With typically strong defense, Franklin Regional girls soccer prepares to contend again

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, August 19, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Each game it is the same.

Invade the opponents’ space and be disruptive. Contest shots and clear the ball. Make them work until their formation rips just slightly enough to allow for a goal or two — enough offense to put a nice shine on a shutout.

It’s Franklin Regional’s game plan and it works.

The strategy should make the Panthers another potent team in WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer this season.

After an 11-6-2 season that ended with a 1-0 loss to Mars in the quarterfinals, the Panthers are again front-loaded with defense.

The Panthers have one of the top goalkeepers in the WPIAL in senior Aris Lamanna, a Coastal Carolina commit. She posted 11 shutouts last season.

A key loss, however, will be senior midfielder Leah Brockett, who is likely out for the year with a torn ACL.

“Little by little, we are putting the team together for this year,” Franklin Regional coach Scott Arnold said. “Still, our expectations are to be as good as last year. We should still be strong defensively, and we have some ideas to score more goals than last season. If we are able to accomplish that, then we should be a tough opponent again. It may take us a little time, but if we are able to improve each day than we should have a successful year.

“It will be an experienced starting lineup for the most part composed of mostly juniors and seniors.”

Returning starters for the Panthers, some of whom might change positions, include seniors Addy Lacey, Lily Funari and Shaeley Reichbaum and juniors Abby Paterline, Brooke Blakley, Eden Williams, Natalie Keough, Reese Phillips and Reilly Weaver.

All six of the team’s losses last season came via shutout.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional