The Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media 2022 Girls Soccer Preview
If nothing else, the girls soccer programs in the Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media area know how to keep it compelling.
From Archbishop Wood claiming its first PCL championship since 2016, to five out of six teams in the SOL Liberty division making the District 1 4A playoffs down to the season-long slugfest for SOL Colonial supremacy and beyond, the competition was at its usual level last fall. Teams snapped droughts, including Wissahickon edging out that SOL Liberty scuffle for a division title and others showed resilience battling injuries and setbacks.
As a new season begins, title races, playoff pushes and general all-around competition figure to be as intense as ever in the area.
Last fall snapped a four-year streak of an area team making a PIAA title game, but there’s still a serious championship pedigree heading into the season. Philadelphia SC Coppa Rage won the USYS U17 national title in July, an effort led by area players Ava DeGeorge (Archbishop Wood), Emma Levin (Hatboro-Horsham), Carley Slavin and Maura Day (Abington), Kayla Kulp (William Tennent) and Samantha Ridler (North Penn) among others.
One of those others is Archbishop Ryan’s Gianna Rivera, who DeGeorge and the Vikings topped in the PCL title match. Wood’s defense anchored by seniors Daryn Savage and Giulia Nevrotski figures to be stout while a jolt of freshmen newcomers should factor into the Viking’s fortunes.
Those teams again figure to be near the top of an always competitive PCL table, with a veteran Lansdale Catholic squad looking to be a factor as well. LC’s seniors including Megan Steinbach, Emily Simpson, Ava Mercier, and Nicole Mezzatesta were freshmen on the 2019 state title team and are seeking another playoff run before departing.
The fight for the Liberty title could have defined “compelling” with the amount of twists, turns and drama it had down to the final fixtures of the season. Wissahickon held serve through challenges by Upper Dublin, Abington and Hatboro-Horsham while Quakertown was also a factor as the fifth of the six teams into the playoffs.
Plymouth Whitemarsh, the only team from the division not to make the postseason, made huge improvements as it battled injuries and illness. The Colonials have a superb keeper in Caitlin Dinh and a lot of other key pieces back and could easily be right back in the running.
It was Levin and the Hatters who ended up making the deepest playoff push of the five, ending up in the playback bracket and a few wins short of states. UD has a solid senior core led by Alex Devers and Regan Rubin that wants to make up for last season’s district playoff loss while Wissahickon won’t just give up its title with a good foundation of returning players including Sage Stelzer, Margo Kasenchar and Kylie Friedman.
That’s not to count out Abington, with its array of scoring threats ready to be set up by Day and Slavin in the midfield or Quakertown, which is always stout defensively.
Pennridge has reigned atop its division (it gets complicated with these SOL changes) since 2016, but that doesn’t mean the Rams have been unopposed in that span. Last season, they didn’t even get full dibs on the title as a resurgent CB East emerged to share the silverware.
The freshmen who played key roles in the Rams’ 2020 state title are now juniors and even with just one senior in Joey Tomlinson back, it gives Pennridge one of the most experienced rosters around. East has some key cogs to replace but a good starting point with a dynamic midfield tandem of Brooke Roumy and Elliot Forney and a scoring machine in Camryn Williams.
CB West will have to replace its front three, including Taylor Moyer but the Bucks should be solid defensively with senior keeper Jules Broskey, senior back Courtney Moylan and senior center mid Ava Longo setting the tone. North Penn has a veteran corps of seniors led by Lauren Blanch and Jamie Webb looking to engineer a season like 2019’s state playoff run.
Souderton has a dedicated group looking for a bounceback season while Abington alum Gabbie Nolan takes over a CB South program that had some promising young talent last fall.
No team brings back more than Lower Moreland, as the Lions didn’t graduate a single senior from last season’s SOL Freedom-winning team. Todd Hill takes over as coach with Demmi Fox and Payton Lennon highlighting a side with plenty of continuity looking to repeat in the division and push into districts.
Upper Moreland is always a gritty side that doesn’t go down easily while William Tennent and first-year coach Elise Jara will try to knock off the Lions and return the Panthers to the perch as top cat in the Freedom. Cheltenham made big strides last fall while Springfield Township has some nice pieces back coming off a District 1 AA title, the program’s first in 13 seasons.
The SOL Patriot, which will again cross-over with the Colonial, has some quality sides as well starting with co-division winners Neshaminy and CR North.
In the AACA, Gwynedd Mercy Academy has a lot back and the Monarchs are eager to improve on a 2021 season that ended with a winning record but a handful of missed plays that could have put a few more in the win column. Alexandra Berish, Caroline Drakeley and Hailey Morris, plus plenty of other returners, look to make noise in the usually deep and competitive AACA standings.
Outside the PIAA, Germantown Academy has a young side that will be tested in a strong Inter-Ac. Springside Chestnut Hill, including Coppa Rage midfielder and Oreland resident Bella Brown, looks to repeat as PAISAA champion to match some lofty preseason expectations.
ABINGTON
Coach: Rick Tompkins
League: SOL Liberty
2021 Record: 14-6
Returning Players: Maura Day (Sr/M), Carley Slavin (Sr/M), Lily Gray (Sr/F)
Others to Watch: Piper McGinley (Jr/F) Anna Cleary (Sr/D) Madison Oldham (So/D)
Notable Players Lost: Mei Mei Cheng, Caroline Hughes
Outlook/Goals for Season: “Our question marks are in goal and on defense, but we expect to come together early and make noise in the playoffs. We expect to challenge for the league title and to better last year’s playoff run where we lost in the second round to Downingtown East.”
ARCHBISHOP WOOD
Coach: Tom DeGeorge
League: Philadelphia Catholic League
2021 Record: 16-3-1
Returning Players: Daryn Savage (Sr/D), Giulia Nevrotski (Sr/D), Shaina Klos (Sr/F), Ava DeGeorge (Jr/M)
Newcomers/Others to Watch: Paige Eckert (Fr/F)
Notable Players Lost: Alyssa DeGeorge, Emily Beck, Megan Hickey, Madison Kennedy
Outlook/Goals for Season: “Our goal for the season is to defend our PCL championship from last year and to make a deeper run in the states. It’s a long season with a lot of learning curves. Six freshmen have made varsity and will be able to contribute right away. We are looking to be playing our best soccer around the playoffs.”
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST
Coach: Jake Nesteruk
League: SOL Colonial
2021 Record: 18-5
Returning Players: Camryn Williams, Brooke Roumy, Elliot Forney
Others to Watch: Sofia Mignon, Chantal Van Dongeren
Notable Losses: Elise Duffy, Courtney Curry, Chloe Strawn, Meredith Black, Skylar Gash
Outlook: The Patriots split the bill on an SOL Colonial title and returned to the PIAA tournament led by a large and talented senior class. While that crew is gone, East has a really strong foundation still in place to again contend in an always-rugged division and parlay it into an extended postseason run.
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
Coach: Mike Moyer
League: SOL Colonial
2021 Record: 15-5
Returning Players: Courtney Moylan, Jules Broskey, Kate Weyer, Ava Longo
Others to Watch: Alexis “AC” Castro, Eva Wierzbowski
Notable Losses: Taylor Moyer, Shea Lubin, Riley Corona
Outlook/Goals for Season: “We have a decent core of players returning this year. We have some young players looking to get some time and build on the momentum we have had the past couple of years.”
CHELTENHAM
Coach: Leah Matusow
League: SOL Freedom
2021 Record: 5-13
Returning Players: Taden Versaw-Barnes (Sr/d), Amelia Fishman (Sr/M), Amaya Washington (Jr/GK), Lily Crocker (Sr/M)
Others to Watch: Kennedy Williams (Jr/D), Maya Schwartz (Jr/F), Ciara Rodriguez (Jr/M), Tabitha Sterman (Jr/D)
Notable Players Lost: Sophie Peck, Kayla Brockington, Peri Albert, Lola Jahhs, Rohan McInneshin, Mimi Williamson, Sydney Franks, Amelia Yevoli
Outlook/Goals for Season: “This season we are looking to build on the progress we made last year and use the leadership and playing experience of our seniors to help us achieve our goals. The hard work, team unity and excitement amongst our squad is going to be integral to our success this year as we look to finish in the top half of our league and put ourselves in a position to play in the postseason.”
GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
Coach: Christopher Nelson
League: Inter-Ac
2021 Record: 6–13–1
Returning Players: Taylor Weiss, Sage Battisto and Liz Scheid
Newcomers/Others to Watch: Gabby Bowes (GK)
Notable Players Lost: Alex Goodridge, Cailin Hasson and Lily Funk
Outlook/Goals for Season: “As a young team, we hope to grow over the course of the season.”
GWYNEDD MERCY
Coach: Bill Dailey
League: AACA
2021 Record: 9-7-3
Returning Players: Alexandra Berish, Caroline Drakeley, Hannah Griffin, Riley Morris, Ella Koschineg, Ellie Verrill
Newcomers/Others to Watch: Lauren Drakeley, Ava Kolp, Kat Pluck, Katie Romano
Notable Players Lost: Halle Coller, Paige Johnson
Outlook/Goals for Season: “With a large group of returning players full of talent and ambition, we are looking to build on last year’s winning regular season record with an eye on postseason improvement.”
HATBORO-HORSHAM
Coach: Kelsey Daley
League: SOL Liberty
2021 Record: 13-8-1
Notable Returning Players: Emma Levin, Mia Malofiy, Caroline Shegogue, Abby Waeltz
Newcomers/Others to Watch: Sarah Roesing
Notable Players Lost: Sam Hollish, Martine Royds, Emily Thomas, Sophia Liott
Outlook/Goals for Season: “Our goals for this year are to compete for the league title, to make playoffs and have a run for States. We lost a big core group of seniors but also returned a lot of starters. We are excited to have a competitive league and non-league schedule.”
LANSDALE CATHOLIC
Coach: Bree Benedict
League: Philadelphia Catholic League
2021 Record: 11-6-4
Returning Players: Megan Steinbach, Ava Mercier, Casey Sabolsky, Nicole Mezzatesta
Others to Watch: Delaney King and Emily Simpson
Notable Players Lost: Lauren Edwards
Outlook/Goals for Season: “We are aiming to finish in the top four of the Philadelphia Catholic League. This group of seniors have worked hard the past couple of years to rebuild the program following the State Championship their freshman year, and have put themselves in a great place heading into their senior season. With players like Megan Steinbach, Casey Sabolsky, Delaney King, Emily Simpson, Ava Mercier, and Nicole Mezzatesta we will look to out-possess our opponents and play fast. We are excited to return Cas Saulino in goal with Olivia Boccella, Kate Norbury, and Bella Wack defending in front of her.”
LOWER MORELAND
Coach: Todd Hill
League: SOL Freedom
2021 Record: 11-8
Notable Returning Players: Demmi Fox, Payton Lennon and Kenna Rozanski at mid-field. Nikki Sahl and Morgan Pennisi at attack.
Newcomers/Others to Watch: Defenders Amelia Brown and Abbie Wasserstrom and Goal Keeper Sandra Malave
Notable Players Lost: We did not lose any seniors last year.
Outlook/Goals for Season: With another year of maturity under our belt, we would like to build on last year’s growth to be a league contender again and a threat to every team we play.
METHACTON
Coach: Bret Smith
League: PAC Liberty
2021 Record: 11-6-2
Returning Players: Mackenzie Coupe (Sr/D), Molly Rowland (Sr/M), Anna Rozinsky (Sr/D), Mairi Smith (Sr/GK), Aubrey Beaugard (Jr/F), Anna Rees (Jr/D), Kendall Ricca (Jr/M)
Newcomers/Others to Watch: Liv Navarrete (Sr/F), Mia Chan (Jr/F), Alina Miao (So/D), Katie Rozinsky (So/F), Maddy Washburn (So/M)
Notable Players Lost: Sarah Kenwood, Lizzie McNichol, Ruby Murray, Kirsten O’Brien, Shannon O’Brien, Camryn Steere
Outlook/Goals for Season: “Our goal for the season remains to qualify for postseason play. Since last season was our first time back in the District I playoffs in nine years, we are hopeful of making a return, and advancing past the first round this year. We are also still looking for our first trip to the PAC playoffs, in what is always a very competitive conference.”
NORTH PENN
Coach: Mike Rio
League: SOL Colonial
2021 Record: 7-10-1
Notable returning players: Lauren Blanch (Sr), Jamie Webb (Sr), Keira Sparango (Jr)
Others to watch: Andie Salmon (Sr), Audrey MacNair (Sr), Kayla Balisalisa (Sr), Maddy Murphy (So)
Notable Losses: Anna Fiore, Marissa DaCosta
Outlook: “This season we have a team composed of a lot of seniors. The girls have been working hard and have started out the pre-season on the right foot and are bringing a great mentality to training. These girls have been playing with each other for a while now, and our hope is that the chemistry and bond they have created over the years translates to wins on the field. Ultimately our goal is to get back to the postseason for the first time in three years. We know we are in an incredibly tough conference and will have to bring our best game each and every time we get out on the field. Overall, we have a great group of girls and we are looking forward to the start of a new season.”
PENNRIDGE
Coach: Audrey Anderson
League: SOL Colonial
2021 Record: 19-6
Returning Players: Anna Croyle (Jr/D), Liv Grenda (Jr/M), Sophie Craig (Jr/M), Joey Tomlinson (Sr/F)
Newcomers/Others to Watch: Tori Angelo (Jr/F), Lindsey Balmer (Jr/F), Casey Malone (Jr/D), Hannah Primwhere (Jr/M), Seretha Demoss (Fr/GK)
Outlook: “Our team goal is to stay healthy and work our way back to the state title game. We are excited to get conference play started, and we look to our captains for great on-field leadership. They will have a lot of experience in ‘big games.’
“The Rams will be without one of their coaches, Robert Miller, who passed away unexpectedly in March. He will be missed by the program.”
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
Coach: TJ DeLucia
League: SOL Liberty
2021 Record: 7-11
Returning Players: Caitlyn Dinh (Jr, GK), Caelin Kosvitch (Jr), Ella Clark (Sr), Angelina Balcer (Sr), Kate Yocom (Sr), Brianna Reynolds (Jr)
Newcomers/ Others to Watch: Katie Lukens (So), Liv Reilly (So), Meghan Wendler (Jr), Gabby Lifshutz (Sr), Marleigh Burton (Fr), Maite Jayo (Fr), Kaine Jayo (Fr), Madison McGuckien (Fr)
Notable players lost: Fiona Gooneratne, Liberty Daddona
Outlook for the season: “After dealing with a never-ending list of injuries and illnesses during the 2021 season, the PW Girls Soccer team is looking to build off of all the experience our younger players received. We know we have our work cut out for us in the SOL – Liberty Division but we have a lot of players returning with something to prove. Stellar goalkeeping from junior, Caitlyn Dinh, will give us a chance in every game. Everyone is well aware of the fitness, commitment, and skill level required to compete in our Division for 80 minutes per game. This team is willing to put the work in and we are excited to see the growth of our group over the course of the season.”
SPRINGFIELD-MONTCO
Coach: Dan Malora
League: SOL Freedom
2021 Record: 4-14
Returning Players: Shannon Meder (Sr/D) Paige Robinson (Sr/D), Sophie Williamson (Jr/D) Maddie McDevitt (Jr/D, Emily West (Sr/GK), Kaleigh Evans (Jr/F), Alana Decker (Jr/F), Kalei Noonan (M)
Newcomers/Others to Watch: Samantha McDevitt, Fiona Rizzo, Shannon Silvius, Leni Rumer
Outlook/Goals for Season: “Coming off of a season where the Spartans claimed their first district title in 13 years, the girls are eager to get back to work and make some more noise.”
SOUDERTON
Coach: Ian Smith
League: SOL Colonial
2021 Record: 2-15-1
Returning Players: Nicole Schulingkamp (Jr/M), Natalie Rankin (Sr/D), Abby Allen (Sr/GK), Abby Kolb (Sr/D), Alexis Stefanowicz (Sr/D/M), Maggie Fisher (Sr/D)
Others to Watch: Liv Beresovoy (Jr/F), Hailey Rohr (Jr/M), Julia DeCaro (So/F)
Outlook/Goals for Season: “This year we feel confident with the team’s leadership, as well as the team’s dedication to holding themselves to a high standard. The team is coming off a difficult year with only two wins last season, but they remain dedicated to the challenge of turning things around. This year the team’s goal is to focus on committing every second on the field to improving and competing at a high level. The girls have already shown their dedication to being disciplined and working hard to improve, and we’re confident that will lead to some significant results throughout the season.”
UPPER DUBLIN
Coach: Chuck Gesing
League: SOL Liberty
2021 Record: 12-4-3
Returning Players: Alex Devers, Regan Rubin, Lilly Kleiman, Alaina Sanders, Olivia Hoffmann, Emeline Bell, Cat Scullen, Meg McMeel, Erin Seabrook, Abby O’Meara, Anna DiMartile
Others to watch: Meg McGinley, Allie Stenstrom
Notable Players Lost: Rachel Adelman, Ava Costanzo
Goals/Outlook for Season: “The Cardinals look to build on a second place divisional finish and a return to the playoffs. We have a deep and experienced team that needs to come out strong from the beginning of the season and finish strong in a very competitive SOL Liberty Division.”
UPPER MORELAND
Coach: Lisa Benvenuto
League: SOL Freedom
2021 Record: 10-6-2
Returning Players: Goalie Natalie Walton, Defender Annalise Messina, Midfielder Willow Taylor, Forward Kyra Favors
Others to Watch: Skye Kramer, Katie Slear, Brooke Lobban, Kylie Wiest, and Maggie Broph
Outlook: “We are excited to get back on the field and compete. We have a strong crew of seniors and juniors 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: Elise Jara
League: SOL Freedom
2021 Record: 6-11-1
Returning Players: Kaitlyn Frank (Jr/M), Kayla Kulp (Sr/GK), Paige Marek (So/M)
Newcomers/Others to Watch: Sophia Jakimoski (Fr/M), Tori Dolt (Jr/D)
Outlook/Goals for Season: “We are looking to improve our record from last season and compete for the top spot in the Freedom Division.”
WISSAHICKON
Coach: Chris McDaniels
League: SOL Liberty
2021 Record: 14-4-1
Returning Players: Margo Kasenchar (SR/D), Sage Stelzer (SR/D/M), Kylie Friedman (SR/F)
Others to watch: Lucy Greenstein (Jr/M), Lannah Werynski (JR/M)
Notable Players Lost: Margaret Wilde (Pitt), Natalie Ryan (Kutztown), Anna May (Muhlenberg)
Outlook/Goals for Season: “We return several starters from last year that should understand the task ahead of them. Our new players are working hard and look to contribute early to our success. Our primary goal is to compete for the conference championship. Senior leadership is looking forward to the challenge.”
