SOCCER INFO

Our Law Firm consists of several attorneys who are heavily involved in their passions one of which is soccer. Here below, you'll be able to read up on what is new, find out about up and coming events, tournaments, and much more so check back often.

DANVILLE GAME

Williamsport 4, Danville 0

The Lady Millionaires pulled off a stunning upset of Danville last night winning 4-0. Danville was coming off of a recent 1-0 win over Montoursville and was 5-1 in the Susquehanna Valley League.

The Lady Millionaires jumped on Danville right away scoring 2 goals in the first four minutes. Sara Redka off an assist from Jessica Fry lofted a long shot over the Danville keeper’s outstretched arms and Abby Choate neatly put away a free kick from Caitlyn Slattery.

Following the scores, the Lady Millionaires kept the pressure on, almost converting on a few chances but Danville eventually gained the momentum controlling a majority of the play and almost capitalizing on the Lady Millionaire's mistakes.

In the second half, Sara Redka essentially put the game away with another long shot this one coming off of an Abby Choate assist and at an almost impossible angle. Caitlyn Slattery finished the scoring with a beautifully placed penalty kick.

The Lady Millionaires’ defense was outstanding the entire game as were Rachel Deal and Megan Logue in goal. The new 3-4-3 formation led to much more offense. The  mid-fielders for the Lady Millionaires worked extremely hard both offensively and defensively and their passing game looked greatly improved. The Lady Millionaire forwards made numerous runs creating spaces and scoring chances for themselves and their teammates.

The Lady Millionaires have a week break before their next game against Athens on Thursday, September 28, 2006. As to be expected, Athens is again the top team in the Northern Tier League having lost only one game the entire year. It doesn’t get any easier as both State College and Selinsgrove await the week thereafter.

The Lady Millionaires will certainly have their hands full but with efforts like they produced against Danville, they are sure to compete at a high level.       

ATHENS GAME

Williamsport 3, Athens 1 

The long two hour ride to Athens, coupled with not playing a game in six days concerned the Lady Millionaire’s coaching staff. The cold and rainy weather only added to the concern.

At first, it appeared that the Lady Millionaires were ready play stringing together numerous passes and controlling the play for a majority of the first half. As the half went on, however, the Lady Millionaires appeared to lose not only focus but also aggressiveness. Athens took control of the game winning a majority of the 50/50 balls, stringing together several passes in a row and earning some scoring opportunities.

After halftime, Athens continued putting the pressure on and took advantage of a Williamsport defensive lapse, scoring to make it 1-0 with 30 minutes to go in the game.

The Lady Millionaires responded with a little more intensity and increased focus but good off ball movement was lacking and Athens continued to take Williamsport out of its passing game.

Fortunately, the Millionaires scored on a fortunate shot by Sarah Redka which bounced off at least one if not two Athens players before finding its way in the back of the net. Following that score, the game was played evenly in both ends with Sara Redka giving the Millionaires a 2-1 advantage following a beautifully placed 20 yard shot.

Athens put the pressure on but the defense of Williamsport held firm making several clears and/or saves and eventually Jessica Fry put the game out of reach with another 20 plus yard bomb.

The Lady Millionaires will need to vastly improve on both the defensive and offensive ends if they are going to successfully compete with the remaining teams on their schedule. Under all of the circumstances, however, it was a good win under very adverse circumstances.

STATE COLLEGE GAME

State College 1, Williamsport 0 

State College visited Sheridan Field on Monday afternoon sporting an 8-1-3 record and ranked in the Pennsylvania Soccer Coach’s Association poll as one of the top AAA teams in the State. Additionally, they recently beat Montoursville 3-1 and Central Mountain 1-0.

The Lady Millionaires played probably their most spirited game of the year challenging for every loose ball, quickly recovering from mistakes, applying both individual and team pressure throughout the field and constantly working. The result was a hard fought 1-0 loss on a direct free kick from approximately 20 yards out.

Following the game, the State College coach commented on the fine effort of the Lady Millionaires noting that they did everything they needed to do to give them an opportunity to not only compete but to win the game.

Very, very difficult games remain for the Lady Millionaires. Selinsgrove (next) is ranked 5^th in District 4 with a 10-2 record. Montoursville is ranked 6^th in District 4 with a 10-4 record. Sayre is having its best season in years and presently sports an 8-4-1 record. Mifflinburg is battling for a playoff position and presently has a 6-6-1 record. Central Mountain is ranked 1^st in District 6 ahead of State College with a 10-2-1 record. Milton is ranked second in District 4 with a 10-1-1 record. Southern Columbia, the Lady Millionaire’s last regular season game is unranked.

SELINSGROVE GAME

Williamsport 1, Selinsgrove 0

The Selinsgrove Lady Seals entered the match against Williamsport with a 12-2-1 record having recently beaten Shikellamy 2-1.  Not however intimidated, in large part due to the caliber of opponents that the Lady Millionaires have faced all year long, the girls played an excellent all around game and pulled off a stunning upset 1-0.

Sara Redka scored off an assist from Bekah Deal with 3 minutes and 30 seconds to go in the game to give the Lady Millionaires a lead which they would never relinquish.

The Lady Millionaires played a very strong field game possessing the ball and finding spaces in the Selinsgrove defense. While Selinsgrove clearly had the edge in skill, the Lady Millionaires made up for such with great desire and a solid team defensive effort.

Jessica Fry and Abby Choate were brilliant in the mid-field while Maria Giordano is getting back to forum. The defense led by an ailing but always solid Caitlyn Slattery, had a very strong game controlling the ball when necessary and clearing it as needed. Shannon Dickey and Carina Orso played extremely well up top making beautiful runs, showing for the ball when necessary and controlling it like they had not done in the past. Sara Redka simply played her best game of the season.

It was a total team effort with everyone contributing and the result was this program’s first ever win over Selinsgrove.

MONTOURSVILLE GAME

Montoursville 3, Williamsport 0

The Montoursville Lady Warriors visited Balls Mills Soccer Complex on Monday, October 9, 2006 and utilized their superior skill, technique and quickness to dominate the Lady Millionaires. Montoursville scored less than a minute into the game following a series of crisp two-touch passes and a nifty move for a clean shot on goal.

The Lady Millionaires battled throughout but appeared one step behind most of the game. Taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, the Lady Warriors quickly scored again at the beginning of the second half and followed up with a penalty kick goal with approximately 20 minutes remaining in the game.

The Lady Millionaires threatened on a few occasions but were not able to make any of their few chances count.

While the Lady Millionaires are somewhat banged up and short staffed, they need to regroup quickly as many difficult games await in the future. There were a few bright signs such as the Lady Millionaire’s hard work throughout and unwillingness to give up. As well there was solid play from a handful of players.

SAYRE GAME

 Williamsport 4, Sayre 0

On senior night the Lady Millionaires secured a needed win in their highly unexpected march to a possible playoff birth.

Caitlyn Slattery and Sara Redka, members of the team for four years, have literally changed the face of Williamsport women’s soccer. Their commitment and dedication has not only led to personal accomplishments and wonderful experiences but it has also elevated this program to one of respect by all. Caitlyn’s poise and skill, plus her ability to enjoy the game, make her a role model to every aspiring player. Sara’s big time goals and effort make her the most prolific scorer in WAHS history.

Rachel Deal is an inspiration to all. Her hard work, dedication, perspective and character are attributes to be emulated by every underclassman. I wish I could have coached her for more than one year.

Melissa Hess has fought through every kind of imaginable injury and is a true leader. Her maturity in accepting her physical and soccer limitations yet contributing whenever or wherever is needed will serve her well in the future.

Lauren Dickey is a warrior. Her absence on the field, following her ACL injury, has left a large void. Any success we have achieved this year is in part because of her energy, commitment and good nature.

Brooke Edwards has been with this program for two years and has steadily improved. Her athletic talents have enabled her to lend huge contributions to this team. Her ability to adapt to difficult situations, to listen to her coaches and to give an unwavering effort has been critical to this team’s ability to compete.

All of the seniors will be sorely missed. They have certainly stamped their collective personality on this team. They have painted a beautiful picture; one that I as their coach will always remember.

MIFFLINBURG GAME

Mifflinburg 2, Williamsport 1

The Lady Millionaires played uninspired and unfocused for a majority of the game giving up a very early goal in both halves to dig themselves a 0-2 hole.

In the final 10 minutes the Millionaires pressured the Mifflinburg goal area and had numerous opportunities but could not convert. The result was a disappointing 1-2 loss.

With three games remaining on their schedule, it will be interesting to see how the Lady Millionaires respond.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN GAME

Central Mountain 3, Williamsport 0

An excellent Central Mountain team visited Sheridan Field on Monday, October 16, 2006 and secured a 3-0 victory. The first goal was an egregious error by the referee. Rachael Deal clearly had the ball in her hand (as confirmed on video tape) and it was kicked out of her hand by a Central Mountain player. Unfortunately, this deflated the Lady Millionaires and flustered Rachael.

The Lady Millionaires hung tough but could not organize defensively making a few errors in a span of three minutes which cost them two more goals.

Down 0-3 at halftime, the Lady Millionaires switched defenses to a 4-4-2 zonal system and played much better and much more inspired.

The Lady Millionaires have two games remaining on their schedule and need to either tie both or win one to advance to the District playoffs. Regardless of what happens, the Lady Millionaires have had a very, very successful and surprising season earning respect from their opponents.

MILTON GAME

Williamsport 3, Milton 2

The Lady Millionaires played a complete all around game in pulling a stunning upset of Milton 3-2 at Milton Stadium on senior night.  The Lady Millionaires battled not only the Lady Tigers but a very raucous crowd. Megan Logue played an excellent first half in goal as did Rachael Deal in the second half.

The wing mid-fielders for the Lady Millionaires, Rachael Knower, Maria Giordano, Cornell Lorson and Tracy Edwards played their best game of the year.

The Lady Millionaires back four and mid-field defense was very solid especially against Caitlyn Landis, one of the best players the Lady Millionaires have faced all year long. The attacking mid-fielders and forwards, as well, created many scoring opportunities.

Sara Redka scored two beautiful goals for the Lady Millionaires, one on an excellent placed free kick. Rebekah Deal finished the scoring for the Millionaires following a cleared throw in.

The Lady Millionaires have now qualified for the District 4 AAA playoffs five years in a row. In a rebuilding year, the Lady Millionaires have garnered great respect from the fans, opposing teams and the soccer community in general. Well done.

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA GAME

Williamsport 4, Southern Columbia 0

The Lady Millionaires completed their regular season with a 4-0 win over a very young Southern Columbia squad to end with a quite surprising 10-8-1 record. The Lady Millionaires suffered somewhat of a let down after the Milton upset but managed to regroup in the second half to come away with the victory.

Sara Redka scored her first hat trick of the year for Williamsport ending the season as the team’s leading goal scorer with 14. Caitlyn Slattery and Jessica Fry assisted on goals giving each of them a team leading 5 for the year. Mariah Reeder scored her first varsity goal with the assist coming from Melissa Hess, her first varsity assist.

The Lady Millionaires will need to play much better in order to compete in the District tournament. The Lady Millionaires have drawn Midd-West as their quarter-final opponent. Midd-West ended their regular season on a ten-game unbeaten streak. The game is set for Thursday, October 26 at 5:00 p.m. at Hughesville.

MIDD-WEST GAME

Midd-West 1, Williamsport 1 (Midd-West Advances to Next Round via Penalty Kicks)

Not quite the storybook ending that the Lady Millionaires hoped for.  Both teams battled it out through 80 minutes of regular time and 30 additional minutes of overtime to a 1-1 tie. 

Tracey Edwards scored her first goal of the year with approximately 15 minutes remaining in regular time off of an assist from Caitlyn Slattery. Caitlyn ended up leading the team in assists with a total of 7 (she had 2 versus Southern Columbia not 1 as previously reported).

Midd-West tied the game with only a minute and 29 seconds remaining, off of a questionable corner kick. The goal was very similar to the one the Lady Millionaires scored.

Both teams’ keepers played extremely well. Rachael Deal had her best game of the year making several saves with a few spectacular ones.

Although the Lady Millionaires did not advance, looking back their year was truly amazing. They continually overachieved. They upset at least a half a dozen teams. 16 of the 19 teams they played qualified for their respective District playoffs. It is anticipated that at least 4 or 5 of these teams will qualify for their respective State playoffs. Many of these teams suffered less than 4 losses their entire regular season, one at the hands of the Lady Millionaires.

Not surprisingly, Sara Redka led the team in goals with 14. What is remarkable is the fact that Sara did not play 6 of the 20 games.  Caitlyn Slattery anchored the defense most of the year and ended up being second on the team in scoring with 3 goals and 7 assists. Rachael Deal had an excellent year in goal giving up less than 1 ½ goals per game against the best teams in the area, some of the best teams in the State and a few of the best teams in the Country.

In the end, it was truly a team effort and what made this team remarkable was its character. Through the leadership of their captains, Caitlyn Slattery, Sara Redka, Abby Choate and Jess Fry. The team became more than just a soccer team.

To the seniors, we wish you the best in your chosen life’s endeavors. You will all enjoy the remainder of your senior year hopefully learning a little more about soccer and a lot more about life. To the underclassmen, we have very big shoes to fill and a lot of work to do in our drive for a District Championship. Next year will be a new era in Williamsport Women’s Soccer. The seniors have established a winning tradition both on and off the field. Only with an “old school” work ethic and commitment can that tradition continue.

Looking forward to the banquet as well as the real banquet, the Christmas party and many other events the remainder of the year. Seniors stay in touch and everyone please know that we are always there to help you. In the end, it is and always will be character. Thanks for the memories. Marc.