Early 2nd-half goal, big saves by Solomon help Penn-Trafford to girls soccer victory over Norwin

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, September 16, 2024 | 10:06 PM

Penn-Trafford and Norwin came into Monday night’s girls soccer game allowing just over a goal a game apiece. Offensive chances would be scarce, but the players needed to be ready for any slipup from the opponent and look to capitalize.

Penn-Trafford senior Alexis Brown made the most of her opportunity, scoring the lone goal in Penn-Trafford’s 1-0 win over Norwin in a Section 1-4A battle.

Brown corralled the ball on a botched clear by the Norwin defense and pushed the ball past junior goalkeeper Rebecca Kostrobala seven minutes into the second half.

“Not sure what the defender was trying to do,” Brown said. “I think she thought that the goalie might come out and get it, but when she didn’t see the goalie move, she decided to kick it out and whiffed and I took the chance to put it in the back of the net.”

Said Norwin coach Ashley DeVito: “We made one mistake in the back line, and they punished us for it. We did a great job in the attacking third, forcing tons of mistakes, we just didn’t take advantage of any. Their goalkeeper was fantastic.”

It was a struggle for Penn-Trafford to get anything going in the first half as Norwin did a good job pressing the Warriors and pinning them in their own end.

“First half, they were playing a high line, and we tried our best to absorb it,” said Penn-Trafford coach Jim Mastroianni. “I didn’t like how we were building necessarily in the first half. We didn’t have possession a lot, and it made it easier for them. After halftime, we really looked to switch the field on them.”

The Warriors (6-2, 4-0) did get two chances off corner kicks, but they could not capitalize or get a shot on goal. Their only shot attempt came from a long drive from sophomore Lauren Francis.

Norwin’s (3-5, 2-2) best chance came on a breakaway from junior forward Giovanna Fuchel. She cruised down the right wing and tried to sneak one head-high on the short side, but Warriors senior goalkeeper Rease Solomon made a diving save.

After one half, Norwin’s pressure led them to outshoot the Warriors, 5-1.

“We talked at halftime about how the game could come down to a corner kick or a set play,” Mastroianni said. “It was just so back-and-forth, just transition after transition.”

Penn-Trafford decided to flip the script against the Knights, repelling any Norwin attack and possessing the ball for the majority of the second half.

“In the second half, Penn-Trafford found ways to expose our flanks and counterattack,” said DeVito. “I think they were able to take advantage of the fact that we were using our outside backs as wing backs, using our back line to push forward and create offense.”

DeVito was fine with her decision to push for offense as Norwin has had trouble scoring of late and had played some close games.

“At no point was I concerned about it,” DeVito said. “I was willing to take that risk to get some of our players forward to try and get a goal.”

Norwin’s offensive push almost paid off late when Bursick received a pass from the side off a throw in and rifled one that was headed for the top of the goal. Senior keeper Solomon nearly jumped out of her cleats and deflected the ball over the net for a huge save.

“I kind of like the high-pressure moments,” Solomon said. “That’s why I like the game. It’s what I love to do.”

Although Solomon only made three saves, every one of them was crucial in preserving the victory.

“She’s our acrobatic goalkeeper,” Mastroianni said. “She’s stepped up in big ways in so many games for us. Just a ton of diving saves left and right.”

Added Solomin: “It’s a big rivalry for us, a really important game for us, and we really fought hard. We put it all out there tonight.”

Penn-Trafford will try to remain unbeaten at home against Armstrong on Wednesday night, and Norwin will look to get back on the winning side on the road at Woodland Hills.

Tags: Norwin, Penn-Trafford