More News

Opponents are still trying to figure out the Quince Orchard girls soccer team's defense.

The Cougars, who have allowed one goal since Sept. 17, clamped down on visiting Seneca Valley and allowed two shots during a 2-0 victory Thursday night in the Class 3A West Region semifinals. It was their 10th shutout this season.

Quince Orchard (13-2 overall) advances to the region final where it will play the winner of today's Tuscarora-Linganore game.

"This is the best team we've played all season," Screaming Eagles coach Claude Sayag said. "And their defense is a big part of that. They're tall, fast and strong, and they play great together."

After giving up their first goal in nearly two months during an 8-1 win over Paint Branch in the regional quarterfinals, Cougar defenders were determined to start a new streak Thursday under the lights. And seniors Jenny Van Hook, Jessica Row, and Margaret Smith, as well as freshman standout Isabelle Latour and sophomore goalkeeper Gabby Paolini, did their parts as Quince Orchard allowed one shot through 40 minutes.

"I think we have one of the best back lines around; it shows in all the shutouts we've had," Smith said. "And it wasn't the best feeling to be up 8-0 and give up that goal [against Paint Branch]; we don't want to give anything up."

Quince Orchard's offense didn't fare much better than Seneca Valley's in the first half. Despite several charges toward the Eagles' net, a handful of offsides violations and an inability to convert their opportunities slowed the Cougars.

Shannon Dwyer finally ended the drought 2 minutes, 26 seconds into the second half when she took a pass from senior Kayla Clark, dribbled up to the goal and took a shot that trickled past Seneca Valley goalkeeper Tiffany Wilson.

"I do have a lot of confidence in our defense to hold the other team down," said Cougars coach Peg Keiller. "But anything can happen, so a 1-0 lead wasn't all that comfortable."

When Allie Solomon converted an assist from Yvonne Latour to stretch its lead to 2-0 with 22:04 to play, however, Quince Orchard turned to its defense to slam the door.

And it allowed just one more shot the rest of the way, as Paolini didn't have to make a save. The Cougars took 10 shots on goal, and Wilson made eight saves in the loss.

"Our defense pulled us through," said Keiller, whose team beat Seneca Valley 9-0 in the regular season. "It may not have been our prettiest win, but it was a win."