Council Rock North chasing district playoff berth (PHOTO GALLERY)
LANGHORNE – Eighty minutes of regulation soccer followed by two overtime period can drain even the heartiest player’s stamina. Multiply that exhaustion times three straight games and you can imagine what the Council Rock North girls felt on Oct. 17.
The Lady Indians, battling to rack up points for the District One Class AAA power rankings, entered the week facing the awesome task of playing an away contest with a potent Neshaminy team, followed by a home bout with archrival CR South, and capped off with an away tussle with Haverford High.
Casey McAlister, one of North’s four senior captains, knew the Rock needed to go all out to keep their playoff hopes alive.
“In the beginning of the season, we were a little shaky but we’ve really picked it up and we have such energy at every game now. We just don’t give up. We are all fighters.”
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The Lady Indians’ record certainly supports Casey’s words. After early season losses to Pennsbury and Neshaminy, coach Wendell Beres’ charges knew they had to rally. Starting September 21, they did just that, going on a seven-game win streak that included a 1-0 conquest of league frontrunner Pennsbury.
With two weeks left in the regular season, the Rock had hustled its way into contention for a district berth. To assure a spot, however, they had to battle a red hot Neshaminy squad.
“That was a very important game. Our coach said he wanted us to be 3-0 this week. That is why we put everything into all three games. Neshaminy was big because if we won, that would get us more points in the power ratings.”
The Neshaminy tussle proved a highly-charged affair with both teams attacking the ball and their hungry opponents. The Redskins scored first when freshman Brooke Mullin took a pass from Julia Andreozzi and booted the ball by the outstretched hands of goalie Jeri Belardo with 17 minutes gone in the game. The Indians tied the contest at the 52-minute mark when Becca Margolis raced up the right sideline and lined a shot in the left corner of Neshaminy’s goal. Two overtime periods failed to produce a winner.
Casey credits the Rock’s defense for fending off a relentless Neshaminy attack. Goalie Jeri Belardo made nine saves. “Our defense was the key. They kept coming at us with everything they had. We have been playing pretty well, defensively. Also, how we came back with our goal was awesome. We didn’t give up.”
The 1-1 tie not only added points to the Indians’ power ratings but it gave them increased confidence. “I was proud of us because they are a very hard team to beat. The fact that we tied them was pretty amazing to me. We were a little frustrated over the tie yet when you see how good they are and how impressive their record is, you feel it’s a good tie to have.”
North did not have long to savor the big game. Three days later, they faced archrival Council Rock South in an all-important clash. “CR South was a must game. We didn’t have it that game. After such a hard game three days ago, our energy was up but we didn’t play to the best of our abilities. South is always a big game and they are big rivals.”
Once again, the Indians found themselves coming away with a double overtime tie. This time, neither team found the back of the enemy’s net. Casey remained philosophical. “A tie is certainly better than a loss.”
The Indians had little time to rest their weary legs. Two days later, they took on a tough 6-3 Haverford team. “Having had two 100-minute games in three days, Haverford was a tough one to come out for but we came out and gave it our last bit of energy. We just didn’t finish it off.”
Though exhausted after the 0-0 tie against Haverford, the Indians hope their energy will surge as they enter their next big matchup with Abington on Senior Night Oct. 19 at Walt Snyder Stadium.
Since falling Oct. 1 at Pennsbury, the Ghosts have won their last five, a string that includes victories over Neshaminy and CR South.
“That is a huge game. They are probably one of the hottest teams in our league right now. We have to give everything for that game. Being our Senior Night, a lot of people will be there.”
Regardless of how spent they are, coach Beres’ warriors are definitely prepping for a long postseason run.
Council Rock North 1, Neshaminy 1
(Oct. 13 at Neshaminy)
NESHAMINY 1 0 0 0 – 1
CR NORTH 0 1 0 0 – 1
FIRST-HALF GOALS — Brooke Mullin (N)
SECOND-HALF GOALS — Becca Margolis (CRN
ASSISTS — Julia Andreozzi (N)
SHOTS: N — 9; CRN — 5
SAVES: N — 4; CRN — 8
