Youth/High School Soccer
Mount Cavalry Christian makes history in win over Delco Christian
A goal each side of halftime and lockdown defense led Mount Cavalry Christian to a 2-0 win over Delco Christian on Tuesday night, ending the Knights season in the first round of the PIAA state tournament at West Chester Henderson.
Tuesday’s first round game featured a Mount Cavalry Christian side making their debut in the state tournament and a Delco Christian (16-4-2) team making just their third appearance for a program that was last in the state tournament in 2010.
“This is the furthest we’ve ever gone,” head coach Kim Schmitkons said. “It’s incredible. The whole school is behind us and we love that.”
The Chargers (18-1-2) earned a berth into the tournament with a third place finish in the District 3 tournament. After suffering their first loss of the season to Camp Hill in the district semifinals they bounced back with a 2-0 win over Delone Catholic and followed it up with a strong performance on the road Tuesday.
“We didn’t back down after being up to one nothing,” said Clara Webb, a Messiah-bound senior. “We knew we had to stay strong the whole game, and it was great to see everybody fight and compete.”
The Chargers’ game plan to limit Delco Christian star Arden Silver was effective and when the Knights attack did breakthrough goalkeeper Claire Esterline was there to deny first and second chance opportunities. Senior Amaya Rogers and freshman Courtney Kline had the goals. Kline’s pace was a challenge on the left side and early in the second half she was able to get around the outside in transition and score from a tight angle with a left-footed strike.
“We had great opportunities on the breakaways and the transitions to get something and the girls pushed through and just held strong,” Schmitkons said.
With the two-goal cushion, the defense absorbed a lot of pressure but was stingy with 50-50s and second balls.
“We talk all the time about how you can only control your attitude and your effort and they were full on with both of those things tonight,” DC head coach Andy Young said. “This has been a really special group, the older girls leaving and the younger girls fighting. We made it a goal to raise the bar and this is obviously a big step forward.”
After an emotional end to the season, the DC players joined their opponents in a prayer circle in the middle of the pitch at J. Oscar Dicks Stadium.
“Ultimately, both teams were here tonight for the same thing, to give glory to the Lord,” Young said. “And to have the ability to praise him in victory and praise him in defeat.”
Mount Cavalry moves on to face District 4 champion Line Mountain, first round winners over Fairfield in a 5-1 win over District 3 runners up Fairfield.
