Episcopal Academy's Perfect Run: One Win from Soccer Title

A Gritty Victory for Episcopal Academy

NEWTOWN SQUARE — It was a moment that might have left some stunned when the ball found its way into the net behind goalkeeper Taylor Moore during Wednesday’s Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association semifinal. For Episcopal Academy’s girls soccer team, conceding goals has been an unusual occurrence this season.

In 20 games leading up to the match, EA had only allowed eight goals. Against Inter-Ac opponents, the number was even lower—just two in 11 games. One of those goals came against Springside Chestnut Hill, and the other against Germantown Academy, both of which EA overcame to secure wins. So, when Cali Smith scored in the 59th minute, it was a rare moment of uncertainty for the team.

However, the Churchwomen quickly regrouped. They proved their resilience by matching two of Smith's goals with two of their own, ultimately securing a 4-2 victory and advancing to the final next Wednesday.

“It’s really frustrating because we are not used to getting scored on this season,” said forward Sofia Gagliardi. “I think GA was the first real testament of that, and we came back right away, just like we did in this game. And it says so much about our team, how we’re able to bounce back so easily. I think the frustration just drives us to play better.”

EA, which recently clinched the Inter-Ac title with an 11-0 record, faced a tough challenge against SCHA (15-5). Their previous victories against the Blue Devils had come by narrow margins—2-1 and 1-0. The last win was on the same field just eight days ago. Defeating a team that had won three of the last four titles was no easy task, but EA was ready for the challenge.

“It feels great, almost surreal,” Gagliardi said. “We came into this knowing that we could do it, but obviously it’s hard to beat any team three times, especially a team that good. So it really feels like a testament to who we are as a team and proving to ourselves and to everyone else that we can come out here and we can win the PAISAA championship, too.”

EA started the game strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the first half. Devon Stewart scored in the eighth minute, followed by Caroline Johnston doubling the lead in the 22nd minute. Despite SCHA gaining more possession in the first 40 minutes, EA maintained control of the game.

The Blue Devils sparked a comeback when Smith scored in the 60th minute, halving the deficit. This prompted EA to respond swiftly and effectively. Gagliardi, who was voted Inter-Ac Player of the Year, orchestrated a beautiful counterattack that led to a goal from Lowen O’Niell, making it 3-1.

“Two-nothing is a very dangerous lead to be in,” said Johnston. “We knew SCH is a second-half team and that they have that fight in them, so we knew we had to keep that intensity. We let up a little bit in the beginning, but I’m glad we were able to bring it back and have that fire lit underneath us.”

Smith added another goal in the 65th minute, but EA held firm. Moore, who had recorded nine league shutouts, didn’t make a single save, though SCHA posed constant threats through forward Alex De Beaulac, who had several close chances in the second half.

Gagliardi nearly sealed the game in the 75th minute with a powerful shot that was deflected off the crossbar. EA finally secured the win in the 78th minute when Maya Le forced a mistake from SCHA’s defender, allowing Emma Schweizer to score and send EA to the final.

The team now faces another critical week. With the Inter-Ac title already secured, the focus shifts to the PAISAA tournament ahead of Friday’s rivalry day showdown with Agnes Irwin.

AIS and Westtown will face off in the other semifinal, with the final set for next Wednesday at Arcadia University. The chance to win two titles could cement the legacy of a special EA class.

“We’re not there yet, but we’re on the way,” said Johnston. “All these girls, we all had to step up this year. Last year, we lost a large senior class, and so it was awesome that all the girls, we want it, we have the heart and we’re just able to step up this year.”