Springfield (Montco) girls win soccer title

The Springfield (Montco) girls' soccer team didn't follow the script.

The Spartans were supposed to be nothing more than a speed bump for Christopher Dock. The powerful Pioneers were expected to hoist their championship trophy at the conclusion while Springfield's players shed tears on the sideline.

As it turned out, the Spartans were far from a crying mood.

Caroline Mountney scored in the 75th minute to lead them to a 3-2 victory last night in the PIAA District 1 Class AA final at War Memorial Field in Doylestown.

"I think we just played with a lot of heart," said Mountney, who finished with two second-half goals. "It paid off tonight."

The Spartans (9-10) won their first-ever district title and advanced to the Class AA state playoffs. They will face District 3's seventh-place team at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at War Memorial Field.

The Pioneers (17-2) have only the satisfaction of reaching their first district final.

Very few people – if anyone – would have predicted the result.

Christopher Dock was heavily favored not only to win the district title but also to contend for the state championship. Also, the Pioneers had already beaten the Spartans, 6-2, this season.

"We just really wanted to prove them wrong," Mountney said of the naysayers.

The junior forward's first goal gave Springfield a 2-0 cushion in the 68th minute.

Dock's Tannia Nieto tied the score with a pair of goals in the next four minutes.

With the momentum on the Pioneers' side, Mountney answered with the biggest goal in school history.

She scored the winner from 10 yards out, beating goalkeeper Denali Althouse with five minutes remaining in regulation.

Springfield (Montco) 1 2 - 3

Christopher Dock 0 2 - 2

Goals: S-Tierney Carabba, Caroline Mountney 2 . CD-Tannia Nieto 2.

Saves: S-Sam Ludwig 8. CD-Denali Althouse 5.