Franklin Regional girls build confidence after 5-game winning streak

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, September 25, 2017 | 11:00 PM

The Franklin Regional girls soccer team rebounded from a tough game to start the season.

After a 3-0 loss to top-ranked Moon at home, the Panthers answered by winning five consecutive games. They entered the week 5-2 overall with a 3-1 record in Section 1-AAA.

“We really just need to take our game to another level,” coach Rich Garland said. “There is always room for improvement on both sides of the field. We can be better.”

During the five-game winning streak, the Panthers recorded four shutouts and outscored opponents 12-1.

“During the run, we were really focused on the defense and took advantage of our chances,” Garland said. “We had a very compact defense and were able to limit their shooting opportunities.”

The Panthers, ranked No. 5 by the Tribune-Review this week, struggled defensively in both of their losses, the 3-0 loss to Moon and a 4-0 loss to Mars, ranked No. 3 in Class AAA.

“We didn't really give them much in the flow of the game,” Garland said. “Three of the goals against Mars came from corner kicks, so obviously something we need to work on and crack down on.”

Franklin Regional has relied on its seniors, including forward Rasa Vaicenas, midfielder Sophia Hudson and defender Calla Solomon, to lead the team so far this season. The Panthers have had some injuries to deal with and have had some players step up, as well.

“It has been nice to have seniors on all sides of the field, especially with the injuries we are going through,” Garland said. “We had senior midfielder Lydia Jackson tear her ACL and our junior goalkeeper, Tiffany Jolayemi, break her hand. So we have had a freshman in goal, Sydney Caldwell, who has really stepped up and played well for us.”

After tying for first place in the section last year, the Panthers have high expectations for the rest of the way.

“The goal from Day 1 is to always make the playoffs,” Garland said. “After an early exit in the WPIAL playoffs last year, we will be expecting to improve on that and make a deeper run.”

Cody Scott is a freelance writer.