The Brown and White

The Catasauqua High School girls soccer head coach, Chris Hain, has returned for his second year after leading the team to a District XI qualification in the 2018 season. The Rough Riders suffered a season-ending defeat in the second round of districts at the hands of Moravian Academy by a score of 1-0. The CHS girls soccer team lost five starters from the 2018 season, leaving the team with multiple positions to fill. Junior Emma Hawk felt that the team needed to push themselves to make up for the loss of their key, experienced contributors. “Players stepped up and took over the roles of the five seniors who left,” said Hawk. “Everyone on the team needed to build more confidence and continue to work hard from preseason up until the end of the season, even into the postseason.” Between early morning lifting sessions, summer league games and long, preseason practices, the Rough Riders worked towards their goal of another postseason run. Leading the team was returning senior captain Madison Hicks and newly appointed senior captain Taylor Pattison, as well as juniors Olivia Emery, Emma Hawk and Kaitlyn Weiss. Key returning players consisted of Hamyah Jenkins, Bella Atiyeh, Madison Warren, Madison Harth and Brielle Davies.  Success was reached early on in the season with wins against Northern Lehigh, Pen Argyl and Palisades. The Rough Riders concluded their regular season with a record of 6-11-1. Leading the team in goals scored during the 2019 season was sophomore Haleigh Toto with 11 goals.

A key game highlighted by goalkeeper Madison Hicks was a victory against Pen Argyl in double overtime. “It was a tough game,” said Hicks. “We gave 100% in both halves, and we did not let up during overtime.” The Rough Riders faced Schuylkill Haven High School in the first round of districts and won 2-0, with goals scored by freshman Kaylee Weidaw and sophomore Sydney Gebhardt. “Despite the rough weather conditions and numerous injuries among the team, we continued to fight hard which gave us a win,” said Weiss. The Rough Riders advanced to the District XI 1A semifinal playoffs to compete against the Moravian Academy Lions. Moravian Academy had knocked the Catasauqua Rough Riders out of the district playoffs the previous two years. Junior Katie Weiss felt the pressure leading up to the game. “I was really nervous because I knew that in order for us to win, everyone would have to show up with their A game that night,” said Weiss. The team was defeated by a score of 6-0, ending their District XI playoff run. All in all, Hain is pleased with the effort put forth by all of the players. “I am very proud of the effort, attitude and fight the team gave all year long,” said Hain. Freshman Kaylee Weidaw thought the upperclassmen brought the team together this year. “The seniors this year were good leaders and always cared and supported the underclassmen,” said Weidaw. “I also think the juniors took charge and made things happen. They had a big impact and will definitely follow in the seniors footsteps next year” With the loss of only two seniors this year, Madison Hicks and Taylor Pattison, Catasauqua High School athletic director Thomas Moll believes the team looks forward to a successful season in the future. “We have a lot of players returning so we are looking forward to an improvement in the next upcoming seasons, and a future in the district playoffs,” said Moll.