Wissahickon (11-1-2), ranked seventh in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer, remained undefeated in conference play, 9-0-2.
"We won a lot of first balls and second balls, and then we kept everything on the ground," said Cole Kropnick, who had a goal and an assist. "We kept it moving, and it worked well today."
Kropnick was one of three sophomores who scored for the Trojans. Devon Memis had two goals, and Shane Fallen added one. The Trojans have only two seniors on their varsity roster, with six sophomores in the starting lineup.
"We are a young team, but we all want to work for each other," Kropnick said.
The previous time these two teams met this season, Wissahickon won by only a goal, 2-1.
"I was pleased with the way we played defensively. We didn't give them too much in terms of allowing them to get breakaways," Wissahickon coach Stuart Malcolm said.
During Thursday's loss to Upper Dublin, Cheltenham starting goalkeeper Jonah Katz suffered a broken hand. The Panthers' backup keeper also has a broken hand, leaving John Winnig, who had played mostly junior varsity, as the starter Tuesday.
"Considering you are playing the No. 1 team in the conference, he did a good job," Cheltenham coach Chuck Gesing said. "He made some really good reaction saves and managed the game."
What Gesing thought really hurt the Panthers (5-7, 5-6) was their inability to stop the Trojans attack, allowing players to turn and exploit the back line.
"Our defense has to do better," Gesing said. "We gave Wissahickon too much time and space."
Cheltenham 0 0 – 0
Wissahickon 2 2 – 4
Goals: Shane Fallen, Devon Memis 2, Cole Kropnick.
Saves: C-John Winnig 6, Max Martin 1; W-John Carrozza 1.
Contact Kate Harman at rallysports@phillynews.com.
