USC Girls Soccer: Regular Season Wrap-Up

The USC girls soccer team's final regular season game ended in a scoreless tie with South Park. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, it was also senior recognition night for the USC Panthers.  Fourteen seniors were recognized: Jackie Pion, Katey Woistman, Hannah Zangara, Kristen Walczak, Megan Hindman, Hannah Wilhelm, Kelsey Rogers, Valerie Repischak, Colby Foster, Natalia Watzlaf, Abbie Schuster, Abbey DeIuliis, Megan Veglia and Addie Brown. Not only have these "fab 14" have very successful soccer careers, but have also had successful lives—based on their bios that were read during the recognition ceremony. Their achievements are many—athletically, academically and socially. They are all destined for success.

After the ceremony, and during the national anthem, the weather took a turn for the worse. The fans and players were treated to torrential downpours and gusting winds. The soccer game never really seemed to develop much rhythm as two of the top ranked teams in WPIAL battled on the field. Maybe the weather and the fact that the playoff brackets were already set had an impact on the game. The game was tied 0-0 at the end of regulation and all were relieved that no overtime would be played.

The Panthers ended the regular season with a 14-2-1 record; their only losses coming at Moon (with two of their top players sidelined) and at Peters (in the final two minutes of the second overtime).  In the final rankings of MSA, the Panthers were ranked the No. 1 in Class AAA.  In the Post Gazette, they were ranked No. 3 and received a No. 3 seed for the WPIAL playoffs.

During the regular season, USC scored 59 goals while only giving up eight. Twelve different players have scored goals: Carley Bogan (16 goals), Hannah Wilhelm (12), Hannah Zangara (9), Sammi Witsberger (6), Katey Woistman (5), Olivia Belack (3), Jackie Pion (2), Rebekah Walsh (2), Abbey DeIuliis (1), Sami Lackner (1), Ellie Dinardo (1) and Brianna Erdman (1). (After the first game of the playoffs, a thirteenth Panther has scored, Kristen Walczak). 

To make a successful season, however, the entire team is needed and all of the players have contributed. From subbing into the game, to making the starters better in practice, no one should underestimate their contribution to the team.

Looking forward to a deep playoff run—Go Panthers!