NTL GIRLS' SOCCER: NEB HAS STRONG SEASON PUNCTUATED BY DISTRICT WIN (2021-11-10)

Northern Tier Sports Report
It was a season to remember for the Northeast Bradford girls’ soccer team in 2021. They won 12 games, made, and won a match, at districts for just the second time in school history, and, for the much of the year, battled for the top spot in the NTL.

And they did it all with just two subs - and sometimes with none.

“I think our girls did outstanding this year considering we only had 13 girls,” said coach Josh Thoman. “No injuries was a big plus. Going as far as we did was also an accomplishment for their hard work. I was very happy with how they played.”

A 1-0 loss to Loyalsock in their opening tournament set the tone, but it took a while for their season to get going as they had just three matches in the first two weeks.

A 2-1 win over Wyalusing at home in their third match of the year showed what they could do, but a 1-3 week followed, putting them in a bit of a rut.

“I think some games we could’ve played better,” Thoman said.

They regrouped, though, and rattled off five straight wins after that. They finished the year going 3-3, including a 4-0 victory over Tunkhannock to end the season.

However, it was their 5-0 win over Juniata Christian in the first round of districts where they showed their true potential. They got a bit of a taste of how teams play down south when they lost to the top seed South Williamsport 7-1, but it was a good learning experience for 2022.

“I am really looking forward to next year since we are only losing two girls, and gaining a couple more,” Thoman said.

Losing their two seniors, Ciana Frisbie and Maisie Neuber, will be tough. Frisbie solidified the goalie spot, while Neuber became an All-NTL defender. 

However, they return nine of their 11 starters, including double-digit scorers Kayleigh Thoman and Melanie Shumway. Youngster Hannah Berger showed promise in goal early in the season, while their entire midfield will be back, which sets up next year to be even better than this season.

“I think the girls should really be proud of themselves this year because it shows that even though we are a small school team, we are very competitive against the large schools,” said Thoman. “I think that next year will be our best season for sure.”