Archbishop Ryan girls win Catholic title

When Brittany Robinson saw teammate Scarlett Walsh thread a ball through the Lansdale Catholic defense and into open space, she told herself it was her turn.

Full of adrenaline, the Archbishop Ryan senior collected the ball, put it in the back of the net, and then fell to the ground inside the 18-yard line.

She quickly got back up and celebrated with her teammates, who mobbed her, knowing hers was the goal that put the Ragdolls up, 3-1, with less than two minutes to play in the Catholic League girls' soccer final, solidifying what proved to be a 3-1 victory.

Just like it was Robinson's turn to score a goal for Ryan (18-0-3 overall, 11-0-1 league) on Wednesday night, it was also the Ragdolls' turn for a Catholic League title.

The championship was something this group of seniors had yet to achieve.

"It took four years for us to get this," Robinson said. "We've been saying it from the beginning that this is our year.

"Perfect season. I can't say anything else."

The final was a back-and-forth effort in which seniors for both sides stepped up for their respective squads.

Walsh scored the first goal with less than two minutes remaining in the first half. The Ragdolls scored again in the 47th minute, seeming to put Lansdale Catholic away.

But the Crusaders (14-5, 9-4), led by senior forward Bryn Wassel, didn't give up, mounting a counter attack of their own.

Wassel, who has 28 goals this year, had seven shots and created many other scoring chances for her squad.

The Ragdolls, ranked sixth in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer, will face Public League champion Franklin Towne Charter on Friday for the District 12 title and a chance to continue their season in the state tournament. The district final will be at Northeast High School, at 7 p.m.

"We understand how much it takes to win every game," Walsh said. "It really hasn't hit me yet. Every other year, we've lost and I've been upset. This year, I'm so happy with my team."

Lansdale Catholic   0 1 – 1

Archbishop Ryan   1 2 – 3

Goals: LC-Hannah Whitby ; AR-Scarlett Walsh, Kaitlyn McFadden, Brittany Robinson.

Saves: LC-Alyssa Messina 4; AR-Jazmin Gonzales 7.