Photos/Videos: Jeremy Goode, Ryan Nix & Lennie Malmgren
By: Jeremy Goode
PHILADELPHIA - The first week of league play for the Inter-Ac showcased returning talented squads and noteworthy victories.
League play began on Tuesday, Sept. 19, which saw Episcopal Academy defeat Penn Charter 1-0, Springside Chestnut Hill win against Baldwin School 8-0 and the Academy of Notre Dame notch out a 3-0 victory against Germantown Academy.
Thursday's slate of game saw the Churchwomen edge the Bears 4-0 and Friday, the Irish defeated the Lady Quakers 1-0 while the Owls notched a home field 1-0 win against the Blue Devils (more on that later!).
See below for Jeremy Goode's PSD Inter-Ac girls soccer week in review!
Episcopal Academy Finds Their Offense, Blanks Baldwin 4-0
The Episcopal Academy Churchwomen girls’ soccer team had heard enough of how good they were despite their lack of offense, so they chose their game against the Baldwin School to take 40 shots on net, beating the Bears convincingly, 4-0.
“For us, it is not about the score, it’s about what we can do each game to improve, what we can do each half to improve, ” Episcopal head coach Andrew Fraggos said. “Connecting our passes… putting the ball on frame… giving us a chance to score goals, so that’s what we are looking to do.
Fraggos and his squad would not have to wait long to get on the scoreboard. Forward Maya Bright passed the ball up to midfielder Lainey McGonagle. McGonagle floated in a chip shot right underneath the goal post and just out of the reach of Baldwin’s goalkeeper, Anna Magarelli. Little did both teams realize, but McGonagle’s goal would be the difference in the contest, just a minute and 19 seconds into the in-league matchup.
For the next 10 minutes, Episcopal would have many chances to put up a crooked number on the scoreboard. McGonagle put up several shots from twenty yards out, many of them too strong and sailing over the goalpost. Others would be just wide of the net. Midfielder Ava Roberts shot a ball off the turf but Magarelli made a diving save. While Episcopal was unsuccessful during this run, most of their shots were on target, suggesting that one would soon sail through each post.
Bridget Dempsey would answer Episcopal’s call to strengthen its lead to two goals twelve and a half minutes into the first half as she weaved and dribbled her way through the Bears defense, and shot on net from 10 yards out with no one in front of her but Magarelli, beating her as the ball sailed like a line drive to the back of the net.
“I feel like that’s every game,” McGonagle said. “You have some opportunities that you miss but what really counts is that we played together and got to finish four of those shots that we took.”
To say the first 12 and a half minutes was a domination of possession by Episcopal would be an understatement. The few times Baldwin was able to possess the ball beyond midfield, Episcopal’s backline players, Ella Becket and Natalie Magnotta, would chase down Baldwin’s attack and then redirect the way down the field for Episcopal’s own charge at net.
Episcopal’s goaltender, Lauren Creamer, would first make contact with the ball 13 minutes into the game on a shot that Baldwin’s Taylor Hoilett put on net, but there was little other offense going for the Bears.
The next 14 minutes saw Baldwin lock down on defense, while it was open season for Episcopal and their strikers. Avery Le would send a few shots from 15 yards out over the crossbar. Devon Stewart would also put a few strong shots on net, only for Magarelli to finish them off with diving saves. Bella Ahn for Baldwin would also have nice stands on defense, killing several Episcopal attacks by deflecting shots to the sideline for an Episcopal throw-in. Baldwin’s Sabine Kim would help keep her squad in the game by cutting off several Episcopal attacks, forcing them to do throw-ins by the corner.
Eventually, Episcopal capitalized for their third goal off an offensive push. An Episcopal corner kick caused a scramble five feet in front of the goal. Magnotta found the ball, sent it ahead to Sophia Gagliardi, who finished in front of the helpless Magarelli, giving Episcopal a three goal led going into halftime.
“We heave at least 30 to 40 shots per game compared to the other team’s 10,” Magnotta said. “But we were only finishing one or two of those, so that is what we worked on for today.”
The beginning of the second half went as most of the first half had gone. Episcopal dominated possession and rarely did the ball cross onto their own side. The Churchwomen would comfortably hold onto their lead in the second half, still taking many shots on net but not converting like they had during the first 40 minutes of game time.
Bright set up Quinn Whitaker for a one-timer in front of the net nearly five minutes into the second half, only to see Whitaker’s shot sail just above the crossbar. Kate Dente and Le would have a few opportunities to get strong shots on net but were denied by even better goalie play by Magarelli.
“They defended us great,” Fraggos said. “They played us too; we were excited for that. We need to make sure we are finishing our chances when we have them.”
To Fraggos’ satisfaction, the Churchwomen were able to empty their bench midway through the second half, allowing the starters to rest while also giving the younger players an opportunity to get their feet wet in a conference matchup.
Mia Ganzhorn would net the fourth goal for Episcopsal with two and a half minutes left in the contest. The Churchwomen finished off the game with a 4-0 win, the second clean sheet from Creamer in net and Episcopal’s backline.
“It was just about staying together as a team,” Magnotta said. “We knew going into the game that we should be able to keep the ball a lot and we really wanted to use that to go forward together.”
That they did. While Episcopal put up 40 shots of their own, Baldwin recorded only as many shots as Episcopal goals scored.
EA head coach Andy Fraggos talks about making improvements each game - PSD Video by Jeremy Goode
EA's Natalie Magnotta and Lainey McGonagle talk about the Churchwomen's first league victory vs. Baldwin - PSD Video by Jeremy Goode
The win against the Bears gives Episcopal their second Inter-Ac win of the week; the first came against Penn Charter, as the Churchman were able to squeeze out a 1-0 win in East Falls. While Fraggos knows there is room for improvement with a long list of games left on the schedule, he is excited about where his team is and the improvement they have displayed in each game early in the season.
“It’s starting to look like we are playing some good soccer,” Fraggos said. “There is a lot of room for improvement, and I think that’s actually most exciting about this team is we are getting the wins and playing OK soccer. We have a lot left in the tank… which is why our coaching staff is pretty excited about where this team can go.”
Springside Chestnut Hill Overwhelms Baldwin with Eight Goals
Sharing is caring, as seven different girls for the Springside Chestnut Hill (SCH) Blue Devils demonstrated in scoring goals to defeat The Baldwin School Bears 8-0 in both teams’ first inter-ac league matchup of the season.
“We did not know what to expect since it was the first inter-ac game,” Springside Chestnut Hill coach Maria Kosmin said. “So, the game plan was to get the ball in the back of the net early when you get the chances, because it seems like once we do that, it keeps going, and we get to have fun.”
Fun that the Blue Devils had.
From the start, SCH jumped on the attack offensively. Freshman Deus Stanislaus led the charge early, forming an attack just over midfield in which her through pass went just beyond the end line in the first minute. The Blue Devils would force several corner kicks within the first eight minutes of game time. Jillian Major would send a one-timer off a corner kick just a foot over the goalpost.
Baldwin would go on the attack periodically during the first 10 minutes, but they were immediately shut down by the Blue Devils’ backline consisting of Alexis Reilly and Brynn Donohue. When the ball rarely trickled by those two, Blue Devils’ goaltender Graclyn Lee-Torchiana cleared the ball to midfield.
SCH started the season with a win against Baldwin - PSD Photo by Lennie Malmgren
The Blue Devils would continue to push the ball offensively. Alexandra de Beaulac had a some nice touches and rushes down field. Zarin DeVeaux had several crosses from the sideline on net that were strong opportunities for the Blue Devils to convert but just missed the mark.
With just under nine minutes left in the half, Saoirse Glennon netted a goal.
Six minutes later, Cali Smith would put SCH up 4 to go into the half after Baldwin was unable to successfully clear the ball out from in front of their goal.
“I thought the first half we were a little sloppy,” Kosmin said. “We talked at halftime and discussed that we wanted to continue to play our game and be crisp and connect and try to earn better goals. And I think in the second half they played more of what SCH soccer should look like.”
SCH would answer the challenge to play Blue Devils soccer shortly after the start of the second half. SCH scored their fifth goal under five minutes in after a scuffle in front of the net that was not properly cleared by the Bears, and a Blue Devil was able to send a rocket towards the back of the net from mid-range.
The Blue Devils would continue to put shots on net only to be denied by Baldwin. With 21 minutes left in the contest, the Blue Devils would take advantage of a hard shot on net that was deflected but then converted by the Blue Devils. SCH would make it 7-0 37 seconds later when Major was able to beat Baldwin’s keeper to a loose ball, kicking it just under the diving goalie from 10 yards out.
“Springside is the standard of the league,” Baldwin head coach Adrian Cox said. “They graduated a lot of talented players but they were also reloaded with some young talent. They just move the ball very nicely, they’re very organized, they finish every chance you give them, so we are just going to keep working, staying positive together, and get ready for our next game.”
SCH would finish off the scoring with just under six minutes to play, scoring their eighth goal of the afternoon.
Stanislaus, responsible for two goals and the game’s leading goal scorer, noted how important the defense was in helping the offense get going.
“[We played] good defense, played together, played through the middle and we did a lot better at that in the second half,” Stanislaus said. “I think we really connected in the final third, which led to all our goals.”
SCH head coach Maria Kosmin talks about her teams' first victory vs. Baldwin - PSD Video by Jeremy Goode
Springside Chestnut Hill Player's reflect on game vs. Baldwin - PSD Video by Jeremy Goode
This SCH program is no stranger to success. They won the Inter-Ac conference in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Along with their conference title last year, the Blue Devils also clinched the PAISAA State Tournament.
The Blue Devils lost 12 seniors from their historic season last year. With a younger unit, Donohue mentioned that they see their newer squad as an advantage.
“With everyone new, it’s just a whole new way of playing that no other team knows yet,” Donohue said.
Even with a newer squad, the ultimate goal does not change for the Blue Devils, according to Reilly.
“Everyone wants to win and we know that we have that winning culture…” Reilly said. “It is different players obviously but it’s the same goal every single year, we just have to take it one game at a time.”
SCH continues conference play, playing at home today vs. Germantown academy and away against Penn Charter on Friday, Sept. 29.
Agnes Irwin Topples Germantown Friends School In Non-League Match-up, Accomplishes Major Feat in First Inter-Ac Game
Senior co-captain for Agnes Irwin School (AIS) Lily Fusco scored four goals to help defeat Germantown Friends School (GFS), 8-2. Campbell Collins recorded three assists, followed by two assists by Emma Watson, and one each by Fusco, Gabby Bongiorno and Sydney Sturlson.
AIS also had goals from Payton Quinones, and two eighth graders, one each by Dylan Ohm and Colby Costa.
On Sept. 22, AIS enjoyed a 1-0 shutout against defending Inter-Ac champions, SCH. Fusco scored the game winning goal, and the clean sheet was awarded to goalkeeper Lindsay Reidenbach, as well as the defensive unit consisting of Abby Ballinger, Liz King, Collins and Bongiorno.
"I scored early in the game, so it didn't totally set in until the last few minutes..." Fusco said. "After scoring, I was so excited but also super focused on keeping possession and making sure SCH did not score."
The win puts Agnes Irwin at 3-0 on the season and 1-0 in Inter-Ac play. AIS will play Penn Charter on Tuesday, Sept. 26 in efforts to continue their run in the Inter-Ac League, and inch closer to a league championship with a win.
For AIS head coach Namit Deshpande, it was a bit of a reunion playing SCH. Deshpande, currently in his first year at AIS, was the assistant coach at SCH since 2020. While proud of his team, he also expressed much appreciation for both teams he has coached.
"I must express my pride in being a part of both of these outstanding soccer programs," Deshpande said. "The recent game was undeniably one of the most thrilling and enjoyable coaching experiences I've had."
Fusco, now in her senior year, used her three years of experience to ultimately get over the hurdle, beating SCH for the first time in her high school career.
"Coming into the season, I have experienced lots of wins and losses and always tried to learn something from every game," Fusco said. "I knew that we were not going to get many chances against an excellent team like SCH... so celebrating that moment with my team is something I will never forget."
Deshpande noted that his squad put in the hard work during pre-season for moments like beating SCH and he is glad their efforts are already paying off.
Agnes Irwin vs. Springside Chestnut Hill Game Highlights by PSD's Lennie Malmgren
Lily Fusco's Goal Against Springside Chestnut Hill - Video courtesy of AIS
Agnes Irwin vs. Springside Chestnut Hill - PSD Gallery by Lennie Malmgren
"Their individual efforts in this game was truly commendable," Deshpande said. "We plan to bring the same energy and aggressiveness through the remainder of the season."
Episcopal Gets Good Experience Against Top Teams in the Country
Episcopal Academy (EA) fell to the number 14 ranked team in the country by a score of 2-1 to the Pennington School on Sept. 12.
Junior goalkeeper Lauren Creamer excelled in net, saving 13 shots, while being tested for the first time this season.
Episcopal would score first, 13 minutes in off of a Maya Bright goal, assisted by Ava Novelli. Pennington School would tie the game at one right before halftime, and later score midway through the second half. Episcopal outshot Pennington School 29-22, and Fraggos was pleased with the back-and-forth game considering their strong competition.
EA also faced off against the 7th ranked team in the country, McDonogh School, on Sept. 22. The Churchmen fell 2-0, but kept McDonogh scoreless in the second half. Goalkeeper for EA, Lauren Creamer recorded nine saves.
Springside Chestnut Hill vs. Baldwin School. (Photo gallery by Ryan Nix for PSD)
Fraggos referred to the game as "competitive back and forth." It was also a game in which Fraggos thought that they missed their chances while McDonogh converted on their opportunities.
Inter-Ac League Standings (through Sept. 25)
Episcopal Academy 2-0
Notre Dame 2-0
Agnes Irwin 1-0
Germantown Academy 0-1
Penn Charter 0-2
Baldwin 0-2
Upcoming Games - All games start at 4 p.m. unless otherwise stated:
Tues. Sept. 26 (Home vs. Away)
SCH vs. GA
ND vs. EA
PC vs. AIS
Fri. Sept. 29 (Home vs. Away)
GA vs. EA
PC vs. SCH
Sat. Sept. 30 (Home vs. Away)
Baldwin vs. AIS - 11 a.m.
Please contact Jeremy Goode jagoode@crimson.ua.edu for team updates, corrections or additions for future Inter-Ac girls soccer notebooks.