Springfield too much for Cheltenham
After earning a 1-1 tie at Springfield earlier in the season Cheltenham hosted the Spartans Wednesday afternoon looking for a better result.
In the rematch Springfield found itself with an opportunity to keep pace with the other top teams in the Suburban One American Conference.
The motivated Springfield team combined with a lethargic Cheltenham saw the Spartans take the rematch in a big way 4-0.
“To be honest it looked like we really didn’t show up to play today,’ Cheltenham coach Mark Woodcock said. “We came out flat and we pretty much stayed flat the whole game. The whole game we didn’t particularly play with any intensity and frankly it was a disappointing performance.’
The Springfield forwards were able to control much of the game as the Spartans spent much of the game in the attacking zone. The forward combination of Katelyn Gillinger and Cam Callahan not only controlled the flow but scored the ball as well.
In only the eighth minutes Callahan set up Gillinger for the first goal of the game. Twenty-eight minutes later Gillinger returned the favor as Callahan gave the Spartans a 2-0 lead headed into half.
“We had strong play from some of the players that we needed it,’ Springfield coach Suzette Wolf said. “Katelyn Gillinger scored two goals and she always comes through when we need goals. Camron Callahan is just an incredible target for us this year she really has done great things as a target player and forward.’
Springfield kept the peddle to the metal in the second half sophomore Ellie Leitzel scored on a pass from senior Caroline Pape in the 55th minute. Just four minutes after the Leitzel goal Gillinger netted her second and final goal of the game on a feed from Alyssa Griet.
Although Springfield did not have to play a lot of defense, it was up to task when it needed to be. No matter how Cheltenham tried to enter the Spartan half of the field a defender was there to lock it down. The defense was anchored by seniors Brianna Littlepage, who left late in the second half due to injury, and Bailey Krewson.
“On defense we have Brianna Littlepage who is so strong and such a great communicator,’ Wolf said. “I have a freshman who is a sweeper and is just unsure, and Brianna has really been a help for her.’
It’s going to be difficult for Springfield to reel in any of the teams above them in the conference but it’s never a good idea to count out a senior-laden squad such as the Spartans.
