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GIRLS SOCCER: An Added Wrinkle to This Age-Old Rivalry, Episcopal Tops Penn Charter

By Brandon Leiva and Maya Davidov, 10/29/22, 6:45PM EDT

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By: Brandon Leiva and Maya Davidov

PHILADELPHIA - On Friday, Oct. 28, the William Penn Charter Quakers played host to the Episcopal Academy Churchwomen in a highly anticipated matchup. The two teams met earlier this season, with Episcopal Academy coming away with the 5-0 shutout victory. This game saw a similar outcome with EA coming out on top. However, this time it wasn’t as easy of a ride for the Churchwomen.

Episcopal Academy started the match hot with a wild first goal, scored just three minutes into the contest. Senior midfielder Chelsea Swei’s corner kick was headed into the top bar of the goal by junior midfielder, Ava Roberts, with the finishing touch made by sophomore forward, Maya Bright, who scored the goal off a header.


(Far to near) Penn Charter’s Olivia Linus (junior) and Bella Toomey (senior) fight for possession with Episcopal Academy’s Kate Dente (sophomore) - photo by Brandon Leiva and Maya Davidov

The game entered a stalemate for the next 20 minutes, until freshman outside back, Cassidy McCusker’s free kick tied the match at one apiece. Her kick was just out of reach of leaping senior goalkeeper, Maya Naimoli. The communication during the game was something to behold. No matter which side had possession, their teammates acted as the eyes behind their head, letting the dribbler know of any players on their blindside. Both teams continued to play great defense, holding each other scoreless for the remainder of the half.

EA sophomore midfielder, Kate Dente, cracked the match open with her go ahead goal just five minutes into the second half. Dente started her dribble near the middle of the pitch and outpaced Penn Charter’s defenders. Dente’s kick hit the top bar of the goal then bounced into the netting. Maya Bright lured in two defenders, providing Dente with an outside lane. The Churchwomen showed great teamwork throughout this match-up. When asked about the goal, Dente originally did not intend on taking the shot.

“I boxed her out in the beginning and (the ball) got past her. Once I was running down the field I saw my space, and I was looking for Maya actually, but I saw that I could shoot it and took my chance,” said Dente.

Dente credited the quick score to head coach Andy Fraggos’ halftime talk.

“He gave us motivation to go out and score in the beginning of the half,” said Dente.

A little over midway through the second half, there was a quintuple header between the Quakers and Churchwomen. The free kick by Haley Lewinski, a junior defender, created the opportunity. Junior midfielder Lainey McGonagle had the first and last header in the chain. In total, four different players took part in keeping the ball off the pitch for ten seconds. 

With just under six minutes remaining, the Quakers were on the verge of tying the match. Freshman defender Carly Lewinski’s kick was headed into position by sophomore, Jul Toomey. The team up gave McCusker an opportunity for a second goal, but the attempt was thwarted by Naimoli’s incredible diving save. EA was able to hold off PC for a 2-1 victory, giving the Churchwomen their thirteenth win of the year.

Despite having a youthful squad, coach Fraggos said that his team played with poise throughout the season.

“Yea, this is a pretty talented group we have this year. I think there is a lot of confidence coming off last year, we’re still a pretty young squad, but we returned quite a few players that had significant (playing time) at the varsity level, so there’s a little bit of confidence (having those players back),” said Fraggos.

EA senior Alexa Cohen and sophomore Kate Dente talk about key takeaways and adjustments made to come away with the 2-1 win vs. Penn Charter - by Brandon Leiva and Maya Davidov

EA head coach Andy Fraggos said despite having a young team, they are talented and full of confidence - By: Brandon Leiva and Maya Davidov

Penn Charter also had its fair share of obstacles, but head coach Ashley Maher said her team has remained positive. 

“We have faced a great deal of adversity this year. Our injured list keeps growing, however, the players coming off the bench for these spots are stepping up and really doing a great job. Our backup goalie, Maia Kafer, has really been fun to watch. It seems to be a big motivation factor to see your teammates doing well,” said Maher.

Episcopal Academy will wrap up league play hosting Agnes Irwin on Nov. 11, while the Quakers play their final league game on the road against Germantown Academy on Nov. 12.