GIRLS’ SOCCER: And Then There Were Four – Ryan, Little Flower, Lansdale Catholic & Archbishop Wood Prepare to Face-off in the PCL Semifinals

By: John Knebels

Photos: Kathy Leister, Geanine Jamison, Donna Eckert & Lori Marko.

PHILADELPHIA - Four Catholic League girls’ soccer quarterfinal games commenced throughout the Delaware Valley last night. A few hours later, they ended.

There were no surprises. Twitter remained tame.

The top four seeds all advanced to the league semifinals scheduled for October 22 at Trifecta Sporting Club in Trevose. At 5:00, Lansdale Catholic meets Archbishop Wood. At 7:30, Archbishop Ryan faces Little Flower.

As the undefeated top seed (10-0), Archbishop Ryan is by far the favorite. The Ragdolls won seven of their games by more than one goal. Only twice did an opponent score more than once.

Interestingly, one of those teams was Little Flower, a 3-2 decision on October 7. So there is no way Ryan will take the Sentinels lightly. First, however, the Ragdolls had to take care of eight-seed John W. Hallahan, which they did, 3-0.

“Every time we play Hallahan, it’s a battle trying to break through their defensive style and strong goaltending,” said Ryan junior Gianna Monaco, whose two assists gave her 13 for the season. “Tonight was no different, especially with the strong wind not doing us any favors.

Ryan vs. Hallahan - PSD Photos by Kathy Leister

“We knew if we kept pressing, eventually we would break through, which we did. We are looking forward to moving onto the next round of playoffs and playing a strong Little Flower team.”

Sophomore Gianna Grassifulli scored twice for Ryan and junior Kiersten Montag netted the other.

Once a main goal scorer, Monaco has altered her game to become more of a playmaker. She is not complaining.

“Our team’s style of play has really changed this year,” said Monaco. “It is definitely very refreshing knowing that we have other talented players that can score for us. I enjoy my role of being a playmaker this year because last year I was leaned on to create more on my own, and now I help create opportunities with my teammates.”

Four-seed Little Flower finished 7-3, losing to each of the top three seeds. In their 4-0 win over five-seed St. Hubert, junior Allie Bofinger scored two while senior Brenna McCarry and freshman Bella Torres added one apiece. Junior goalie Taylor Iarosis posted the shutout.

“We walked into this game like any other,” said senior Maura Kilkenny. “We were all nervous considering it could have been our last game this season, but the nerves were settled once the game started. We came out and played as a team just like any other game. The seniors and I wanted to finish on a win, as it was our last time playing home for Little Flower.”

Little Flower vs. St. Hubert - Photos by Lori Marko

Three-seed Lansdale Catholic is the defending champion. Despite several injuries earlier this fall, the Crusaders are two wins away from repeating.

Their 1-0, double-overtime win over stubborn six-seed Archbishop Carroll generated some frayed nerves. After a perfect corner kick by senior Taylor Connelly, sophomore Lauren Edwards passed to freshman Ava Mercier, who tapped the ball into the net about four minutes before the horn sounded.

Bedlam ensued.

“It was a good game,” said Lansdale Catholic coach Bree Benedict. “Carroll dominated the midfield and did a great job getting the ball to their playmaker on the left. Their goalkeeper was outstanding and saved a couple sure goals.

“I think we were a bit more physical and direct and used our outlet up top in (senior) Kellie Gillen to create attacks. We fought hard for set pieces so that we could get Taylor Connelly to serve some balls in and she put in a beautiful corner in the second OT.”

Gillen said the Crusaders are ready for the next challenge.

“Going to the next round is so exciting for our whole team, and yes, it’s totally a relief,” said Gillen. “We were not going to let today be our last game, so we had to leave it all on the field today. I believe if our defense and keeper (junior Brynne U’selis) play the way they did today, we have a really great chance of going back to back this year.”

LC will take on two-seed Archbishop Wood (9-1), which blanked the Crusaders, 3-0, on October 7. The Vikings entered the playoffs with five straight shutouts, but against seven-seed Conwell-Egan, they found themselves in a major struggle.

LC freshman Ava Mercier scores double-OT goal to send the Crusaders to the PCL semifinals - video courtesy of a LC parent

Lansdale vs. Carroll - PSD Photos by Geanine Jamison

Trailing 2-1 late in the first half, sophomore Sammy Greco tied the game after a great pass from junior Paige Hoeger.

“During halftime, Coach (Tom DeGeorge) instilled in us that this is what we have been working for and that this could be the last time this team plays together,” said Wood senior Emily Branchide. “I feel like that motivated us even more to win this game.”

In the second half, Hoeger gave the Vikings a 3-2 lead. Undaunted, the Eagles converted a free kick to tie the game. Inside the final 10 minutes, however, junior Leighann Kafel sent a pass across the box that found Greco, whose second goal ended up being the game winner.

Wood vs. Egan - PSD Photos by Donna Eckert

“The game was no easy task,” said Branchide. “Egan gave us a good fight and they never gave up. They wanted to win, too, but we wanted it just a bit more. I’m happy we were able to come out with the result we wanted today, but this is also a learning experience as well.

“You never know what can happen in a playoff atmosphere, and the PCL playoffs especially. I’m looking forward to moving onto the next round, but just as Coach Tom keeps telling us, we have to take it one game at a time.”

(Contact John Knebels at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)