Check out the results for SOL girls' soccer teams in action Wednesday.
National Conference
HARRY S. TRUMAN 2, ABINGTON 1 (OT)
On a windy Wednesday afternoon, the Tigers were able to do something they hadn’t done in eight years – they beat a league opponent. The Ghosts got on the board first when they scored on a penalty kick in the 25th minute, but the Tigers never gave up. In fact, they fought for the next 43 minutes before scoring the equalizer.
“You didn’t really see the goal coming,” said Truman coach Jack Kinloch. “The elements were a huge factor, but Jillian East played a really nice ball over the top to Amanda McElhare.”
McElhare put the ball in the goal, tying the game and ultimately sending it into overtime.
“Perhaps the biggest moment of the game was winning the coin toss in overtime and being able to play with the wind at our backs,” said Kinloch. “We were doing the things we wanted to do all year in the first half, but the ball was running on the turf with the wind.”
Two and a half minutes into overtime McElhare sent a terrific through ball to Samantha Ricciardi who scored the game-winner.
Kinloch was impressed with the play of both Turk Hall and Jess Millward.
“They were just great in the middle defensively, they were real warriors and did all the dirty work,” said Kinloch. “We were hiding three hurt players, but they were phenomenal in helping keep it 1-0 and helping us stay in it. Turk is a great kid and is a leader on and off the field.”
Kinloch acknowledged that Abington has a solid squad, and they had the “lion’s share” of possession in the game. According to Kinloch, Ghosts’ coach Rick Tompkins was a “class act,” complementing the Tiger’s play and demonstrating impeccable sportsmanship.
The Ghosts fell to 2-8-2 in the SOL (3-10-2 overall) and host William Tennent Friday. The Tigers improved their record to 1-10 (3-11 overall) and host Pennsbury for a matchup under the lights Friday night at 7:30.
“This year we have put up enough of a fight to prove we weren’t going to be a pushover in the league,” said Kinloch. “I’m just so happy for the girls, they deserve it.”
TRUMAN 0-1-1 2
ABINGTON 1-0-0 1
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 2, PENNSBURY 0
The Indians picked up back-to-back league wins this week, ending a seven-game streak without a win and putting an end to their scoring drought. Coming off a convincing 7-0 win on Tuesday over Truman, the Indians didn’t skip a beat in their momentum. Only eight minutes into the game, Tori Hill carried the ball from midfield right through the center of the Falcons’ defenders before dishing the ball to Bri Colombo, who tucked the ball in the far post on an off-balance shot that took the keeper by surprise as it hit the post and rolled over the line.
“We were thrilled to get on the board early,” said first year coach Ginna Lewing. “We’ve had a ton of chances in the last few games, and we couldn’t get the ball in.”
Knowing the wind was a major factor on Wednesday afternoon, the Indians decided the plan was to get an early lead while they had the wind at their backs, and they did that perfectly as Hill rocketed a ball in the net in the 14th minute to put the game just out of reach for the Falcons.
“There was a ton of wind,” said Lewing. “Honestly it was like a 12th player - it was that strong. We just played some really good soccer, and we were using the wind to our advantage. It was a tale of two halves though, because Pennsbury had the possession pretty much the whole second half.”
Although the Falcons had the wind on their side to end the game, they were unable to launch a comeback. Lewing commended the play of Anna Budny, one of her center backs, in the victory.
“Her responsibility was to watch Uche (Onuoha) today, and she was to help keep her at bay,” said Lewing, who clearly picked the right player for the job as Onuoha was held scoreless.
Not only did North (5-3-3, 5-5-4) turn a corner in their season with a pair of wins, but they also avenged a 1-1 double overtime tie with the Falcons earlier this season.
“It has certainly given us a big confidence boost,” said Lewing. “We’ve had games where we played really well but didn’t score, and the kids were starting to get down on themselves. They were playing some really good soccer at times, and even when we struggled, the team has really been supportive of each other and has stayed positive.”
The Falcons fall to 5-2-4 in the league (8-2-4 overall) and still hold on to third place in the conference. Both teams are back in action Friday when the Indians test their luck at Bensalem and the Falcons face off against Truman.
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 2-0 2
PENNSBURY 0-0 0
NESHAMINY 6, WILLIAM TENNENT 0
The Redskins eased past the Panthers as Megan Schafer led the attack, scoring a hat trick in the shutout victory. Katie Suchodolski opened up the scoring in the 18th minute off a Jess Kelly assist. Schafer scored the next two in a row within a minute of each other, both with Gabby Farrell assists. Kelly and Suchodolski scored back-to -back goals in the 34th and 35th minutes to give the ‘Skins a 5-0 lead at halftime. Schafer scored her third goal six minutes into the second half when she turned an Amy Heller pass into a goal to close out the scoring. The Panthers saw their record drop to 2-7-1 in the league (4-8-1 overall). They will square off against Abington Friday while the ‘Skins upped their undefeated record to 12-0 (15-0 overall) and travel to Council Rock South on Friday for an important league matchup.
NESHAMINY 5-1 6
WILLIAM TENNENT 0-0 0
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 8, BENSALEM 0
The Golden Hawks took a 1-0 lead into halftime and then blew the game wide open with five second half goals. Nikki Caffey scored twice to lead the Hawks while Becca Davey had a goal and an assist. Also scoring single goals were Taylor Dillon, Stephanie Olson, Lindsay Hirsch and Shelby Stoltz. Gabi Rosenfeld, Kasey Schlupp and Maddie Young each had an assist.
The Golden Hawks (9-3-2, 8-1-2 SOL) will host Neshaminy in a key SOL contest Friday while the Owls (3-9-2, 2-6-2) will travel to Council Rock North.
Continental Conference
PENNRIDGE 1, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0
The Rams and the Bucks have both been near the top of the conference for the entire season, but the Rams jumped ahead in the standings after handing the Bucks their first league loss. The Rams (7-0-3) and CB East are the only two teams remaining without a conference loss.
In the first half, the Bucks weren’t able to generate any quality scoring chances even with the wind at their backs, and the teams went to intermission deadlocked 0-0.
The Bucks’ defense along with keeper Grace Bendon made it hard for the Rams to generate opportunities as well.
The Rams strength has been capitalizing on corners, but Bendon and the Bucks seemed very well prepared for them.
“Teams are now not allowing us to get corners,” said Anderson, “But when we did get a corner, Grace came off the line and snagged the ball without even bobbling it. She does stuff like that, that other keepers don’t do.”
The Rams also had an unlucky shot in the first half when Jackie Stevens shot one into the wind that bounced off the crossbar. Between a few unlucky breaks and knowing Bendon is a force to be reckoned with, the Rams needed to change their strategy.
“(Bendon) is just so good - every team would love to have her,” said Anderson. “Our game plan was to work on specific things like changing the point of the attack knowing she was such a good keeper. In the second half, we changed up the plan a little bit and decided to move the ball quickly, so they wouldn’t be able to get numbers behind the ball.”
The Rams’ mid-game adjustments proved to be just what they needed. Although it took 18 minutes, the Rams hard work and determination finally paid off. Jackie Stevens took a shot on goal and Bendon deflected it, sending the ball outside the 18. Savannah Harrison recovered the ball for the Rams and played a smart ball back to Stevens who was at the right angle to catch Bendon off her line as she poked in the game-winner.
“It was a heads up play,” said Anderson. “They both could’ve quit on it after the save, but they kept fighting for it. We were more aggressive in the second half and everyone was shooting, but we knew it would take something special to get the ball in the goal.”
In the previous matchup, the Rams took a 1-0 lead that disappeared because they sat back, allowing the Bucks to tie it up and take the game into overtime (1-1 final). That didn’t happen this time around.
“We wanted to keep the ball in their half,” said Anderson. “Last time we played them we slacked off after we scored, that was not the case today. For the last six minutes, we held onto the ball, and it was good for us to be able to hold the ball that long.”
Anderson was pleased not only to get a win, but to see her team play as a unit.
“This was the first game I can honestly say it was a team effort,” said Anderson. “We fought for everything, we didn’t have stupid fouls, and we were much more composed and confident. It came down to the fact that we wanted it more.”
The Rams have a busy schedule to end the week, with back-to-back games hosting Hatboro on Thursday (7 pm) and visiting Souderton Friday afternoon. The Bucks, who saw their record drop to 5-1-4, play CB South on Friday.
PENNRIDGE 0-1 1
CB WEST 0-0 0
HATBORO-HORSHAM 2, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0
The Lady Hatters shut out CB South Wednesday afternoon, thanks to a pair of goals from junior midfielder Jordan Plummer.
"Jordan's been one our most consistent players this season," said Hatters’ manager Ben Winderman. "She is a great competitor and always puts the team first. Today we moved her into the midfield and she was able to connect with Annette Desipio and Rachel Kaplan to tally twice."
For the Hatters, the season has been a process of gradual improvement and Wednesday's contest was their most complete performance. Winderman praised the efforts of his entire squad, pointing out that the bench was enthusiastic, the crowd was supportive, and the program showed a lot of pride.
"These girls have been approaching things admirably all season and not always feeling rewards,” he said. “To their credit though, they keep improving and recent results suggest a team on the move."
That move will take The Lady Hatters to Pennridge Thursday night to face a Rams team who has not lost in league play.
"We're excited," said Winderman. "We're healthy, organized, and optimistic. Pennridge is excellent and we enjoy competing with them. We owe a lot to our league in terms of providing opportunities for us to grow."
Brianna Cummins and Miranda Royds combined for the shutout in the Hatters goal as the senior and freshman respectively worked with defenders Emily Sheehan, Kelly Griffin, Mikaela Malofiy, and Maggie Leisch to shut down the Titans attack. Winderman gave credit to midfielders Rachel Kaplan and Sarah Thuerer as well for turning in strong and smart games.
"They all showed up today," said the Hatters coach, "and their luggage is packed for tomorrow; we just need someone to bring the orange slices."
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 3, SOUDERTON 1
The Patriots took a 2-0 lead into halftime and never looked back. Abby Emmert put East on the scoreboard in the 22nd minute, using an Emma Loving assist, and 12 minutes later, Loving (Xan Patella assist) found to the net to give the Patriots a two-goal advantage.
Thirteen minutes into the second half, Souderton’s Kara Waskiewicz connected on a goal to trim the Patriots lead in half. The Patriots answered back 13 minutes later when Loving scored an unassisted goal.
East coach Paul Eisold lauded the strong defensive efforts of Emmert, Loving, Holly Moyer and Mariah Lichter.
“Mikala Palermo, Maddie Myrtetus and Annie Axenroth worked hard in the midfield,” the Patriots’ coach said. “Shaun Kane and Kristen Murphy moved the ball nicely offensively.
“Souderton played very well and continued to challenge us. In any other league, Souderton would be much more successful, but in the tough Continental, it has been difficult for them.”
The Patriots, who outshot the Indians 20-7, are 8-0-3 in league play (12-0-3 overall). They will host Quakertown on Thursday. Souderton, which is slated to face Pennridge on Friday, fell to 0-8-2 (3-8-2 overall).
CB EAST 2-1 3
SOUDERTON 0-1 1
QUAKERTOWN 1, NORTH PENN 0
The Panthers are having a banner year as they picked up another league win over North Penn to up their record to 6-5 (8-6 overall), only a point behind fourth place CB West. Panther standout Shannon Gibat scored the game-winner with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation. The Panthers have a pair of back-to-back shutouts after downing CB South 4-0 on Tuesday.
Both teams had six shots. Panther goalie Erinne Finlayson had six saves, and North Penn keeper Laura Leonard had three saves.
The Maidens fell to 1-7-3 in the league (2-9-4 overall) and contend with Hatboro-Horsham on Friday. The Panthers have to recover quickly and get themselves ready to face CB East on Thursday.
QUAKERTOWN 0-1 1
NORTH PENN 0-0 0
American Conference
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 4, UPPER MERION 0
The Colonials moved up in the American Conference standings after Wednesday’s big win while also knocking the Vikings out of second place. Crissy Terraces, the Colonials leading scorer, connected for a pair of second half goals – both off of Nic Abbott assists - to break her team’s scoring drought after a scoreless first half.
“Crissy has double digits in both goals and assists - this is her best year yet,” said head coach Steve Slack. “Crissy leads by example. Today she was one of the few in first half that was challenging and hustling, and we made an example of her at halftime.”
Slack admits the first half wasn’t pretty on either side, but his team got in a rhythm after Terraces’ goals.
“It was a very scrappy first half with not a whole lot of chances for either team,” said Slack. “We adjusted a couple things and asked for more effort and intensity, and after Crissy’s goals, we controlled the last 15 minutes.”
Abbott found the net herself, converting an Annie Greenspan pass into a goal to give her team a 3-0 lead. Maddie Berman registered the helper on a Colleen Hufnagle goal to close out the scoring in the pivotal league win.
The Colonials, now 7-4-1 (9-5-1 overall), close out their league season as they face Norristown Friday and Springfield next week.
“We have to win them both and hope that somebody takes something from Wissahickon so we can shoot for second place,” said Slack. “Everybody’s fighting for that second spot, so it was important to bounce back (after a 4-2 loss to the Trojans Tuesday) and to get the win against Upper Merion.”
The Vikings saw their record drop to 6-3-2 (8-5-2 overall). They will finish their week at Wissahickon, which now shares the coveted number two spot with Plymouth Whitemarsh.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0-4 4
UPPER MERION 0-0 0
UPPER DUBLIN 3, UPPER MORELAND 0
The Flying Cardinals have recorded back-to-back league shutouts after downing the Golden Bears on Wednesday and Norristown (4-0) last week. Aimee Dubin found the net first for the Cards in the 14th minute, and neither team would score for the next 60 minutes. Rachel DiFrangia broke the drought, scoring an insurance goal in the 64th minute. Anna Petrucci chipped in a third goal off a late corner kick. Keeper Kim Benge had a busy day in goal for the Bears, turning away 12 shots. The Cards upped their record to 10-0-1 (10-3-1 overall) and travel to Springfield Friday while the Bears fell to 4-5-1 (4-8-1) and visit Cheltenham.
UPPER DUBLIN 1-2 3
UPPER MORELAND 0-0 0
SPRINGFIELD 2, NORRISTOWN 0
Katelyn Gillinger scored a pair of first half goals to lead the Spartans to their win over the Eagles. The Spartans maintained their lead through the duration, holding an advantage in possession over the Eagles. The Spartans improved their league mark to 4-6-1 (4-8-1 overall) and prepare to face the number one team in the conference, Upper Dublin, on Friday. The Eagles saw their lead mark fall to 0-9 (0-10 overall). They will host Plymouth Whitemarsh to close out the week.
SPRINGFIELD 2-0 2
NORRISTOWN 0-0 0
WISSAHICKON 7, CHELTENHAM 0
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