Stanton Knocks Off Mandarin, Advances to Gateway Conference Final

Fabrizio Gowdy | Jan. 16, 2020 | Sports

The Stanton College Preparatory School Blue Devils varsity girls soccer team defeated the Mandarin High School Mustangs 4-2 at home Wednesday to advance to the Gateway Conference final.

The Blue Devils got off to a shaky start when they gave up a goal in the second minute. Down 1-0, Stanton nearly allowed two more goals in the ensuing minutes, but senior keeper Leslie Lerch and the Blue Devil defense held firm.

A Mandarin handball inside the box set up a game-tying penalty kick goal by senior defensive back Camille Prosswimmer in the seventh minute. 

“We increased the intensity and pulled through as a team,” said junior Emma Robbins. 

Stanton took the lead in the 22nd minute, when senior striker Leena Vashi scored from the left corner. Her shot bounced off the Mandarin keeper and rolled into the goal. Prosswimmer added another goal in the 26th minute on a long free kick to put the Blue Devils up 3-1. 

Mandarin answered in the 29th minute with a goal off a counterattack, cutting the deficit to a single goal at the half. 

The explosive offense of the first half was nowhere to be found for much of the second half. The lone goal came in the 63rd minute, when Vashi took the ball into the left corner, where she crossed it into the six-yard box. Senior midfielder Abi O’brien tapped the ball into the net, giving Stanton a two goal cushion and effectively icing the game.

“It was hard fought. Everyone put in the work and it really showed,” said junior midfielder Julia Granert.

Stanton managed to win without one of its best players, starting senior striker and Lehigh University commit Imani Ashman, who was sidelined with a groin injury. Mandarin is eliminated from the tournament, while the Blue Devils advance to the final, where they will take on Fletcher High School at home friday night.