thursday’s second round after shutting out the Cougars.
Courtney Bennett was the first to find the net in the 17th minute. Lexi Brown then registered the helper on an Uche Onuoha goal in the 33rd minute to increase the lead to 2-0. Goalkeeper Sarah McDonald kept the Cougars off the scoreboard, turning away four shots.
Bennett has been a huge factor on attack in October for the Falcons, an especially fact interesting considering she was one of their starting keepers for most of September. But after injury her shoulder on a penalty kick, Bennett was converted to a field player coach Kaitlyn Battiste.
“She has taken her knowledge and leadership to the field,” the Falcons’ coach said.
Lexi Brown also has been outstanding for the Falcons, contributing to many of the team’s goals and assists.
“Brown controlled the pace of the game,” Battiste said.
Battiste went on to recognize midfielders Megan Engeland, Alexa Moors, and Cassidy Rudd for their solid play. Pennsbury will travel to Boyertown on Thursday.
#19 Central Bucks South 1, #14 Bishop Shanahan 1 (4-3 PK’s)
The Titans upset the 14th seeded Eagles in Tuesday’s district opener. The Eagles were the first to get on the board when a free kick ricocheted off the crossbar and Katie Greene connected off the rebound. The Titans went into the half staring at a 1-0 deficit, and South coach Joe Bocklet, although pleased with his team’s play, asked his players to make some minor adjustments.
The adjustments paid immediate dividends when Kelsey Mariner found Nikki Weiss, who dribbled through the defense and scored the equalizer. Although the Titans had some chances and a few long-range shot opportunities, they were unable to score again, and the two teams found themselves staring at overtime.
Bocklet credited his keeper Morgan Campbell for preventing the Eagles from scoring again and keeping the Titans in the game.
After 30 grueling minutes of scoreless overtime, the stage was set for penalty kicks. Bocklet brought in back-up keeper Emily Polcino, who was fresh and rested for the PK’s, It proved to be a successful strategy.
Both teams connected on their first two shots, but the Eagles missed their third while the Titans made theirs, giving South some momentum. On the fourth kick, the Eagles tied it up 3-3. Bishop Shanahan stepped up to the plate for their last chance, only to watch it sail off the crossbar. Margo Fox knew it was all up to her, and she buried South’s fifth and final kick to win the game.
The Titans will face third-seeded Owen J. Roberts on Thursday.
“Seeds don’t bother me,” Bocklet said. “We are prepared to play anybody. Our girls don’t quit.”
The Titans have some extra motivation as Owen J. Roberts knocked them out of districts last year after winning in overtime.
“I have a lot of faith we’ll get it done,” said Bocklet.
#7 Boyertown 2, #26 Quakertown 0
The Bears post their 16th straight shutout to finish off the Panthers in the first round of district play on Tuesday. Robyn Piveateau scored late in the first half and again early in the second half to lead Boyertown to a 2-0 victory. Megan Diehl and Marie Valenti had assists on the goals.
Quakertown generated numerous chances early on, but the Panthers unable to crack the seal on the net. Emily Galluppi and Shelly Cowan led a spirited Quakertown effort, and keeper Erinne Finlayson stopped six shots. Boyertown faces Pennsbury in the next round on Thursday.
#8 Central Bucks East 5, #25 Mount St. Joseph 0
The eighth-seeded Patriots topped the Magic in first round play Tuesday night. Mariah Lichter scored a pair in the first half, and Abby Emmert added a goal to send the Patriots into the half with a 3-0 lead. Lichter found the net again eight minutes into the second half, and Danielle DeMichael closed out the scoring, registering a pair of goals. Lichter, Taylor Mysza, Nicole Pannella, Shaun Kane and Courtney Pfass all were credited with assists in the shutout. The Patriots will host ninth-seeded West Chester Rustin on Thursday.
#21 Central Bucks West 4, #12 WC Henderson 1
The Bucks took down the Warriors at Schramm Field on Tuesday night as postseason play began in District One. The Bucks took an early lead in the fourth minute when Erica Moyer passed it down the line to Kelsey Horst, who set up Shae McCarty to open the scoring. Fifteen minutes later, Erin McQuate placed a corner kick to Horst, who fed the ball to McCarty for her second goal of the night. McCarty made it a true hat trick before the first half ended, this time using a Kalin Ojert assist.
Midway through the second half, McQuate scored off a Sophie McKnight throw-in to Horst to close out the scoring. The Warriors scored a late goal with seven minutes remaining to prevent the shutout. Keeper Grace Bendon had some key saves in goal, especially in the first half, and totaled 10 saves for the evening.
Coach Chris Fruedig applauded the efforts of defenders Lauren Schofield, Emily Grove, Gwen Harvey and Ojert, who were successful in limiting the Warriors’ chances.
The Bucks are no strangers to their second round opponent, fifth-seeded Conestoga. The Pioneers defeated the Bucks two years ago in the state playoffs.
“They are very good,” Fruedig said. “We are going to have to work hard, but playing in the league prepares us for teams like Conestoga.”
#11 Spring-Ford 3, #22 Council Rock North 1
#16 Unionville 3, #17 Wissahickon 0
#9 WC Rustin 3, #24 William Tennent 1
Other scores:
#6 Downingtown West 4, #27 Methacton 0
BOYS’ PLAYOFFS
#10 Lower Merion 2, #23 Central Bucks West 1
Lower Merion Edges CB West – By Ben Winderman
Late October, District 1 playoff soccer even at 3 PM the atmosphere is charged. This is a rematch; Central Bucks West scored late to beat Lower Merion in a nonleague match Sept. 22, but that was on War Memorial Field. This time it would be the 10th-seeded Aces that claimed a second half triumph as they downed the Bucks 2-1 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
“That’s how soccer is sometimes,” said Lower Merion coach Nicholas Severini. “Two good teams going 110 percent; I’m ecstatic, that’s a great team (CB West), very well coached. Trevor took a shot,” Severini continued, “we got a break, and we got a win.”
Deep in the second half, LM’s Trevor Yu won a head ball at midfield, attacked the space in front of him, and fired a far post seed at Bucks goalkeeper Red Brown. The ball deflected off a West defender and spun into the near side. That’s how soccer is.
CB West coach Steve Detweiller praised his team for their resiliency. “I’m so proud of them,” he smiled.
The Bucks burst out of the gate fast this season and celebrated their first win over CB East in seven years, but they were slowed by a series of injuries, which could have deflated a lesser team. In the end, it was a deflection, a classy salute to their opponents, and a coaching staff’s appreciation for a group of kids who left it all on the turf.
It was actually the Bucks who struck first. Off a long throw in the 31st minute, Kyle Schechter skimmed the ball to Cameron Dukes, who neatly flicked it past LM goalkeeper Connor Yu.
“I’m happy for Cam that he got that goal,” said Detweiler.
The lead however was short-lived as Lower Merion took advantage of its own big throw in the 37th minute, as Eli Cohen deposited the tying goal. With both teams struggling to create opportunities, defenders on both sides of the ball asserted their authority.
For the Aces, David Baer won numerous head balls in the back, and Daniel Buckman matched up tough on West playmaker Joel Klapper. For West, Steve Cornwell patrolled their defensive third and thwarted several buildups in the making. Lower Merion’s striker Matthew Lindheim began to make his mark on the match but it was Trevor Yu, in the 66th minute, who would strike for victory.
Armed with a lead, the Aces, who will face North Penn Thursday, deflated the game effectively, and aside from a Conrad Uffer head ball that sailed over the bar, the Bucks couldn’t generate any serious chances.
“We couldn’t link play in the final third,” explained Detweiller. “We got too dependent on set pieces.”
The final whistle brought joy to the home side, and disappointment to their guests.
“I’m ecstatic!” smiled Severini. “All season we have taken one game at a time.”
Next up for the Aces is a trip to Lansdale to face Paul Duddy’s Knights. Anticipate another noble battle against a potent Continental Division foe.
#9 Wissahickon 1, #24 Springfield (Delco) 0
The Trojans rallied past the Cougars in their first-round playoff game. With ten minutes left in the first half, Shane Fallen got to the end line and served a perfect cross to Pat Magdalinski who was able to head the ball past the keeper in what would end up being the game-winner.
Coach Stuart Malcolm is happy his young team has made it this far and now has a post-season win under its’ belt. “We’ll just keep trying all the way ‘til the end,” which is Malcolm’s game plan for the second-round.
“We didn’t play up to our potential, we can play better. We need to tidy a few things up before the next round”
The American League Champion Trojans will travel to Central Bucks East on Thursday.
#15 Pennsbury 2, #18 Upper Darby 1 (OT)
The Falcons upped their winning streak to six after defeating the Royals on Tuesday. The Royals came out aggressive and got on the board first. However, the Falcons found their rhythm after keeper Spencer McCullough settled his team down by making some key saves in the first half. The Falcons controlled the play late in the second half after Sam Uprichard (Colin Walder assist) tied the game, giving his team some momentum. The Falcons continued to control play in the second half and generated some scoring opportunities, but they suffered a few setbacks, including having a goal called back for an offsides foul.
Neither team was able to find the net again in regulation, sending the game into overtime. Ten minutes into the OT, Sam Uprichard volleyed the ball on goal, allowing Alex Tennant to finish the shot and score the game winner.
“It was a hard-fought win,” coach Tom Stoddart said. “We definitely had to expend a lot of energy. We are going to have to try to get ourselves calmed down and get ready for a big test against Great Valley.”
The Falcons will visit the second-seeded Patriots on Thursday.
#11 Council Rock South 4, #22 WC Henderson 0
The Golden Hawks sailed through the first round with a convincing win over the Warriors. Julian Antal scored a pair for the Hawks while Dan Kockett and Robert Zimmerman each added single goals. Chris Spadaro and Sean Witteman were both credited with an assist. The eleventh-seeded Hawks will visit Neshaminy on Thursday in a rematch of National Conference rivals. In the regular season meetings, Council Rock South won 2-0 on Sept. 19 and tied the Redskins 0-0 on Oct. 11.
#17 Spring-Ford 2, #16 Upper Dublin 1
The Rams took a 1-0 lead into halftime but upped that lead to 2-0 with a goal two minutes into the second half. Brian Schaefer converted a penalty kick in the 52nd minute to make it a 2-1 game, but the Flying Cardinals, who had their chances, would get no closer. Spring-Ford keeper was credited with 13 saves while Upper Dublin’s Scott Wexler had two saves.
#8 Central Bucks East 3, #25 Avon Grove 0
Freshman Evan Vare put the Patriots on the scoreboard with six minutes remaining in the first half, turning a Ben Marks pass into a goal.
“He made a great run through the box and had a nice light header from inside the six,” coach Mike Gorni said.
The Patriots took that 1-0 lead into the intermission and wasted little time adding to it in the second half. Four minutes into the half, Kyle Clow assisted on a Ben Marks goal that put the Patriots on top 2-0, and after the Red Devils were whistled for a hand ball in the box two minutes later, Marks converted the penalty kick for a 3-0 lead that held until the final whistle.
“We got a little bit sloppy, and they got two great shots on goal,” Gorni said. “Jacob (Nederostek) made two terrific saves, and it 3-0 against a very good Avon Grove team.
“A lot of people here didn’t really understand because they’re so far away on the Delaware border, but this team we played tonight lost in double overtime to #1 (seed) West Chester Rustin just last week, and the week before, they lost a very close game on a penalty kick (3-2) in the last five minutes, so we knew that they were going to be good. I think we played the best game we played all season.
“We defended very well, we were able to link up through the midfield, and we good pressure from our forwards, and all that added up to a very good overall performance.”
The Patriots will host ninth-seeded Wissahickon in Thursday’s second round.
#13 Souderton 2 , #20 Radnor 1 (OT)
Coach Tom Quintois knew Radnor was a whole lot better than its 20th seed suggested.
“When we saw the matchup, we knew that was a tough game for us,” the Indians’ coach said. “It’s a first round game against a battle-tested team, similar to us. That’s a storied program.
“When you play against teams with that kind of pedigree, that’s the kind of game you’ve got. They’re well coached. That team can beat anybody.”
The Indians displayed poise under pressure in Tuesday’s district opener, maintaining their composure when the Red Raiders took a 1-0 lead after a goal by Peter Donato in the 30th minute. Radnor took that lead into halftime.
“We got down a goal, and at halftime, we were really, really poised and under control,” Quintois said. “The kids are mature kids. They have been through this before.
“They stuck with it. We didn’t change anything, we didn’t panic. We just showed a lot of poise.”
Six minutes into the second half, Wilson Gonzalez scored the equalizer.
“Wilson’s goal was a fantastic goal,” Quintois said. “He received it, took a guy on and just buried it.”
“It changed the momentum a little bit at the time, and it really relaxed us. I thought we played very, very well after that.”
Neither team scored again until Ryan Molyneaux connected for the game winner in the 93rd minute.
“The ball was served into the box and mishandled, and Ryan collected the rebound and banged it home from the six-yard line,” Quintois said. “It’s a big win, a huge night, and we’re happy.”
The Indians’ coach acknowledged the individual performances of several players.
“Wilson Gonzalez was our best player all night long,” Quintois said. “We played him up top, and he was dangerous all night.
“Chad Ziegler, our sophomore defender, was fantastic. He was all over the place, and he needed to be.”
The Indians will face fourth-seeded Conestoga in Thursday’s second round.
#7 North Penn 2, #26 Strath Haven 1 (2 OT)
The Knights earned themselves another home game, thanks to Tuesday’s overtime win. The Panthers got on the scoreboard first when they connected off a direct kick midway through the first half. Twelve minutes into the second half, Alex Evans ran the ball for 40 yards down the middle of the field and placed a perfect pass in the path of teammate Matt Robinson who tied the game 1-1.
Robinson’s goal was followed by 55 scoreless minutes as regulation ended and the first overtime passed by with neither team finding the net. With 4:47 left in the second overtime, Shawn Gorman put a ball through to Robinson on the left flank. Robinson somehow managed to get a shot off despite his bad angle, burying the game winner near the bottom post.
“The first half was even,” North Penn coach Paul Duddy said. “They are a very good team.”
The Knights will host 10th seeded Lower Merion on Thursday night.
“They are another great Central League team and previous state champions,” said Duddy of the 2010 state champs. “We’ll have to prepare at practice.”
#19 Abington 2, #14 Harriton 1
The Ghosts kicked off the district tournament with a win over the 14th-seeded Rams. The play was back and forth in the first half, and the two teams went into the half deadlocked 0-0. A few minutes into the second half, Justin Aoyama scored to give the Rams a 1-0 lead. Within five minutes, the Ghosts answered back when Ben Krugar sent in a well-placed throw-in to Chris Tracey, who headed the ball into the net to tie the game. With 18 minutes remaining in regulation, Harry Horn cruised down the left flank and served the ball across the middle to Kyle Rocks, setting him up to volley the game winner into the back of the net. The Ghosts picked up the pace after they had the lead and controlled the Rams until the end of the game.
“Both teams matched up evenly,” coach Randy Garber said. “Each applied a lot of pressure on both defenses.”
The Ghosts will face third-seeded Central Bucks South on Thursday.
“They’re obviously a good team, and they’re in tough league,” said Garber. “We are the underdogs, but we’re big and strong, and we’ll hang with them and figure a game plan to frustrate them and play good defense.”
Garber is thrilled his team advanced to the second round of districts this season after being knocked out in the first round the last three years.
#6 Neshaminy 1, #27 Unionville 0
Tuesday night’s tightly contested playoff game remained scoreless for 73 minutes. Finally, with seven minutes remaining, Austin Transue fed a ball to Nick Tucci, who powered in the game winner for the Redskins.
“It was a nail biter,” coach Tom Foley said. “We had most of the play, but we were not crisp on offense.”
Looking ahead, the Redskins will face conference rival Council Rock South on Thursday.
“We have to be more aggressive,” Foley said. “We have a big chore because we haven’t beaten them this season.”
After falling to Rock South in the early season meeting and tying them in their second matchup, the ‘Skins will need to neutralize the Hawks’ top goal scorer Julian Antal to have a chance.
Other scores:
#21 Kennett 1, #12 Boyertown 0
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