CB East Soccer Takes on States!

2015… the year for CB East soccer. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams had excellent seasons, making it all the way to the state final at the Hershey Park Stadium.

Facing Upper St. Clair, the CB East Girls Soccer team met their match on November 22, 2015. Throughout their season, much of their offense had been generated by UPenn recruit Emma Loving. Still, they fell short on this cold day in Hershey, losing the game a close 2-1.

The boys’ team, however, had a much more positive result. Entering the game with a 26-0 record, the CB East Boys Soccer team continued their incredible momentum in Hershey. They walked out of the game with a 2-0 win and a championship that would forever go down in the history of East athletics.

Despite the girls’ loss, the fact that both soccer teams played in the state final that year is truly amazing. In contrast, since then, both teams have not seen the success of 2015.

The girls did not qualify for the state tournament from 2016-2020, some years not even qualifying for the district playoffs. In 2021, the reputation of the CBEGS program significantly altered. Led by 14 seniors, particularly Drexel commit Elise Duffy, this 2021 team did not lose a single game at home—defeating their rivals CB West and defending-state-champion Pennridge at their turf. Through a series of playback games, they qualified for states. Facing Central Dauphin on November 9 of 2021, the girls team knew it would be a tough one. Despite the blood, sweat, and tears, CBEGS walked away with a 1-0 loss.

The boys shared a similar story of lack of success after their triumphant year. However, they did not see the success that the girls saw in 2021. For the boys, they qualified for district playoffs, but lost first round to the powerful Conestoga.

These stagnant years of East soccer were contrasted with the energetic, successful seasons of 2022.

Finishing their season with a 12-6 record, the girls entered districts as the 14^th seed. Advancing through a series of district games, the girls sealed the deal on Saturday October 29… they are once again in the state tournament. The girls have built up a spectacular momentum in this postseason, led by talent all across their lines. Seton Hall commit Cam Williams works with Ursinus commit Gwyn Krystkiewicz and sophomore Jessie Bernabe in the front line, generating many goals and opportunities. Rutgers commit Elliot Forney works with junior Sofia Mignon and sophomore Mikayla Gray in the midfield. The defensive line consists of full backs Chantal van Dongeren and Grace Craig, center backs Brooke Roumy (Davidson commit) and Sophie Schorn, and goalies Aralynn Patterson and Mae Leedy. They continue their conquest of districts in the semifinal on Tuesday against their rivals CB West.

That same Saturday, the boys team faced West Chester Henderson. A victory would mean a guaranteed route to states, but a loss could still be recovered from. They play in a 3-5-2 formation: with Luke Christmas, Dylan Walker, and Josh Daniels in the back; Joey Roth, Wesley Meyers, Andrew Walloff, Jared Needles, and Michael Frye in the middle; and Michael Montabana paired with Brandon Epstein as the forwards. Although they did not receive the score they wanted, the boys’ team can still qualify for states in playbacks. Two of the four teams that lost will still make it to states if they win their playback game. The boys’ team will play CB South on Tuesday as their last chance for states.

The girls’ team had a successful 4-1 win over CB West and will move onto the State Championship.