Howard County Is Left on Sideline
By Dave Yanovitz and Soraya Nadia McDonald
Special to The Washington Post
Wednesday, November 19, 2008; Page E07
(...)
Either Quince Orchard or Leonardtown has played for a 4A state title each of the past three years, with Leonardtown claiming two titles, including one with a win over the Cougars last weekend.
The Raiders, however, might not have Quince Orchard to test their mettle against next season. The Cougars are expected to move down to 3A when the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association convenes next month.
The bad news for Leonardtown is that Thomas Johnson isn't going anywhere, and the Patriots had just two seniors on a team that lost in penalty kicks to Quince Orchard in the state semifinals.
(...)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Washington Post: The Post Top 10
Girl's Soccer
Wednesday, November 19, 2008; Page E07
WCAC champion St. John's claimed the top spot early in the season and finished strong. . . . Thomas Johnson joins the rankings after advancing to the Maryland 4A championship game and losing to Quince Orchard on penalty kicks. . . . Glenelg also enters after winning its third straight 1A title.
Team LW
1. St. John's (D.C.) (14-2-5) 1
2. Spalding (19-1-3) 2
3. B-CC (17-0) 3
4. Leonardtown (17-0-1) NR
5. River Hill (16-1-1) 4
6. Georgetown Visitation (15-1) 5
7. O'Connell (14-4-3) 9
8. Glenelg (10-7-1) NR
9. Quince Orchard (14-3) NR
10. Thomas Johnson (14-2-1) NR
Wednesday, November 19, 2008; Page E07
WCAC champion St. John's claimed the top spot early in the season and finished strong. . . . Thomas Johnson joins the rankings after advancing to the Maryland 4A championship game and losing to Quince Orchard on penalty kicks. . . . Glenelg also enters after winning its third straight 1A title.
Team LW
1. St. John's (D.C.) (14-2-5) 1
2. Spalding (19-1-3) 2
3. B-CC (17-0) 3
4. Leonardtown (17-0-1) NR
5. River Hill (16-1-1) 4
6. Georgetown Visitation (15-1) 5
7. O'Connell (14-4-3) 9
8. Glenelg (10-7-1) NR
9. Quince Orchard (14-3) NR
10. Thomas Johnson (14-2-1) NR
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Gazette: QO repeat raided
Leonardtown beats Cougars in girls soccer final for second time
A lot of things can happen in 2 minutes: driving two miles at 60 miles per hour, 100 sit-ups or even a total eclipse.
It's also how long it took for the Quince Orchard girls soccer team's hopes of successfully defending last year's Class 4A state championship to slip away.
Quince Orchard and Leonardtown battled for the title for the second time in three years Saturday at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Just as it did in 2006, the St. Mary's County outfit hoisted the winner's trophy at the end, this time with a 3-1 victory.
Leonardtown senior forward Emily Gehrig's goal 2 minutes into the second half of Saturday's contest opened the floodgates for the Raiders. The win clinched the Leonardtown's first-ever undefeated season at 17-0-1 and its third state title, while the loss snapped a 10-game win streak for the Cougars (14-3).
Laurie DeWitt/The Gazette
Yvonne Latour (left) and Quince Orchard lost the state final to Leonardtown and Jessica Cooke (right) for the second time in three years Saturday, after winning it all last season.
When Quince Orchard met Leonardtown two years ago, the Cougars were overwhelmed by the Raiders' speed and skill. That was not the case Saturday, though.
"Obviously it was a difficult night for us," Quince Orchard coach Peg Keiller said. "It's funny, because we came here two years ago and they beat us up and down the field and ended up winning 1-0 on a last-minute goal. Tonight was the other way around. It was a better fought game, but they won 3-1."
Quince Orchard matched up well in the first half, stifling an explosive Raider offense that's scored 66 goals to its 39. But it seemed only a matter of time before the Raiders' attack, helmed by Gehrig (10 goals, 11 assists) - who is slated to play at Towson University next fall - and junior Teresa Paz, broke through.
After a scoreless first half, Gehrig, who scored the last-minute winning goal in the teams' previous meeting, lofted junior forward Johanna Rambo's well-placed pass into the upper left corner of the net to put Leonardtown ahead, 1-0, in the 42nd minute.
Senior midfielder Jessie Schaller pushed the lead to 2-0 after coming off the bench to finish a pass from Gehrig in the 53rd minute, while junior midfielder Rachel Lynn subbed in and made it 3-0 late in the second half.
"We knew Quince Orchard had a really good keeper [four-year starter Amanda Whitney]," said Gehrig. "In the locker room during half time, Coach [Jennifer] Henderson was just like, 'You guys have got to start taking shots.' After my goal everyone started taking shots. And everyone has a good foot and the ability to score."
Quince Orchard junior leading scorer Ele Margelos put the Cougars on the board in the 77th minute. But they'd dug themselves too deep a hole. The Cougars' penetrating balls weren't making it into the box.
Nevertheless, Saturday marked Quince Orchard's third-consecutive state-final appearance. And the Cougars are set for 2009; they return nine starters, including all four of their offensive leaders: Margelos, junior forward Leah Prentice and junior midfielders Yvonne Latour and Kayla Clarke.
"At the beginning of the season we talked about how winning this year would be twice as hard as winning last year, being the defending champions and having that target on our back," Keiller said. "We're disappointed we didn't win, but these girls have a lot to be proud of."
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Gazette: QO falls to Leonardtown
Cougars fall one game short of consecutive girls soccer state titles
by Jennifer Beekman | Staff Writer
Monday, Nov. 17, 2008
For the second time in three years Saturday at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Quince Orchard and Leonardtown battled for the Class 4A girls soccer state title. And just as it did in 2006, the team from St. Mary's County hoisted the winner's trophy at the end, this time with a 3-1 victory.
Saturday's win clinched the Raiders' first-ever undefeated season at 17-0-1, and third state title. The loss snapped a 10-game win streak for defending state champion Quince Orchard (14-3).
"[Saturday] was a great game," 15th-year Leonardtown coach Jennifer Henderson said. "Quince Orchard played a great game; it was a hard-fought battle out there. It was an all-around team effort. We put high pressure on the ball and attacked as a unit."
Saturday's duel was between two of the stingiest defenses in the state. Leonardtown allowed just one goal in the regular season; Quince Orchard's nine shutouts are a school single-season record. Both were on point in the first half.
But it seemed only a matter of time before the Raiders' explosive offense, helmed by senior Emily Gehrig (10 goals, 11 assists) and Junior Teresa Paz (6, 5), broke through. Leonardtown has scored 66 goals this fall to Quince Orchard's 39.
After a scoreless first half, Gehrig, who scored the last-minute winning goal in the teams' previous meeting, lofted junior forward Johanna Rambo's well-placed pass into the upper left corner of the net to put Leonardtown ahead, 1-0, in the 42nd minute.
Gehrig's goal opened the floodgates. The Raiders, who'd been playing timidly in the first half, upped their intensity and started taking more shots.
Laurie DeWitt/The Gazette
Leonardtown's Jessica Cooke (No. 13) goes up against Quince Orchard's Yvonne Latour (No. 17) in the girls' 4A title game on Saturday. Leonardtown won 3-0.
Senior midfielder Jessie Schaller came off the bench to finish a pass from Gehrig and give Leonardtown a 2-0 lead in the 53rd minute. Junior midfielder Rachel Lynn subbed in and made it 3-0 late in the second half.
"We knew Quince Orchard had a really good keeper (four-year starter Amanda Whitney)," said Gehrig, committed to play at Division I Towson University next year. "In the locker room during half time, Coach Henderson was just like, ‘You guys have got to start taking shots.' After my goal everyone started taking shots. And everyone has a good foot and the ability to score."
Quince Orchard junior leading scorer Ele Margelos (10, 3) put the Cougars on the board in the 77th minute. But they'd dug themselves too deep a hole.
Nevertheless, Saturday marked Quince Orchard's third-consecutive state final appearance. And the Cougars return nine starters and all four of their offensive leaders: Margelos, junior forward Leah Prentice (9, 2) and junior midfielders Yvonne Latour (8, 7) and Kayla Clarke (2, 11).
"At the beginning of the season we talked about how winning this year would be twice as hard as winning last year, being the defending champions and having that target on our back," 10th-year Quince Orchard coach Peg Keiller said. "We're disappointed we didn't win, but these girls have a lot to be proud of."
by Jennifer Beekman | Staff Writer
Monday, Nov. 17, 2008
For the second time in three years Saturday at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Quince Orchard and Leonardtown battled for the Class 4A girls soccer state title. And just as it did in 2006, the team from St. Mary's County hoisted the winner's trophy at the end, this time with a 3-1 victory.
Saturday's win clinched the Raiders' first-ever undefeated season at 17-0-1, and third state title. The loss snapped a 10-game win streak for defending state champion Quince Orchard (14-3).
"[Saturday] was a great game," 15th-year Leonardtown coach Jennifer Henderson said. "Quince Orchard played a great game; it was a hard-fought battle out there. It was an all-around team effort. We put high pressure on the ball and attacked as a unit."
Saturday's duel was between two of the stingiest defenses in the state. Leonardtown allowed just one goal in the regular season; Quince Orchard's nine shutouts are a school single-season record. Both were on point in the first half.
But it seemed only a matter of time before the Raiders' explosive offense, helmed by senior Emily Gehrig (10 goals, 11 assists) and Junior Teresa Paz (6, 5), broke through. Leonardtown has scored 66 goals this fall to Quince Orchard's 39.
After a scoreless first half, Gehrig, who scored the last-minute winning goal in the teams' previous meeting, lofted junior forward Johanna Rambo's well-placed pass into the upper left corner of the net to put Leonardtown ahead, 1-0, in the 42nd minute.
Gehrig's goal opened the floodgates. The Raiders, who'd been playing timidly in the first half, upped their intensity and started taking more shots.
Laurie DeWitt/The Gazette
Leonardtown's Jessica Cooke (No. 13) goes up against Quince Orchard's Yvonne Latour (No. 17) in the girls' 4A title game on Saturday. Leonardtown won 3-0.
Senior midfielder Jessie Schaller came off the bench to finish a pass from Gehrig and give Leonardtown a 2-0 lead in the 53rd minute. Junior midfielder Rachel Lynn subbed in and made it 3-0 late in the second half.
"We knew Quince Orchard had a really good keeper (four-year starter Amanda Whitney)," said Gehrig, committed to play at Division I Towson University next year. "In the locker room during half time, Coach Henderson was just like, ‘You guys have got to start taking shots.' After my goal everyone started taking shots. And everyone has a good foot and the ability to score."
Quince Orchard junior leading scorer Ele Margelos (10, 3) put the Cougars on the board in the 77th minute. But they'd dug themselves too deep a hole.
Nevertheless, Saturday marked Quince Orchard's third-consecutive state final appearance. And the Cougars return nine starters and all four of their offensive leaders: Margelos, junior forward Leah Prentice (9, 2) and junior midfielders Yvonne Latour (8, 7) and Kayla Clarke (2, 11).
"At the beginning of the season we talked about how winning this year would be twice as hard as winning last year, being the defending champions and having that target on our back," 10th-year Quince Orchard coach Peg Keiller said. "We're disappointed we didn't win, but these girls have a lot to be proud of."
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Digital Sports: Girls Soccer 4A Finals: Leonardtown 3, Quince Orchard 1
Emily Gehrig starts the scoring for Leonardtown and the Raiders defense does the rest to win second title in three years.
Published: 11/16/2008
By Ryan Mink
rmink@digitalsports.com
Leonardtown's Emily Gehrig doesn't think it's playing Quince Orchard that brings out the best in her, it's playing in the state championships.
Either way, Gehrig has certainly made her impact felt in Leonardtown's two girls soccer state championships in the past three seasons.
Gehrig scored the Raiders' lone goal in their 4A state finals win two years ago and scored the first goal Saturday night in a 3-1 victory in this year's state championship at UMBC. It just so happens, she said, that both times the goals came against Quince Orchard.
"I guess it's just a coincidence that I scored," Gehrig said.
While Leonardtown's defense has been what's carried the Raiders (17-0-1) all season, Gehrig and the offense's ability to finish its limited opportunities was the difference in the championship game, which capped off the program's first undefeated season.
After a scoreless first half, Leonardtown Coach Jennifer Henderson stressed making the most of offensive chances and staying hungry in front of the goal. Just one minute and four seconds into the half, that's exactly what her players did.
Gehrig found herself open on the right side of the net and one-on-one with the keeper after a well-placed through ball by junior forward Johanna Rambo. Gehrig buried the shot in the top right of the net to start the Raiders' offensive rush.
"It was a perfect pass; I kind of had to finish it," Gehrig said. "It kind of gave us some momentum because I felt we were dominating the second half. We were taking more shots. After I scored, I think everyone started taking shots and everyone on the team has potential to score."
Leonardtown senior midfielder Jessie Schaller scored the Raiders' second goal 12 minutes, 17 seconds later. Schaller, who had just been substituted into the game, scored from a very difficult angle off a deflected shot by Gehrig.
The Raiders notched their final goal just eight minutes and three seconds later when junior midfielder Rachel Lynn came off the bench and blasted a shot into the lower-left side of the net on another assist by Rambo.
When asked what she felt was the difference in the game, Quince Orchard Coach Peg Keiller said, "Penetrating balls and great finishing. We hadn't given up a goal in the playoffs until tonight."
Leonardtown's defense was certainly a huge factor as well as it limited the Cougars (15-3) to just four shots - two in each half. The Raiders posted 15 shutouts this season and had allowed just two goals heading into Saturday's game.
Quince Orchard's Ele Margelos, who scored the game-winning goal against Whitman in the 4A West regional final and the game-sealing penalty kick in a 7-6 penalty kick win over Thomas Johnson in the state semifinals, netted Quince Orchard's lone goal with 3:02 left in the game when her shot bounced off the Leonardtown keepers' hands and over the goal line.
"I always try to get a shutout," senior goalkeeper Dana O'Neill said. "We didn't let it affect us."
The goal certainly didn't mute the sea of blue Thunderstix in the Leonardtown cheering section. There's no way this championship, the third in Coach Henderson's 15 years, wasn't going to be savored.
"I started my sophomore year, my first year, winning states," senior defender Alex Evitts said. "And to come here and win the states and leave winning states I couldn't ask for a better high school career."
Published: 11/16/2008
By Ryan Mink
rmink@digitalsports.com
Leonardtown's Emily Gehrig doesn't think it's playing Quince Orchard that brings out the best in her, it's playing in the state championships.
Either way, Gehrig has certainly made her impact felt in Leonardtown's two girls soccer state championships in the past three seasons.
Gehrig scored the Raiders' lone goal in their 4A state finals win two years ago and scored the first goal Saturday night in a 3-1 victory in this year's state championship at UMBC. It just so happens, she said, that both times the goals came against Quince Orchard.
"I guess it's just a coincidence that I scored," Gehrig said.
While Leonardtown's defense has been what's carried the Raiders (17-0-1) all season, Gehrig and the offense's ability to finish its limited opportunities was the difference in the championship game, which capped off the program's first undefeated season.
After a scoreless first half, Leonardtown Coach Jennifer Henderson stressed making the most of offensive chances and staying hungry in front of the goal. Just one minute and four seconds into the half, that's exactly what her players did.
Gehrig found herself open on the right side of the net and one-on-one with the keeper after a well-placed through ball by junior forward Johanna Rambo. Gehrig buried the shot in the top right of the net to start the Raiders' offensive rush.
"It was a perfect pass; I kind of had to finish it," Gehrig said. "It kind of gave us some momentum because I felt we were dominating the second half. We were taking more shots. After I scored, I think everyone started taking shots and everyone on the team has potential to score."
Leonardtown senior midfielder Jessie Schaller scored the Raiders' second goal 12 minutes, 17 seconds later. Schaller, who had just been substituted into the game, scored from a very difficult angle off a deflected shot by Gehrig.
The Raiders notched their final goal just eight minutes and three seconds later when junior midfielder Rachel Lynn came off the bench and blasted a shot into the lower-left side of the net on another assist by Rambo.
When asked what she felt was the difference in the game, Quince Orchard Coach Peg Keiller said, "Penetrating balls and great finishing. We hadn't given up a goal in the playoffs until tonight."
Leonardtown's defense was certainly a huge factor as well as it limited the Cougars (15-3) to just four shots - two in each half. The Raiders posted 15 shutouts this season and had allowed just two goals heading into Saturday's game.
Quince Orchard's Ele Margelos, who scored the game-winning goal against Whitman in the 4A West regional final and the game-sealing penalty kick in a 7-6 penalty kick win over Thomas Johnson in the state semifinals, netted Quince Orchard's lone goal with 3:02 left in the game when her shot bounced off the Leonardtown keepers' hands and over the goal line.
"I always try to get a shutout," senior goalkeeper Dana O'Neill said. "We didn't let it affect us."
The goal certainly didn't mute the sea of blue Thunderstix in the Leonardtown cheering section. There's no way this championship, the third in Coach Henderson's 15 years, wasn't going to be savored.
"I started my sophomore year, my first year, winning states," senior defender Alex Evitts said. "And to come here and win the states and leave winning states I couldn't ask for a better high school career."
The Washington Post: Maryland 4A Girls' Soccer Championship
Leonardtown Too Tough for Quince Orchard
Raiders Lose Their Shutout but Win The State Crown
By Jeff Nelson
Special to The Washington Post
Sunday, November 16, 2008; Page D08
CATONSVILLE, Md., Nov. 15 -- All season, opposing offenses failed to find openings in Leonardtown's defense.
Saturday night's 4A state championship game was no different.
Quince Orchard managed just four shots, and its only goal came in the waning moments, well after Leonardtown's victory was assured. The only difference between this game and most was that it wasn't a shutout, as the Raiders had to settle for a 3-1 win at UMBC Stadium.
"We always want to get a shutout," senior goalkeeper Dana O'Neill said, "but we didn't let it affect us."
Leonardtown has earned two state titles in the past three years, the other also coming against Quince Orchard in 2006.
The Raiders' defensive dominance this season stemmed from a group of players that had been together for several years, some of them as far back as youth leagues, and a defensive philosophy called "pressure, balance, cover."
Senior back Alex Evitts explained: "First defender, step to the ball, high pressure, try not to let them turn. The second defender, cover. The third, balance, so if it gets played out, someone's always there."
Raiders Coach Jennifer Henderson confirmed that this team, the first undefeated squad in Leonardtown history, executed that team-defense concept as well as any she has had.
"They are true defensive unit," she said. "They don't play as individuals. They play as a unit and that's why they're so successful."
The Cougars (14-3), who won last year's championship, had two shots in each half, the final one resulting in a goal for junior Ele Margelos after the ball squirted free from the Raiders' goalkeeper.
That prevented Leonardtown (17-0-1) from recording its 16th shutout of the season, but it did nothing to diminish the job done by the Raiders' starting backfield -- senior Alex Evitts and juniors Taelar Errington and Rachel Eversole -- and a midfield that rarely allowed the Cougars to gain any momentum going forward.
On offense, Leonardtown opened the scoring in the 42nd minute on a play that started rather innocuously, with the ball finding junior forward Johanna Rambo in front of the box, her back to the goal.
Calmly, Rambo turned, saw Emily Gehrig darting to her right and flicked a perfect pass to the senior, who suddenly had a one-on-one with Quince Orchard's goalkeeper.
Gehrig blasted a shot high into the net.
Leonardtown added to its lead 12 minutes later when Gehrig had a shot pushed to the side by the Cougars' goalkeeper.
With the ball heading out of bounds and the goalie about to reach it, Raiders senior Jessie Schaller, who had just come into the game as a substitute, got there first and found an extremely tight angle for a 2-0 lead.
Leonardtown's fans, many of them banging Thunderstix that said, "Go Raiders," had more reason to cheer with 16 minutes remaining when midfielder Rachel Lynn, another player off the bench, juked a defender and scored on a long drive from the left side.
From there, the only suspense surrounded the potential shutout, which didn't materialize. But the Raiders didn't seem to care as they converged after the final horn.
Leonardtown 3 Quince Orchard 1
They'll Be Back: Quince Orchard, which moves down to 3A next season, will return nine of its starters. Doing It Again: Leonardtown senior Emily Gehrig, who broke last night's scoreless tie, also recorded the lone goal in the Raiders' 2006 title game win over Quince Orchard. When she scored last night, it was the first goal allowed by the Cougars in this year's playoffs.
Raiders Lose Their Shutout but Win The State Crown
By Jeff Nelson
Special to The Washington Post
Sunday, November 16, 2008; Page D08
CATONSVILLE, Md., Nov. 15 -- All season, opposing offenses failed to find openings in Leonardtown's defense.
Saturday night's 4A state championship game was no different.
Quince Orchard managed just four shots, and its only goal came in the waning moments, well after Leonardtown's victory was assured. The only difference between this game and most was that it wasn't a shutout, as the Raiders had to settle for a 3-1 win at UMBC Stadium.
"We always want to get a shutout," senior goalkeeper Dana O'Neill said, "but we didn't let it affect us."
Leonardtown has earned two state titles in the past three years, the other also coming against Quince Orchard in 2006.
The Raiders' defensive dominance this season stemmed from a group of players that had been together for several years, some of them as far back as youth leagues, and a defensive philosophy called "pressure, balance, cover."
Senior back Alex Evitts explained: "First defender, step to the ball, high pressure, try not to let them turn. The second defender, cover. The third, balance, so if it gets played out, someone's always there."
Raiders Coach Jennifer Henderson confirmed that this team, the first undefeated squad in Leonardtown history, executed that team-defense concept as well as any she has had.
"They are true defensive unit," she said. "They don't play as individuals. They play as a unit and that's why they're so successful."
The Cougars (14-3), who won last year's championship, had two shots in each half, the final one resulting in a goal for junior Ele Margelos after the ball squirted free from the Raiders' goalkeeper.
That prevented Leonardtown (17-0-1) from recording its 16th shutout of the season, but it did nothing to diminish the job done by the Raiders' starting backfield -- senior Alex Evitts and juniors Taelar Errington and Rachel Eversole -- and a midfield that rarely allowed the Cougars to gain any momentum going forward.
On offense, Leonardtown opened the scoring in the 42nd minute on a play that started rather innocuously, with the ball finding junior forward Johanna Rambo in front of the box, her back to the goal.
Calmly, Rambo turned, saw Emily Gehrig darting to her right and flicked a perfect pass to the senior, who suddenly had a one-on-one with Quince Orchard's goalkeeper.
Gehrig blasted a shot high into the net.
Leonardtown added to its lead 12 minutes later when Gehrig had a shot pushed to the side by the Cougars' goalkeeper.
With the ball heading out of bounds and the goalie about to reach it, Raiders senior Jessie Schaller, who had just come into the game as a substitute, got there first and found an extremely tight angle for a 2-0 lead.
Leonardtown's fans, many of them banging Thunderstix that said, "Go Raiders," had more reason to cheer with 16 minutes remaining when midfielder Rachel Lynn, another player off the bench, juked a defender and scored on a long drive from the left side.
From there, the only suspense surrounded the potential shutout, which didn't materialize. But the Raiders didn't seem to care as they converged after the final horn.
Leonardtown 3 Quince Orchard 1
They'll Be Back: Quince Orchard, which moves down to 3A next season, will return nine of its starters. Doing It Again: Leonardtown senior Emily Gehrig, who broke last night's scoreless tie, also recorded the lone goal in the Raiders' 2006 title game win over Quince Orchard. When she scored last night, it was the first goal allowed by the Cougars in this year's playoffs.
A Great Season
Though it didn't have the end we all wanted it to, the 2008 season was a great one. I am proud of all the girls and their efforts all season. I want to thank everyone who came out to UMBC and waited over an hour for our game to start - you created a great atmosphere. The girls will soon realize what an amazing accomplishment it is to have played in 3 straight 4A state finals. Thanks to all who supported the team this season.
Coach Keiller
Coach Keiller
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Photos of State Semifinals
Photos of the State semifinals have been posted by Brenda of Eye on the Ball.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Gazette: Youth serves QO, TJ
In meeting of young girls teams, Cougars win on seventh PK
by John Y. Wehmueller | Staff WriterOf the 22 players who started the first of two Class 4A girls soccer state semifinals at Richard Montgomery High Saturday, just three were seniors. Yet it was a pair of playoff veterans who finally nailed down Quince Orchard's 1-0 (7-6 penalty kicks) win over Thomas Johnson.
After the teams combined to convert the first 12 PKs, Cougars senior Amanda Whitney finally made a diving save on the Patriots' seventh attempt. Junior Ele Margelos stepped up next and fired the defending state champions back into the final.
"I was freaking out. I was shaking. I was about to throw up," Margelos said. "[The Patriots] did a great job with their PKs, and so did we. And it came down to me, which is just freaky."
Chris Rossi/The Gazette
Quince Orchard's Kayla Clark (facing camera) gets a big hug from teammate Emily D'Italia after the Cougars survived a 14-kick penalty shootout against Thomas Johnson in the Class 4A state semifinals Saturday at Richard Montgomery.
Quince Orchard (14-2 record, 4A West Region champion) advances to its third-straight state championship game riding a 10-game winning streak. The Cougars will face Leonardtown, the team that beat them in the 2006 state final, later this week at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County in Catonsville.
Seven starters returned from the title-winning team, including Whitney and Margelos. But with seniors Heather Amato and Sarah Crim out with season-ending injuries, coach Peg Keiller started eight juniors and a sophomore alongside Whitney and defensive midfielder Lane Kurkjian.
"We had some new players who fit right in," said Keiller, who also won a state championship in 2002. "We've kind of cultivated an attitude for hard work and a desire for success. When players come into the program, they know what's expected of them."
Mitch Rubin's Thomas Johnson program, on the other hand, is just getting under way. After seven seasons as coach of the boys program, including a share of the 2006 state title, Rubin led the girls to a record of 16-5-1 and the 4A North Region title in his first season.
The Patriots' youth is more by design than the Cougars; goalie Sarah Thompson was their only senior starter Saturday. She was one of only two members of the Class of 2009 on the entire roster, compared to six in each of the other three classes.
"When we got together at the beginning of the season, we talked about winning conference, region and state titles," Rubin said. "Yes, it's exciting that so many of these players are coming back. But is that a guarantee we'll be in this situation again? Absolutely not."
Both teams created chances during a fast-paced second half and two 10-minute overtime periods. Thomas Johnson's Becca Hemby actually bulged the net in the 4th minute of the first overtime, but the offside flag was raised, wiping the goal off the board.
While neither team lit the scoreboard after 100 minutes, goals came fast and furious during the shootout. Hemby, Monica Omelchenko, Sara Franciscovich, Natalie Dold, Erin Jeanneret and Anne Powell converted in succession for Thomas Johnson. Yvonne Latour, Kayla Clark, Kurkjian, Leah Prentice, Emily D'Italia and Jessica Row matched them each time for Quince Orchard.
It came down to Whitney, who leapt to her left to catch the Patriots' final, chest-high penalty. Whitney has seen penalty kicks before; she was in goal when the Cougars won the '07 state title in PKs.
"You just have to pick a side and go with it," Whitney said. "I think that experience definitely helped; we know what we need to do. ... We wanted to be here again. We always thought we were capable of it."
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Washington Post: Quince Orchard Reaches Maryland 4A Final Via Penalty Kicks
Girls' Soccer Roundup
By Soraya McDonald and Robert Fulton
Sunday, November 9, 2008; Page D13
Quince Orchard's Ele Margelos watches her game-winning penalty kick elude Thomas Johnson goalie Sarah Thompson, ending a scoreless battle.(By Preston Keres -- The Washington Post)
The Cougars, defending state champions, earned the right to defend their title by holding off Thomas Johnson, 7-6, in penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless tie through double overtime.
The Cougars (14-2) advanced to the state final for the third straight season, where they will meet Leonardtown.
Junior forward Ele Margelos hit the sudden-death goal to seal the win for Quince Orchard. Whitney caught Sara Franciscovich's attempt square in the chest.
"My worst thing is taking PK's," Margelos said. "I hate PK's, but I had to do it. I was going to throw up I was so scared, but I came out, and it went forward."
Quince Orchard's Ele Margelos watches her game-winning penalty kick elude Thomas Johnson goalie Sarah Thompson, ending a scoreless battle. (Photo Credit: By Preston Keres -- The Washington Post Photo)
For much of the season, Thomas Johnson's effective sweeping kept the team out of jams, and it saved the Patriots (14-3-1) on countless occasions last night against Quince Orchard's relentless top three.
Senior goalkeeper Sarah Thompson finished with 11 saves, while Whitney finished with six, including the game-winner.
"It's kind of a coin toss at that point because you just never know what the other team's got in terms of goal-keeping and penalty kick takers," Quince Orchard Coach Peg Keiller said. "It definitely evens things out that could have shifted one way. To be honest, what I was thinking when we were going into PK's is that, 'I'll be really upset to not win this game tonight, not having given up a goal in the playoffs so far.' " . . .
By Soraya McDonald and Robert Fulton
Sunday, November 9, 2008; Page D13
Quince Orchard's Ele Margelos watches her game-winning penalty kick elude Thomas Johnson goalie Sarah Thompson, ending a scoreless battle.(By Preston Keres -- The Washington Post)
The Cougars, defending state champions, earned the right to defend their title by holding off Thomas Johnson, 7-6, in penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless tie through double overtime.
The Cougars (14-2) advanced to the state final for the third straight season, where they will meet Leonardtown.
Junior forward Ele Margelos hit the sudden-death goal to seal the win for Quince Orchard. Whitney caught Sara Franciscovich's attempt square in the chest.
"My worst thing is taking PK's," Margelos said. "I hate PK's, but I had to do it. I was going to throw up I was so scared, but I came out, and it went forward."
Quince Orchard's Ele Margelos watches her game-winning penalty kick elude Thomas Johnson goalie Sarah Thompson, ending a scoreless battle. (Photo Credit: By Preston Keres -- The Washington Post Photo)
For much of the season, Thomas Johnson's effective sweeping kept the team out of jams, and it saved the Patriots (14-3-1) on countless occasions last night against Quince Orchard's relentless top three.
Senior goalkeeper Sarah Thompson finished with 11 saves, while Whitney finished with six, including the game-winner.
"It's kind of a coin toss at that point because you just never know what the other team's got in terms of goal-keeping and penalty kick takers," Quince Orchard Coach Peg Keiller said. "It definitely evens things out that could have shifted one way. To be honest, what I was thinking when we were going into PK's is that, 'I'll be really upset to not win this game tonight, not having given up a goal in the playoffs so far.' " . . .
Digital Sports: Quince Orchard slides past Thomas Johnson 7-6 in PK's
Whitney and Margelo's combine for Cougars' win
by Amy Russell
arussell@digitalsports.com
(see Digital Sports for great photos to purchase and videos of the game)
After two halves and two overtimes of scoreless, soccer Quince Orchard's varsity girls' soccer team defeated Thomas Johnson, 7-6, in penalty kicks, Saturday night, to advance to the 4A State Finals, where they will face Leonardtown, next Saturday.
The competition was intense, at Richard Montgomery high school, as the game sailed 0-0 through double overtime into a penalty kick shootout. Six players from each team went head to head with the opposing goalie, each earning a point for their team. The turning point came in round seven when Amanda Whitney produced what would be the game-winning save for the Cougars, who prevailed seconds later when junior Ele Margelos sent the ball flying into the back of net, touching off a joyous celebration for Quince Orchard.
"I hate PK's, they're my worst thing," said Margelos, still shaking from the nerves. "But I had to suck it up and try to make it.'
She did.
Whitney identified with Margelos' nervousness.
"We take penalty kicks in practice, but nothing in practice compares," she said.
"We do practice penalty kicks," said head coach Peg Keiller. "We try to replicate the feeling...but nothing can really replicate that kind of pressure."
But the practice paid off, as despite the nerves, the pairs' success during the shootout was enough to take the Cougars back to the state finals for the second time in the last three years.
by Amy Russell
arussell@digitalsports.com
(see Digital Sports for great photos to purchase and videos of the game)
After two halves and two overtimes of scoreless, soccer Quince Orchard's varsity girls' soccer team defeated Thomas Johnson, 7-6, in penalty kicks, Saturday night, to advance to the 4A State Finals, where they will face Leonardtown, next Saturday.
The competition was intense, at Richard Montgomery high school, as the game sailed 0-0 through double overtime into a penalty kick shootout. Six players from each team went head to head with the opposing goalie, each earning a point for their team. The turning point came in round seven when Amanda Whitney produced what would be the game-winning save for the Cougars, who prevailed seconds later when junior Ele Margelos sent the ball flying into the back of net, touching off a joyous celebration for Quince Orchard.
"I hate PK's, they're my worst thing," said Margelos, still shaking from the nerves. "But I had to suck it up and try to make it.'
She did.
Whitney identified with Margelos' nervousness.
"We take penalty kicks in practice, but nothing in practice compares," she said.
"We do practice penalty kicks," said head coach Peg Keiller. "We try to replicate the feeling...but nothing can really replicate that kind of pressure."
But the practice paid off, as despite the nerves, the pairs' success during the shootout was enough to take the Cougars back to the state finals for the second time in the last three years.
Photos: "Eye on the Ball" Photography
Brenda Dunham of Eye on the Ball Photography was on hand to photograph both the Maryland 4a Regional Finals and the 4a State Semifinals.
Regional Final Photos
State Semifinal Photos
Please contact Brenda directly (info on that site) for photos.
Regional Final Photos
State Semifinal Photos
Please contact Brenda directly (info on that site) for photos.
QO wins tough one to advance
The Cougars advanced to the State Finals with a win on PKs (7-6) last night against the Patriots from Thomas Johnson High School.
The Cougars and the Patriots from Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, MD played 100 minutes of close scoreless soccer last night at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD.
The game came to the most nerve racking and stressful ending for players, coaches and fans alike, the dreaded PKs!
The eventual victory was to go to QO at 7-6. All seven QO PK kickers made their shots:
Junior Yvonne Latour, Junior Kayla Clarke, Senior Lane Kurkjian, Junior Leah Prentice, Junior Emily D'Italia, Junior Jessica Row and the game winner scored by Junior Ele Margelos. Senior Amanda Whitney for the second game in a row, a huge save to set up the winning shot from Ele.
Congratulations Cougars, and you are off to your third consecutive State Final Match!
Let's go Cougars!
The Cougars and the Patriots from Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, MD played 100 minutes of close scoreless soccer last night at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD.
The game came to the most nerve racking and stressful ending for players, coaches and fans alike, the dreaded PKs!
The eventual victory was to go to QO at 7-6. All seven QO PK kickers made their shots:
Junior Yvonne Latour, Junior Kayla Clarke, Senior Lane Kurkjian, Junior Leah Prentice, Junior Emily D'Italia, Junior Jessica Row and the game winner scored by Junior Ele Margelos. Senior Amanda Whitney for the second game in a row, a huge save to set up the winning shot from Ele.
Congratulations Cougars, and you are off to your third consecutive State Final Match!
Let's go Cougars!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Gazette: Two repeats in Class 4A soccer
Magruder boys, Quince Orchard girls are regional champions again
by Dan Greenberg | Staff Writer
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008
It was a banner night for last year's two Class 4A state soccer champions Monday on Richard Montgomery High's artificial turf field. The Magruder boys and Quince Orchard girls captured 4A West Region titles in distinctive, yet equally compelling, 1-0 victories.
...(see above link for first half of article on Magruder boys)...
In contrast to their triumphant counterparts on the boys side, the Quince Orchard girls were the favorites going into the 7 p.m. matchup against Whitman. The Cougars, seeded third in the tournament, had a 12-2 record entering their fourth-consecutive appearance in a regional final, as opposed to the No. 9 Vikings, who were just 10-4.
The second half of Monday night's doubleheader turned out to be a direct foil to the opening game, as well. There were no early scores; instead, it took two overtimes to determine a winner.
But at the 8:13 mark of sudden death, Quince Orchard junior forward Ele Margelos struck on a breakaway for the game-ending goal, just seconds after goalkeeper Amanda Whitney saved an uncontested shot from the Vikings' Lucy Arledge.
The goal propelled the Cougars to a state semifinal bout with the 4A North champion - either of two Frederick County schools, Thomas Johnson or Linganore - Saturday at 5 p.m., again at Richard Montgomery.
"Amanda saved our butts today," said Margelos. "It's just a great day. States: Here we go again."
by Dan Greenberg | Staff Writer
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008
It was a banner night for last year's two Class 4A state soccer champions Monday on Richard Montgomery High's artificial turf field. The Magruder boys and Quince Orchard girls captured 4A West Region titles in distinctive, yet equally compelling, 1-0 victories.
...(see above link for first half of article on Magruder boys)...
In contrast to their triumphant counterparts on the boys side, the Quince Orchard girls were the favorites going into the 7 p.m. matchup against Whitman. The Cougars, seeded third in the tournament, had a 12-2 record entering their fourth-consecutive appearance in a regional final, as opposed to the No. 9 Vikings, who were just 10-4.
The second half of Monday night's doubleheader turned out to be a direct foil to the opening game, as well. There were no early scores; instead, it took two overtimes to determine a winner.But at the 8:13 mark of sudden death, Quince Orchard junior forward Ele Margelos struck on a breakaway for the game-ending goal, just seconds after goalkeeper Amanda Whitney saved an uncontested shot from the Vikings' Lucy Arledge.
The goal propelled the Cougars to a state semifinal bout with the 4A North champion - either of two Frederick County schools, Thomas Johnson or Linganore - Saturday at 5 p.m., again at Richard Montgomery.
"Amanda saved our butts today," said Margelos. "It's just a great day. States: Here we go again."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
QO defeats Whitman 1-0 in OT (2) to win 4A West Regional Final
And here are said details:
The game was played on the beautiful new turf field at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD. You could not ask for a more perfect venue for a Regional Final, and in fact the State Semi-final will be played on the same field.
All game long the Cougars possessed the ball extremely well, moving the ball around the field, playing our pattern possession style of play. The midfield was well connected with each other and the defense and forwards also were in top form. Chances and opportunities were plentiful for both teams, but we made it all the way through regulation to a 0-0 tie.
In the first OT period both teams continued much as they had for the previous 80 minutes with some slight pick-up in pace towards the end of the first OT.
The second OT got off to a rocking start as Junior forward Leah Prentice had an awesome run down the left side, cut in and blasted a ball off the crossbar! A minute later Whitman had a 1 v 1 with the Cougar keeper, and Senior Goal Keeper Amanda Whitney charged off her line to cut the angle and came up with a huge save to deny Whitman's goal! Seconds after that play te ball was expertly brought up field with a series of deft passes by Yvonne Latour, Emily D'Italia, Julie Starnes to Latour again, who fed Junior Ele Margelos, who beat her defender and drilled a left footed shot into the upper left corner of the Whitman goal! QO wins in the 2nd OT period 1-0!
Said Coach Keiller, "If it wasn't for our goalkeeper making a clutch save, we wouldn't have won that game, there were chances down the stretch to score for both teams."
State Semi Finals are Saturday at Richard Montgomery High School and Coach Keiller informs me that we are the home team! Go Cougars!
The game was played on the beautiful new turf field at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD. You could not ask for a more perfect venue for a Regional Final, and in fact the State Semi-final will be played on the same field.
All game long the Cougars possessed the ball extremely well, moving the ball around the field, playing our pattern possession style of play. The midfield was well connected with each other and the defense and forwards also were in top form. Chances and opportunities were plentiful for both teams, but we made it all the way through regulation to a 0-0 tie.
In the first OT period both teams continued much as they had for the previous 80 minutes with some slight pick-up in pace towards the end of the first OT.
The second OT got off to a rocking start as Junior forward Leah Prentice had an awesome run down the left side, cut in and blasted a ball off the crossbar! A minute later Whitman had a 1 v 1 with the Cougar keeper, and Senior Goal Keeper Amanda Whitney charged off her line to cut the angle and came up with a huge save to deny Whitman's goal! Seconds after that play te ball was expertly brought up field with a series of deft passes by Yvonne Latour, Emily D'Italia, Julie Starnes to Latour again, who fed Junior Ele Margelos, who beat her defender and drilled a left footed shot into the upper left corner of the Whitman goal! QO wins in the 2nd OT period 1-0!
Said Coach Keiller, "If it wasn't for our goalkeeper making a clutch save, we wouldn't have won that game, there were chances down the stretch to score for both teams."
State Semi Finals are Saturday at Richard Montgomery High School and Coach Keiller informs me that we are the home team! Go Cougars!
The Wasghington Post: Whitney's Experience in Goal Saves Day for Quince Orchard
Soccer Roundup
By Soraya Nadia McDonald and Dave Yanovitz
Special to The Washington Post
Tuesday, November 4, 2008; Page E04
On the eve of election night, Quince Orchard was making a strong case for experience.
The 2007 Maryland 4A girls' soccer champion moved a step closer toward defending its title with a 1-0 double-overtime win over Whitman last night in the 4A West Region final, and it did so with the help of a player who made the difference in last year's title game.
Senior goalkeeper Amanda Whitney made a one-on-one save early in the second overtime to give the Cougars their game-winning opportunity.
Once Whitney cleared the ball, Julie Starnes passed to Ele Margelos, who sent a left-footed shot into the net. "If it wasn't for my goalkeeper making a clutch save, we wouldn't have won that game," Quince Orchard Coach Peg Keiller said by telephone. "There were a lot of chances down the stretch" for Whitman to score. . . .
In the 3A West Region, No. 3 Bethesda-Chevy Chase notched a 2-1 win over defending 3A champion Urbana, a team the Barons lost to in the region final last year on penalty kicks.
"Our seniors this year had a little extra energy tonight to not have Urbana end our season two years in a row," B-CC Coach Rob Kurtz said.
By Soraya Nadia McDonald and Dave Yanovitz
Special to The Washington Post
Tuesday, November 4, 2008; Page E04
On the eve of election night, Quince Orchard was making a strong case for experience.
The 2007 Maryland 4A girls' soccer champion moved a step closer toward defending its title with a 1-0 double-overtime win over Whitman last night in the 4A West Region final, and it did so with the help of a player who made the difference in last year's title game.
Senior goalkeeper Amanda Whitney made a one-on-one save early in the second overtime to give the Cougars their game-winning opportunity.
Once Whitney cleared the ball, Julie Starnes passed to Ele Margelos, who sent a left-footed shot into the net. "If it wasn't for my goalkeeper making a clutch save, we wouldn't have won that game," Quince Orchard Coach Peg Keiller said by telephone. "There were a lot of chances down the stretch" for Whitman to score. . . .
In the 3A West Region, No. 3 Bethesda-Chevy Chase notched a 2-1 win over defending 3A champion Urbana, a team the Barons lost to in the region final last year on penalty kicks.
"Our seniors this year had a little extra energy tonight to not have Urbana end our season two years in a row," B-CC Coach Rob Kurtz said.
Digital Sports: Girls Soccer: Quince Orchard 1, Whitman 0 (2OT)
Published: 11/03/2008
By Ryan Mink
rmink@digitalsports.com
Defending champion Cougars get double overtime goal from Ele Margelos in 4A West finals
(see Digital Sports for great photos to purchase and videos of the game)
As Quince Orchard was about to receive it's plaque for winning the 4A West girls soccer region title, Coach Peg Keiller directed it into the hands of senior goalie Amanda Whitney.
"I was surprised," Whitney said. "I thought Ele [Margelos] was going to get it given she had the winning goal. Maybe seniority?"
No, it's because if Whitney hadn't made a game-winning save in double overtime, Ele Margelos would have never had a chance at a game-winning goal. And if it weren't for both, Quince Orchard wouldn't have beaten Whitman, 1-0, Monday at Richard Montgomery.
The defending 4A champion Cougars will next face the winner of the 4A North between Thomas Johnson and Linganore Saturday at Richard Montgomery at 5 p.m. Quince Orchard (13-2) avenged a 1-0 regular season loss to Whitman (10-5), but it certainly didn't come easy.
Each team had several quality scoring chance during regulation but the first overtime didn't provide much drama.
The second overtime had a completely different energy, as Lane Kurkjian knocked a shot off the crossbar in the first 30 seconds. The resulting goal kick sparked a Whitman run that looked as if would end the game. Whitman centered a ball to Lucy Arledge in the first minute of overtime. Arledge was 1-on-1 with Whitney but the goalie came careening out of the goal, slid and knocked the shot away.
"It was very frantic at times," Whitney said. "I'm sure everyone's adrenaline was rushing. It was crazy. ... I'm sure a lot of people thought that was the end of the game."
Think of Whitney's save as an assist. Only about a minute later, junior midfielder Yvonne Latour started a Quince Orchard push by stealing the ball in the Cougars' back third. Two passes later the ball was back on Latour's foot and she fed a through ball to Margelos, who was then 1-on-1 with a defender.
Margelos, a 5-foot-0 junior, made one juke to her left to get past the defender and struck the left-footed shot into the top left corner of the goal, sending the Quince Orchard girls screaming and streaming onto the field.
"I just tried to go by the defender and I did and I shot it in the left corner and we won," Margelos said. "We have heart and we keep pushing and pushing. We came out and tried to do our best and we won."
Quince Orchard's season began a bit shaky for a defending champion as the Cougars lost two games in their first six, with the latter being a 4-3 loss to Walter Johnson on Oct. 3.
The team was still trying to find its style of play without graduated midfielder Ariel Nehemiah, who scored 15 goals and added seven assists last year and now plays at the University of Maryland. What the Cougars have found is a handful of players who have banded together to bring the Cougars to the state tournament once again.
"There's no one person who's doing the bulk of the work load," Keiller said. "I don't think we have any girl on the team with more than three game-winning goals this year. It's different people every time. I think that's what's great for us and tough for others."
By Ryan Mink
rmink@digitalsports.com
Defending champion Cougars get double overtime goal from Ele Margelos in 4A West finals
(see Digital Sports for great photos to purchase and videos of the game)
As Quince Orchard was about to receive it's plaque for winning the 4A West girls soccer region title, Coach Peg Keiller directed it into the hands of senior goalie Amanda Whitney.
"I was surprised," Whitney said. "I thought Ele [Margelos] was going to get it given she had the winning goal. Maybe seniority?"
No, it's because if Whitney hadn't made a game-winning save in double overtime, Ele Margelos would have never had a chance at a game-winning goal. And if it weren't for both, Quince Orchard wouldn't have beaten Whitman, 1-0, Monday at Richard Montgomery.
The defending 4A champion Cougars will next face the winner of the 4A North between Thomas Johnson and Linganore Saturday at Richard Montgomery at 5 p.m. Quince Orchard (13-2) avenged a 1-0 regular season loss to Whitman (10-5), but it certainly didn't come easy.
Each team had several quality scoring chance during regulation but the first overtime didn't provide much drama.
The second overtime had a completely different energy, as Lane Kurkjian knocked a shot off the crossbar in the first 30 seconds. The resulting goal kick sparked a Whitman run that looked as if would end the game. Whitman centered a ball to Lucy Arledge in the first minute of overtime. Arledge was 1-on-1 with Whitney but the goalie came careening out of the goal, slid and knocked the shot away.
"It was very frantic at times," Whitney said. "I'm sure everyone's adrenaline was rushing. It was crazy. ... I'm sure a lot of people thought that was the end of the game."
Think of Whitney's save as an assist. Only about a minute later, junior midfielder Yvonne Latour started a Quince Orchard push by stealing the ball in the Cougars' back third. Two passes later the ball was back on Latour's foot and she fed a through ball to Margelos, who was then 1-on-1 with a defender.
Margelos, a 5-foot-0 junior, made one juke to her left to get past the defender and struck the left-footed shot into the top left corner of the goal, sending the Quince Orchard girls screaming and streaming onto the field.
"I just tried to go by the defender and I did and I shot it in the left corner and we won," Margelos said. "We have heart and we keep pushing and pushing. We came out and tried to do our best and we won."
Quince Orchard's season began a bit shaky for a defending champion as the Cougars lost two games in their first six, with the latter being a 4-3 loss to Walter Johnson on Oct. 3.
The team was still trying to find its style of play without graduated midfielder Ariel Nehemiah, who scored 15 goals and added seven assists last year and now plays at the University of Maryland. What the Cougars have found is a handful of players who have banded together to bring the Cougars to the state tournament once again.
"There's no one person who's doing the bulk of the work load," Keiller said. "I don't think we have any girl on the team with more than three game-winning goals this year. It's different people every time. I think that's what's great for us and tough for others."
QO wins 4A West Regional Title
QO won the 4A West regional title last night 1-0 on a goal scored in the 2nd overtime by junior forward Ele Margelos.
Details to follow this afternoon!
Details to follow this afternoon!
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