Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media 2021 Girls Soccer Preview
The third time proved the charm for the Pennridge girls soccer team.
After falling in trips to the PIAA final in 2011 and 2018, green was finally gold in 2020, as Leah Malone’s double-overtime strike gave the Rams the state Class 4A championship.
With a large returning group back from the side that celebrated in Hershey, Pennridge has a chance to one again achieve big things in 2021.
The Rams graduated just three starters for last year’s 16-1-0 squad, returning a trio of All-SOL Colonial Division selections in senior Riley Hepler and sophomores Liv Grenda and Anna Croyle. Senior Malone and sophomore Sophie Craig were second-team picks, senior Sierra Shaeffer returns at goalkeeper while senior Emily Kriney is back from injury.
The rest of the Colonial Division will not make thing easy. Central Bucks West handed the Rams their lone loss of 2020 and have all-state senior forward Taylor Moyer back. North Penn’s hopes to bounce back are helped by the return of all-division second-team goalie senior Anna Fiore. Souderton split its 10 matches last year (5-5-0) and Big Red is looking to do better than .500.
Abington edged Hatboro-Horsham for the SOL Liberty crown, both went on to earn district wins – HH reaching the quarterfinals, the Ghosts making the semifinals – and still have their sights on topping the division standings. Wissahickon has hopes on getting involved in the division race.
In the Philadelphia Catholic League, Archbishop Carroll and Archbishop Wood both reached their respective classes’ PIAA tournaments – Carroll making its first-ever state appearance. Wood graduated all-state midfielder Paige Hoeger but has eight starters back as the Vikings look for their first PCL title since 2016.
Lansdale Catholic, meanwhile, aims to return to the upper portion of the PCL standings are finishing 3-3-0 in league play in 2020.
Gwynedd Mercy wants to keep its momentum from making the District 1-3A final while in the PAC an experience Methacton squad hopes to build off going 6-4-3 last season.
Abington
Coach: Rick Tompkins
League: Suburban One League Liberty Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 10-2-1 (8-1-1), SOL Liberty champion, lost to Pennridge in District 1-4A semifinals.
Top Returners: Caroline Hughes, Ashley Reilly, Maura Day, Carley Slavin.
Others to Watch: Marisa Hellyer (Midfield), Madison Oldham (Defense).
Outlook: “It will depend on our ability to score goals, Tompkins said. “Our midfield will be very good.”
Archbishop Carroll
Coach: Tom Quintois (fourth season).
League: Philadelphia Catholic League.
District-Class: 12-4A.
Last Season: 8-4 (7-1 league), lost to Cumberland Valley in PIAA-4A quarterfinals.
Key Losses: Keri Barnett, Nikki Cashin, Kayla DeMola, Jasmine Vega, Maria Organ.
Players to Watch: Olivia Stout (So., Midfield), Bella Stout (Jr., Midfield), Regan Duzy (Sr., Midfield), Olivia Hoffman (Sr., Midfield), Amanda Armstrong (Sr., Forward), Kiley Mottice (Sr., Forward), Ella Wright (Jr., Midfield), Emma Tolaga (Sr., Midfield), Julia Curran (So., Defense), Molly Friel (So., Midfield), Maura Kane (So., Midfield) Sophia Verlingeri (Fr., Defense), Analei Frank (Fr. Defense), Jessica Hoppel (Sr., Forward), Bridget Robinson (Jr., Goalkeeper), Sarah Dunham (Sr., Forward), Chloe Bleckley (So., Defense), Ava Bleckley (Jr., Defense), Giavanna Spadea (So., Midfield), Clara Leigh (Fr., Goalkeeper).
Outlook: “We look forward to the challenge of playing in the PCL and a very difficult non-league schedule,” Quintois said. “Our girls are eager to build on last year’s successes. This is a talented and resilient group that has high expectations.”
Archbishop Wood
Coach: Tom DeGeorge (fourth season).
League: Philadelphia Catholic League.
District-Class: 12-2A.
Last Season: 7-2-0 (4-1-0 league), lost to Allentown Central Catholic in PIAA-2A quarterfinals.
Key Losses: Paige Hoeger (VCU), Leighann Kafel (Farleigh Dickinson).
Top Returners: Alyssa DeGeorge (Sr.), Daryn Savage (Jr.), Emily Beck (Sr.).
Others to Watch: Sadie Ricci, Guilia Nevrotski, Shaina Kloss, Bella Diodato (Sr.), Natalie Gablein (Sr.), Megan Hickey, Madison Kennedy, Grace Hoeger, Ava DeGeorge (So.).
Outlook: “Excited for this season with returning eight starters from last year(‘s) team,” DeGeorge said. “Goal is to win the Philadelphia Catholic league. Last two years made great runs in PIAA states. Losing in semifinals two years ago and quarterfinals last year. The experience as a team on these runs will help us this year and making a run at state championship in Hershey.”
Cheltenham
Coach: Leah Matusow (second season).
League: SOL Freedom Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 7-1, United X League champion (spring 2021 season).
Key Losses: Vivi Stackhouse, Swathi Murali, Ella Brown, Jenna Margasak, Lia Marquette.
Top Returners: Sophie Peck (Sr., Defense), Kayla Brockington (Sr., Defense), Lola Jahhs (Sr., Forward), Amelia Fishman (Jr., Midfield).
Others to Watch: Amaya Washington (So., Goalkeeper), Kennedy Williams (So., Forward), Tabitha Sterman (So., Defense), Ciara Rodriguez (So., Midfield), Taden Versaw-Barnes (Jr., Defense), Lily Crocker (Jr., Midfield).
Outlook: “After missing last year’s fall season, we are grateful to be playing this fall,” Matusow said. “We are looking to be competitive in our league, want to build on last year’s success and have fun! I am really excited about our team, the leadership that I see on and off the field, and the level of commitment that our girls show every day.”
Gwynedd Mercy
Coach: Bill Dailey
League: Athletic Association of Catholic Academies (AACA).
District-Class: 1-3A.
Last Season: 8-3-1 (6-3-0 league), lost to Villa Joseph Marie in penalty kicks in District 1-3A final.
Key Losses: Samantha Berish, Hailey Morris, Tristen Hasson, Kaylie Griffin, Grace Galbreath, Carly Andrew, Ellen Malone.
Top Returners: Halle Coller (Sr., Midfield), Paige Johnson (Sr., Defender), Cassidy Palazzo (Sr., Forward), Alexandra Berish (Jr., Defense), Hannah Griffin (Jr., Midfield), Kiera Cassidy (Sr., Forward).
Others to Watch: Samantha McDonnell (Sr., Defense), Ella Koschineg (So., Defense), Riley Morris (So., Midfield), Sabrina Beniquez (Jr., Forward), Caroline Drakeley (Jr., Midfield), Ellie Verrill (Jr., Goalkeeper), Lynley Koschineg (So., Goalkeeper).
Outlook: “We’re looking to capitalize on our 2020 District 1 AAA Final appearance,” Dailey said. “With an experienced yet still young team full of team spirit and chemistry, we hope to make a push to finish higher in the AACA league and return to the District Final.”
Germantown Academy
Coach: Christopher Nelson (11th season).
League: Inter-Academic League.
Last Season: 1-3-1.
Key Losses: Devin Smith.
Top Returners: Cailin Hasson (Center Back) Heidi Cross (Holding Midfielder), Lilly Funk (Attacking Midfielder).
Others to Watch: Alex Goodridge (Forward), Caitlin Boland-Szura (Goalkeeper), Jess Kolecki (Attacking Midfielder)
Outlook: “With a relatively young team, we’ll hope to gel over the course of the season and peak as we hit the Inter-Ac and PAISAA schedule,” Nelson said. “With seniors playing straight up the center of the field, we’ll look to our younger players to contribute on the width of the pitch as both strong defenders and vibrant attacking players.”
Hatboro-Horsham
Coach: Kelsey Daley (fourth season).
League: SOL Liberty Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 9-3-0 (8-2-0 division), lost to Downingtown East in District 1-4A quarterfinals.
Key Losses: Maggie O’Neill (Sacred Heart), Izzy de la Torre, Aly Yankanich.
Top Returners: Emily Thomas (Sr., Forward), Sophia Liott (Sr., Midfield), Emma Levin (So., Midfield), Mia Malofiy (Jr., Forward).
Others to Watch: Bridget McFadden (Sr., Defense/Midfield), Sam Hollish (Sr., Goalkeeper), Martine Royds (Sr., Goalkeeper), Caroline Shegogue (Jr., Midfield).
Outlook: “We are excited to compete for the League title this season,” Daley said. “Hoping everyone can stay healthy. We have a strong core of seniors returning who will lead the team to a competitive season in league and out-of-league games.”
Lansdale Catholic
Coach: Bree Benedict (fourth season).
League: Philadelphia Catholic League.
District-Class: 12-2A.
Last Season: 3-5-0 (3-3-0 league).
Key Losses: Nicole Steinbach.
Top Returners: Ava Mercier (Jr., Center Midfield), Nicole Mezzatesta (Jr., Forward), Megan Steinbach (Jr., Forward), Olivia Boccella (So., Defense).
Others to Watch: Casey Sabolsky (Jr., Defense), Emily Simpson (Jr., Forward/Goalkeeper).
Outlook: Coming off a tough year our focus is to rebuild and get back into the top half of the Catholic league,” Benedict said. “We have creative players and will look to play with more possession than in years past. Megan Steinbach led all scoring last year and we will look to her to lead our young team of Sophomores and Juniors in the attack.
“In the Catholic League, every game can be a tough, physical battle so we will take it one game at a time and try to get better as the season goes on to get into the PCL playoffs.”
Methacton
Coach: Bret Smith (19th season).
League: PAC Liberty Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 6-4-3.
Key Losses: Jessica Lineen, Julia McCann, Madia Mazzucola.
Top Returners: Lizzie McNichol (Sr., Defense), Ruby Murray (Sr., Forward), Sarah Kenwood (Sr., Midfield), Kirsten O’Brien (Sr., Midfield), Shannon O’Brien (Sr., Defense), Camryn Steere (Sr., Defense), Mairi Smith (Jr., Goalkeeper), Molly Rowland (Jr., Midfield), Mackenzie Coupe (Jr., Defense), Aubrey Beaugard (So., Forward).
Others to Watch: Kendall Ricca (So., Midfield), Mia Chan (So., Forward), Anna Rees (So., Defense).
Outlook: “Our conference and schedule every season is never easy,” Smith said. “That said, we’ve got a lot of returning starters with a ton of varsity experience at almost every position on the field, and are hoping to build off of a COVID-shortened winning season last year. Our goal remains, like every year, to qualify for the District and PAC playoffs, and see what happens after that.”
North Penn
Coaches: Mark Klemmer and Mike Rio (third season).
League: SOL Colonial Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 1-6-3 (1-6-3 division).
Key Losses: Landry Holt, Becca Richardson, Kloey Carminati, Regan Ertel.
Top Returners: Anna Fiore (Sr., Goalkeeper), Marissa Dacosta (Sr., Defense), Riley Saxman (Sr., Midfield), Emily Varilla (Sr., Forward).
Others to Watch: Lauren Blanch (Jr., Midfield), Jamie Webb (Jr., Defense).
Outlook: “The girls have approached this season with the right energy and mentality to make a run back into the district playoffs and hopefully further,” Rio said. “Although last season wasn’t as successful as we would have liked, we are returning a bunch of players with experience from our state playoff run two seasons ago and hope to use that as motivation to make it back again.
“This is a great group of girls and it is a pleasure to coach them. As a team, we look to play with speed in possession and great team defense. We have a nice mix of senior leadership and young new players that enjoy playing with each other.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh
Coach: T.J. DeLucia (first season).
League: SOL Liberty Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 3-6-1 (3-6-1 division).
Key Losses: Gabby Cooper, Leah Kaye, Natalie Lannie, Bella McNew, Devon Skiles.
Top Returners: Fiona Gooneratne (Sr., Midfield), Caitlin Dinh (So., Goalkeeper), Kate Yocom (Jr., Defense/Midfield), Angelina Balcer (Jr., Midfield), Lauren Ianniello (Jr., Defense).
Others to Watch: Caelin Kosvitch (So., Forward), Ella Clark (Jr., Forward), Abby Boegner (So., Midfield), Brianna Reynolds (So., Defense), Gabby Lifshutz (Jr., Defense).
Outlook: “We lost 11 seniors (eight starters) from last year’s team so this season, we will field a young, inexperienced but talented team,” said DeLucia, who was a PW assistant coach the previous five seasons. “They are hungry to put their stamp on the Plymouth Whitemarsh Girls Soccer program. We know there are no easy games in the SOL – Liberty Division but we welcome that challenge.”
Pope John Paul II
Coach: Rachel Cecchini (first season).
League: PAC Frontier Division
District-Class: 1-3A.
Last Season: 5-4-0, lost to Villa Joseph Marie in District 1-3A semifinals.
Top Returners: Cameron Schuler (So., Striker), Erin Flanagan (Sr., Center Back).
Others to Watch: Sophia Hinke (Sr., Striker/Midfield).
Outlook: “We have a great group of girls this season,” Cecchini said. “After losing a number of seniors last year, we are working on coming together, united. As a first year coach, I am also learning and finding what works best as far as formation/lineups and getting to know the girls’ strengths and opportunities. I feel confident and excited for this upcoming season!”
Souderton
Coach: Ian Smith (second season).
League: SOL Colonial Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 5-5-0 (5-5-0 division).
Key Losses: Hannah Alderfer, Olivia Andrade, Averie Doughty (Bloomsburg), Lorelei DuBois, Ella Kregel, Morgan Molyneaux (Shippensburg), Leah Mowery (Eastern), Gianna Natale, Taylor Yoder (Moravian).
Top Returners: Avery Nogami (Sr.), Maggie Fisher (Jr., Center Back), Kaitlyn DiCandilo (Sr., Midfield), Nicole Schulingkamp (So., Midfield)
Others to Watch: Miranda Vasey (Sr., Forward), Ava Steidle (Jr., Center Back).
Season Outlook: “The team has a clear vision and shares the same goals,” Smith said. “As a whole, the team is hungry to get better and prove themselves. The team has a wonderful mix of young talent and senior leaders who are just as talented.”
Upper Dublin
Coach: Chuck Gesing (third season).
League: SOL Liberty Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 1-8-1 (1-8-1 division).
Key Losses: Lauren Melick, Ella Eustace, Karolina Bocul, Anna Desch.
Top Returners: Rachel Adelman (Sr.), Bliss Brenner (Sr.), Maddie Amoia (Sr.), Ava Costanzo (Sr.), Alex Devers (Jr), Regan Rubin (Jr.), Alaina Sanders (Jr.), Olivia Hoffmann (Jr.), Emeline Bell (Jr.).
Others to Watch: Lilli Kleiman (Jr.), Meg McMeel (So.), Erin Seabrook (Fr.).
Outlook: “Improvement over last year should happen quickly for the Cardinals,” Gesing said. “A postseason appearance is the goal for this group.”
Upper Merion
Coach: Paige Jones (first season).
League: PAC Frontier Division.
District-Class: 1-3A.
Last Season: 2-4-2.
Key Losses: Sophia Lamesta, Sarah Adams, Cat Merritt, Izzy Legendre.
Top Returners: Whitney Steiner (Sr.), Brooke Olsen (Jr.), Julia Newby (Jr.)
Others to Watch: Adriana Lamesta (So.), Samantha Walmsley (So.), Chelsea Smith (Fr.).
Outlook: “We have a lot of young potential on the team this year as well as a lot of upperclassmen leaders,” Jones said. “With that being said, our team chemistry is incredible, but we are looking to build that more on the field. Our defense is solid, but we are working on becoming more offensive-minded. Overall, we are looking forward to a competitive season.”
Upper Moreland
Coach: Lisa Benvenuto (ninth season).
League: SOL Freedom Division.
District-Class: 1-3A.
Last Season: 4-4-1 (4-3-1 division).
Key Losses: Kathryn Morrow, Kaiya Herb.
Top Returners: Emma Frasca (Sr., Forward), Natalie Walton (Jr., Goalkeeper), Willow Taylor (So., Midfield), Abby Engart (Sr., Midfield), Kyra Favors (So., Forward).
Others to Watch: Reva Naik (Sr., Midfield), Mallory Roedig (Sr., Midfield), Molly Meakim (So., Defense).
Outlook: “We are so excited for a full schedule and getting back into competition,” Benvenuto said. “We have a strong crew of ten seniors leading the team, who have experienced so much over the course of their years at UM. There is an emphasis on unity and team this year, which is really developing our girls into a strong group of players who rely on each other, and push each other. The intensity and desire are evident on the field, and our teamwork will only help us to achieve our goals for the season.”
William Tennent
Coach: Bill Hontz (fifth season).
League: SOL Freedom Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 9-3-0 (8-0-0 division), SOL Freedom champion, lost to Avon Grove in District 1-4A first round.
Key Losses: Gabby Sowers, Caitlin Somerville.
Top Returners: Jackie Sowers (Jr., Midfield), Erin Somerville (Jr., Midfield), Theresa Dilts (So., Forward), Jules Colella (Jr., Defense), Sarah Hart (Sr., Defense).
Others to Watch: Kayla Kulp (Jr., Goalkeeper), Paige Marek (Fr., Midfield), Brielle Langford (So., Midfield/Forward).
Outlook: “Hoping to finish in the top half of our division and the opportunity to compete in the PIAA playoffs that are always difficult in this region,” Hontz said.
Wissahickon
Coach: Chris McDaniels (fourth season).
League: SOL Liberty Division.
District-Class: 1-4A.
Last Season: 5-4-2 (4-4-2 division).
Key Losses: Peyton Weber, Caroline Hassall.
Top Returners: Anna May (Sr.), Natalie Ryan (Sr.), Kylie Friedman (Jr.), Margo Kasenchar (Jr.).
Others to Watch: Margaret Wilde (Sr., Forward), Sage Stelzer (Jr., Defense), Serena Harris (Jr., Defense), Elaina Bailey (Sr., Defense), Lucy Greenstein (So., Defense), Lannah Werynski (So., Defense), Taylor Piergrossi (Sr., Goalkeeper).
Outlook: “We return several key players so we are looking to build on the progress we’ve made the last three years and challenge to win the conference this year,” McDaniels said. “We’ll have a potent offense with several players able to chip in regularly with goals and a defense anchored by seasoned players that are familiar with our system. The goal is to win games and have fun along the way!”
