Endings are never easy, and Emmaus’ loss against rival Parkland earlier this week in the District XI 4A girls soccer semifinals at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown was especially difficult.
It meant the end to one of the best seasons in program history.
And also, the end of the high school careers of a very talented senior class that headed into this season with plenty of optimism and high hopes of winning some type of championship.
Facing the Trojans for the third time this season with a berth in the championship and states on the line, Emmaus was able to overcome a one goal deficit in the first half as freshman standout Brooke Evans tied the game at 1-1 after the Trojans had taken the lead less than one minute earlier on a goal from Adrianna Rizzoto.
But a second comeback, unfortunately, was not in the cards for the Hornets as their season came to an abrupt end following a heartbreaking 2-1 loss.
Parkland’s Mackenzie McNeeley wound up scoring the only goal of the second half in the 51st minute off a crossing pass from teammate Liana Zurinskas, and it proved to be the game-winner as the Trojans beat Emmaus for the first time this season. They also ended the Hornets hopes of getting back to the championship for the first time in two years. Emmaus was in search of its first district title since the spring of 2008.
Both Nazareth and Parkland have more soccer ahead with the PIAA State Tournament beginning next week.
Despite the loss, and as difficult as it was, head coach Chris Hain was very complimentary of his team and the season that they had. The Hornets finished the year winning 19 of their 23 matches (19-3-1).
“We are incredibly proud of what our team accomplished this season,” said Hain, the team’s third year coach. “While we may have fallen short of some of our ultimate goals, this group demonstrated tremendous heart, determination and resilience throughout the year.
“We faced challenges, celebrated successes and continued to grow both individually and as a team.”
Heading into this fall, the expectations were very high for Emmaus which was coming off of an 18-win season a year ago and returning most of its lineup.
The Hornets started the season winning their first 14 games before suffering its first loss to Nazareth. They reached the EPC championship game for the first time in four years and the district semifinals for the sixth straight season.
Ten (10) seniors will be loss to graduation.
“Our seniors provided outstanding leadership and helped establish a standard of commitment and accountability that will continue long after they graduate,” said Hain. “There are a certain group of players who come through a program and leave a lasting impact not just because of the games they won or the accomplishments they achieved, but because of who they are, how they carried themselves and what they meant to those around them. This senior class is one of those special groups.”
Forward Lizzie Bender closed out an outstanding career with 68 goals and 100 assists. The University of Delaware commit was a 1st Team All-EPC all star and all state selection. Bender’s classmate, Ella Daly, was one of the top defenders in the league and a 2nd Team all star and forward Giuliana Meyer was also one area’s top players finishing her senior season with 23 goals and 12 assists.
The other seniors included Sophia Shutkufski, Sofia Isaksson, Hannah Berk, Autumn Scheuermann, Makayla McGinnis along with Blair and Erynn Stephens.
Hain, while disappointed with the season ending, is also excited for what lies ahead with talented players returning next season including freshman standout Brooke Evans (1st Team All-Star, 23g/17a), junior Cecilia Albeck (2nd Team All Star, 20g/4a) along with Ella Scharper, Cecelia Lower, Koli Esterly, Lilly Desiderio, Zoe Reppert and Morgan Betz.
“Looking ahead, we are excited about the future,” he said. “We have a talented group of returning players, promising young talent and a strong foundation to build upon. Our expectations will remain high, and we look forward to continuing to develop our players, strengthen our team culture and compete for championships.
“Most importantly, we want to continue building a program that our players, school and community can be proud of.”
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Parkland 2, Emmaus 1
Pa -1-1 – 2
Em 1-0 – 1
Scoring:
1st half
Pa – Adrianna Rizzotto 5:40
Em – Brooke Evans (assist Lizzie Bender) 4:50
2nd half
Pa – Mackenzie McNeely (assist Liana Zurinskas), 29:08
Stats
SOG – Pa 4, Em 10
Saves – Pa (Hannah Hertzog, 9), Em (Zoe Reppert, 2)