Shady Side Academy girls soccer making another run

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, November 12, 2017 | 11:00 PM

It's been a strong run through the PIAA Class A girls soccer playoffs for Shady Side Academy, and it's led to a match against rival Greensburg Central Catholic.

In the first round, Shady Side Academy used a balanced scoring attack to defeat Wilmington, 6-0.

Callie Davis scored twice, and Krystyna Rytel added a goal and an assist. Sophia McMahon, Melissa Riggens and Hannah Steffey also scored.

Goalkeeper Molly Skvorak got the shutout.

“I thought our girls played well,” SSA coach Leah Powers said. “We controlled the ball in the middle of the field and created a lot of scoring opportunities. Our defense played a tough game and certainly earned the shutout.”

The Indians moved on to the quarterfinals against Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic on Saturday.

The Indians (15-4-0) struck quickly against CWNC and picked up a 3-1 win to advance to the semifinals and a fourth meeting with Greensburg Central Catholic.

“We played our best 20 minutes of soccer in the first half of the game, and that's unusual for us,” Powers said. “We are more of a second-half team.”

Rytel put SSA on the board with a goal less than two minutes into the game.

They wouldn't score again until 10 minutes were left in the second half when Davis scored off of a cross from McMahon. With a minute left, McMahon chased down a ball in the Trojan's offensive half, dribbled through a few defenders and put the ball in the back of the net.

“I was thrilled for her,” Powers said. “She didn't stop working and truly deserved that goal. Overall, our defense was strong and consistent.”

Skvorak made three saves.

The Indians defeated GCC once in three meetings this season.

“We're all excited about the opportunity to play them again,” Powers said.

The game was played after deadline for this edition.

Marty Stewart is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shady Side Academy