Girls soccer season has already reached a fevered pitch in Bucks County, with some of the top players in the state playing right here in the Phillyburbs. Who are the top midfielders in the region? Here are 26 of this season's top midfielders in the Bucks County area.
Who do you think will be the season's top players? Let us know by voting in our poll for top midfielder.
26 Magnificent Midfielders in Bucks County area soccer:
Emme Morris, Gwynedd Mercy, senior
Morris’ dynamic junior season resulted in a plethora of accolades: she was named the MVP of the AACA league, first-team All-State and SEPA Coaches Association All-Region. In addition, she was named the Monarchs’ Player of the Year after helping the team to its first league title in 19 years. The Temple University commit and two-time captain has been a key player since her freshman
year, averaging seven goals and seven assists per season. A true ‘do it all’ player, Morris, who also plays forward, elevates the play of her teammates and thrives under pressure.
Kiera Sleicher, CB East, senior
Sleicher’s performance in last year’s postseason run was one for the record books as the Patriots won their first state title. She had a goal or assist in all four state playoff games – including the game-winning goal in a 1-0 semifinal win, and three goals and one assist in the final, earning her PIAA State Championship Player of the Game honors. Endlessly hardworking and displaying relentless effort, Sleicher is a respected leader and role model in the midfield as the Patriots prepare to defend their state title. A Division I recruit committed to James Madison, Sleicher uses her game smarts and creativity to produce scoring opportunities. This season, she has a goal or assist in eight of the Patriots’ first nine games, totaling seven goals and three assists, which include the game-winning goal against Souderton, and game-winning assist against Radnor.
Ava Mignon, CB East, junior
Mignon has been on a tear winning championships – in addition to her state soccer title with the Patriots last season, she won a state championship in indoor track in the 4x800 relay, as well as a national title at the Nike Indoor Nationals. Her speed serves her well on the soccer field, where she is a four-year starter who dominates the midfield. After missing time due to injury last year, she returned in time for the Patriots’ state title run. She has already made a statement this season, on both sides of the field. She had two goals and one assist in a win over WC Rustin, and one goal in a 2-0 victory against Garnet Valley; in addition, her defensive efforts in the midfield helped secure 1-0 wins against Souderton and Radnor, two top teams in District One.
Maddie Roe, CB South, senior
A key piece of the Titans’ offense, Roe’s influence extends beyond the stat sheet, as she leads and motivates her teammates with her exemplary play. Whether she’s winning 50/50 balls, distributing the ball or running the midfield, her contributions are essential to the Titans, who are looking for a repeat trip to the state championship game. Roe has committed to Division I NJIT.
Lucy Keane, CB South, senior
The attacking midfielder leaves it on the field for her team, and in her first season with the Titans, Keane has proven to be a serious scoring threat, delivering two goals in a win against CB West and two assists in a win over Lansdale Catholic. Hard working and selfless, Keane has played all over the field for the Titans, who graduated several seniors from last season’s state finalist team. She has committed to Division I Sam Houston State.
Anna Axenroth, Neshaminy, senior
Axenroth scored eight goals last season, including some of the biggest goals for Neshaminy. She netted two goals in Neshaminy’s first-round district playoff win, and in the second round, she scored the game-winner on a penalty kick with just 45 seconds remaining in regulation. The Saint Francis University commit already has a multi-goal game this season, when she scored twice in a win over Abington. One of Neshaminy’s best all-around players, she contributes in every aspect of the game.
Mia Battoni, Palisades, junior
Coach Tim Houghton was excited to see Battoni take a big step forward as a sophomore, and his confidence paid off. Battoni scored 11 goals and dished out five assists last year, including the lone goal in the Pirates’ district semifinal win. This year, Houghton is expecting even more from Battoni as the Pirates look to make the PIAA playoffs in an extremely competitive league. Talented and dedicated to her craft, Battoni is the key player in the Pirates’ midfield and a central part of everything that occurs on the field.
Mia Kosmin, Archbishop Wood, sophomore
Kosmin was one of two freshmen in the PCL to earn first-team All-Catholic honors last season after a remarkable year that ended in a state title. She was the team’s second-leading scorer, behind only PCL MVP Paige Eckert (NJIT), tallying nine goals and six assists. She had one goal and two assists in the Vikings’ PCL semifinal win against Nazareth, and an assist in their first-round state playoff win over Villa Joseph Marie. With the graduation of five seniors, Kosmin’s responsibilities have increased this season. In addition to scoring goals, Kosmin can weave through defenders to get the ball to her teammates and is also a top defender in the midfield.
Sophia McDonald, Archbishop Wood, senior
A state champion in both basketball and soccer, McDonald is also a team captain in both sports. While she is entertaining Division I offers in basketball, McDonald remains committed to soccer, as she continually works to grow her game and strengthen her skills. Her dominant defensive pressure in the midfield was a big factor in securing the Vikings’ first state title last year, as she marked some of the top players in the state. McDonald’s athleticism and stamina complement her intelligent play and ability to simplify the game for her teammates.
Avery Miller, Archbishop Wood, sophomore
As a freshman, Miller immediately earned a big role on a talented and experienced Vikings’ team. She confidently and adeptly played anywhere and everywhere on the field. Miller’s teammates appreciate her tenacity and determination, though the same can’t be said for her often-intimidated opponents. She contributed four goals and six assists last season, and she was a key player in the postseason as the Vikings won their first state title.
Felicity Houghton, Palisades, senior
A four-year varsity player under head coach and dad Timothy Houghton, Felicity brings heart and soul to the midfield – along with a powerful foot. She tallied 10 goals and eight assists last year.
Kylie O'Neil, Bensalem, junior
A key piece of the Owls’ midfield, O’Neil’s experience and leadership will guide a younger team under first-year head coach Kathleen Rivera. Confident and in control in the middle of the field, she excels at being the connector between defense and offense.
Tessa Moyer, Dock Mennonite, senior
An accomplished track star who can do it all on the soccer field, Moyer has played multiple positions over the past four seasons, with her contributions helping the Pioneers to two state titles. A team captain who is a leader on and off the field, Moyer anchors the midfield this season. Strong on both offense and defense, she scored two goals in the Pioneers’ district semifinal win last year.
Courtney Rinius, Hatboro-Horsham, junior
A three-year starter who rarely leaves the field, Rinius earned second-team All-SOL Liberty honors as a sophomore. Quick to the net and decisive when taking a shot, she scored the game-tying goal in the second half of an OT win over CR South. A powerhouse on offense, she can also score from distance.
Addison Martin, Council Rock North, senior
Strong on both defense and the attack, Martin anchors the midfield with smarts, skills and maturity. As the team’s most vocal leader, Martin is a well-liked and well-respected team captain who also leads by example with her tireless play.
Sarah Beck, Conwell-Egan, senior
While Beck has recently found stardom on the Eagles’ PCL championship flag football team, she remains as committed and dedicated to her soccer team as ever. Described by coach Devon Swaim as a player every coach dreams of having on the team, Beck is a hard worker, and while technically sound, continually puts in the effort to improve. Her keen field vision, combined with her innate leadership skills and teamwork, makes her the key to the Eagles’ midfield.
Lia Jablonowski, William Tennent, senior
A four-year starter and three-time All-SOL Freedom selection, the center mid runs the Panthers’ defense in the middle of the field. Strong in transition, she is also a scoring threat. The Western Carolina University commit scored the game-winning goal in OT against Upper Moreland, her second score of the day.
Kaitlyn D’Ambra, William Tennent, sophomore
An opening day starter as a freshman, D’Ambra scored a goal in her second game to give the Panthers a 2-1 win, beginning a successful season as an offensive catalyst for the team. She was the rare freshman to earn a first-team All-SOL Freedom nod, and she takes on more responsibility this season at center mid and striker.
Kylie Cummings, Souderton, senior
The Kutztown commit is a physical defender whose speed and strength have proven effective against opponents. Cummings is Souderton' s top defender on breakaways.
Leah King, Upper Moreland, senior
A three-year starter and team captain, King earned first-team All-SOL Freedom honors last year after posting five goals and two assists. Her performance and leadership earned her team MVP honors.
Julia Hammer, Pennsbury, sophomore
Hammer impressed as a freshman, scoring her first varsity goal in the second game of the season. She finished the season with one the Falcons’ biggest goals of the year, when she scored the game-tying goal in the final minutes against 10th-seeded Downingtown West in the first round of the district playoffs, which Pennsbury won in OT. Hammer brings composure, vision and maturity to the midfield, and is a hard-working athlete who has taken on the challenging role of center midfielder. She is a leading scorer for the Falcons this season, contributing five goals and three assists in the first weeks of the season.
Annabella Horn, Council Rock South, junior
Horn emerged as a top scoring threat for the Golden Hawks last season, especially against SOL Patriot opponents. She netted two goals in a 3-0 win over Pennsbury, and she had another goal in a victory over Bensalem. Working from the midfield, she is able to control the tempo of the game and operates with precision and decisiveness when she has the ball.
Keiley Hawk, Upper Moreland, senior
A first-team All-SOL Freedom selection after scoring seven goals last season, Hawk is a team captain this year. She has three goals in the Golden Bears’ first six games this season, including one in a 3-2 win over defending 1A state champion Faith Christian. She also contributed to the game-winning goal, as her unrelenting pressure resulted in an own goal.
Gabriella Howley, Pennridge, senior
A four-year starter who won a state championship as a freshman, Howley missed her sophomore season due to an ACL injury, but returned as a junior to lead the team in assists, including one on the game-winning goal against Neshaminy in the district quarterfinals. This year, she appears to be stronger than ever, leading the Rams with five goals and two assists in six games. A strong leader whose time on the sidelines strengthened her understanding of the game and its players, Howley is now a captain for a team incorporating several underclassmen into the mix. Dedicated and hard-working, she has committed to Christopher Newport University.
Lani Bachmann, North Penn, sophomore
Bachmann, along with Annaliese Marnien, led the Knights in scoring last season as freshmen. Her impact extends beyond scoring, as she is an impact player both on and off the ball. Versatile and technically skilled, she is strong on defense, free kicks and threading the ball to teammates.
Natalie Klimowicz, Harry S. Truman, junior
Whether she’s playing in the midfield or on the defensive line, Klimowicz has been a key contributor to the Tigers’ rapidly improving defense. As a sophomore, she was second on the team in minutes played. This year, she earned the role of captain, thanks to her vocal leadership, motivation and positive attitude. She is a great distributor and can make tough passes to her teammates. She had an assist on the Tigers’ goal against defending state champion Faith Christian this season.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Who are the top midfielders in Bucks County girls soccer?
