Girls’ Soccer

Writer for Girls’ Soccer: David R.

PC Loses 2 to 6

Ask anyone and they’d tell you: “it was the second half that did it”. The girl’s soccer team kept the game tight through the first 40 minutes, ending the half only down 2-1. Heading into the half, the team knew that this was an easily surmountable deficit. Although the goal by Stephanie Clarke could be called the highlight of the game for Penn Charter, the main story was what happened to goaltender Kate Krieger. On the first shot of the game for Germantown Academy, Krieger was injured. It was presumed that she was kicked in the face when the offense rushed to the net. This was the first of several questionable calls. Not only should this have been a penalty, but Germantown Academy was credited with the goal. Krieger had to be attended to by the coaches and was eventually helped off the field. Unofficially, the injury is being called a “mild concussion.”

During the intermission, Krieger attempted to return to the game, taking several practice shots from coach Marks. However, she did not return at the start of the second half, apparently it had been decided that she was too injured to play.

Germantown Academy started the scoring surge with 32:16 remaining in the game, taking a 3-1 lead. Within the next 20 minutes it was 5-1 and the last goal was fired late in the game. Off the field some members of the Quakers soccer team were tearful when the last minutes approached. The overall aura was somewhat subdued and disappointed, but the season itself should be considered very successful.

After the game, the coaches offered their support to the disheartened players. Head coach Mensah’s address to the team at the end of the game was positive and seemed to lighten the mood a bit. He spoke about the overall terrific season that the Girls Soccer team has played.

Welcome to Girls’ Soccer

Following last year’s second place finish, the team aspired to follow in their winning ways. With a 10-6-1 record, the squad captured second place once again, behind the perennial Girls’ Soccer victor, Germantown Academy. The numbers don’t totally tell the tale. Within the league, the team boasted an incredible record of 7-3-1 (4-3-1 outside the league). After a slow start consisting of two straight shutout losses, the team turned itself around, eventually getting a three-game winning streak that improved their record to 3-3. After this streak was broken by the Hun School, the team rebounded for a four-game unbeaten streak, including three wins and a 3-3 tie against St. Hubert’s.

But there seems to be great hope for an even better record, come next season. “We have a young team,” assistant coach Ed Marks noted, “we’re only losing four seniors.” Unfortunately, the team is set to lose Jorie Dugan, who was described as “the anchor in midfield.” Due to the potential of the young players on the team, it’s apparent that the they will be able to compensate for the loss of the four seniors, two of which were captains.

Among this “young team” were several freshmen who show great potential. Natasha Prentice, Michelle Drossner, Liz Thom, Adjoa Ntoso and Sarah Rowan were all listed as being substantial members of the team in their first year–not to mention sophomore goalkeeper Kate Krieger and dominant forward Laura Kuresh. In short, the team is stocked with talented youth that will go on to lead the team for the next two or three years. Both freshman Natasha Prentice, who registered an outstanding three goal game against the Springside School, and sophomore Laura Kuresh were recognized as the “major goal producers” by Ed Marks

Assistant coach Marks noted that the defense was the strong point of the team, stating “the defense has been very solid.” He made reference to the outstanding play of junior Gabrielle Badaway, junior Lisa Fugelo and sophomore Danielle Yorko. Also, Marks commented on new head coach Eddie Mensah’s performance as being “really terrific,” and went on to say “he brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team.” Mensah is a native Ghanan who has previously coached at Abington Friends School.

When asked what the highlight of the year was, Marks said that it was the first game played against Germantown Academy. Although disappointed by the 1-0 loss, Marks noted that the team “played very well and were even.” This close match was not too shabby for a battle against the dominant Girls’ Soccer champs.

Eddie Mensah, the new head coach, was described by Marks as being “really terrific, he brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team.” Mensah is a native from Ghana who has previously coached at Abington Friends School.

If this season has shown anything, it shows a potential threat to take over the girls’ soccer world in the Inter-Ac League, overthrowing rival Germantown Academy.