Lansdale Catholic edges Springfield Township on LaSanta’s 2nd-half goal

SPRINGFIELD TWP. — As Springfield Township and Lansdale Catholic entered halftime of Monday’s non-league girls soccer contest at 0-0, it became apparent that the first goal of the game was likely going to be the game winner.

When Jules LaSanta scored in the 71st minute, it proved true as the Crusaders defeated Springfield 1-0.

“The first half I think we were playing a little bit stronger,’ Springfield coach Suzette Wolf said. “In the second half we kind of backed off and we weren’t winning the 50-50 ball.’

In the first half, Springfield (4-4-1, 3-3-1 SOL American) looked to spring its forwards with through balls and home-run passes. In the second half, LC (8-3-1, 4-1-1 Philadelphia Catholic League) started to shut down the Spartan pass game though a few balls did make it on to the boots of Springfield players, however the Spartans were unable to finish.

“We had a little more success with that [in the second half],’ LC coach Tom O’Donnell said. “We talked about trying to deny that pass in the first place [and] played it a little more aggressively.’

LC was much more aggressive in the second half, firing 10 shots on goal in the second 40 minutes. The offensive aggression for the Crusaders was led by junior Sarah Opdyke, who set the tempo for an otherwise timid offensive showing.

“She’s done that repeatedly for us,’ O’Donnell said. “I think she’s much more effective on the wing but I think I took a shot and stuck her up top for a few minutes.’

While the Crusaders were happy with the one-goal victory, they definitely came into the game expecting to score more, but for a team that was coming in on a scoring drought they had to settle for the one. A big reason for Lansdale Catholic only getting one was the Springfield backline of Brianna Littlepage and Bailey Krewson. The two provided great defensive play, while Littlepage was the best player on the field for the Spartans.