With all of the pressure and high expectations, it's been hard for the Pennridge girls' soccer team to have fun this year. That much was evident in the first half of Monday's 3-1 win over Council Rock South in a cross-division Suburban One matchup.
It's even been difficult for first-year head coach Audrey Anderson to sit back and enjoy her team's success. But Monday afternoon there was at least one player having fun on the field - goalkeeper Amanda O'Hara.
The junior had her first-career assist in the second half, when she punted a ball over the Golden Hawks defenders and onto the foot of senior forward Megan Shenk. Shenk muscled her way through the defense and laid the ball past the goalie, who had come out to challenge.
"I was really happy, I cheered a little bit," O'Hara said with a laugh.
With the score tied at 1-1 after the first 40 minutes, Anderson could tell that her team didn't look like they were enjoying themselves, so at halftime she told them to relax and have fun. The advice seemed to work. Shenk scored her first goal of the game less than six minutes into the half, putting her team up by one, 2-1.
Anchored by a talented midfield that set up the Rams' forwards with terrific through balls, Pennridge also got strong play in the back, with defender Carly Henry controlling the squad when Council Rock South (5-5) picked up their play and pressed on offense.
"In the middle they are very smart players. They can hold a ball until they see our forwards make that run or they see something developing," Anderson said.
It was the fourth close loss of the season for the Golden Hawks, who previously lost one-goal games to Archbishop Wood and Neshaminy, as well as a 3-1 game to Council Rock North.
The Rams (9-0-2), are ranked first in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer. Heavily favored to win the Suburban One, many think they also have a chance to get back to the PIAA Class AAA state final, which they lost last season.
"We are just trying to get through every game and trying to stay as a team. Even though we are winning a lot, we aren't celebrating as much as you'd think," Shenk said.
Pennridge 1200-3
Council Rock South 1000-1
Goals: P- Shannon Chynoweth 1, Megan Shenk 2. CRS- Paige McDowell 1.
Saves: P- Amanda O'Hara 10; CRS- Allison Taub 13
Contact staff writer Kate Harman at rallysports@phillynews.com.
