Bronx Women’s Soccer: Beal Bocht, Harps gain Bronx women’s final

An Beal Bocht 1, Lansdowne 0

Beal Bocht reached the Summer League Final after a hard-fought and often entertaining match against Lansdowne. Both teams began the game tentatively, but it was Beal Bocht who settled down much quicker and created some early chances.

The midfield play of Mary McElvoy and Julia Enright caused Lansdowne all sorts of trouble. Beal Bocht almost took the lead when a shot by Sophia Harvey went past the post. Lansdowne began to come more into the game as the half wore on. Bernadette Boyle from midfield began to get her team going. However, the breakthrough came just before halftime when a cross by Sophia Harvey led to a scramble in the box and there was Lyn Pinezich to score her second goal of the season. Beal Bocht led 1-0 at halftime.

The second half saw Lansdowne come more into the game. They tackled harder in defense and midfield and started threatening the Bocht goal. Kristie Many and Katie McGrail went close on two occasions. Beal Bocht keeper Pauline Boylan pulled off some fine saves to keep her team ahead. Michele Ballin was impressive in defense. Lansdowne were lucky not to go two down when Beal Bocht hit the crossbar toward the end of the game.

Harps 1, Parlour Moms 0

Harps reached their second ever Summer League Final with an impressive performance against Parlour Moms. Harps started very strong and attacked the Parlour with excellent wing play by Karen Shalvey. Parlour keeper Robin Mierzwa frustrated the Harps forwards with some fine saves. Parlour were able to create very little up front, their attacks were kept in check by a fine performance by defenders Maureen Ennis and Teresa Brink for Harps. The half ended 0-0.

The second half began much as the first had. There was more urgency in the Harps attack. Norma McCarthy in midfield for the Harps was beginning to impose her authority. Katie McNeil was making impressive raids down the wing and crosses into the box for the Harps forwards. As the game looked as though it was going to extra time, a fine through ball by Aiobhean Morris sent Sandra Swinbourne through. After a quick touch for control, she hit an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net. This was little more than the Harps deserved and they now play Beal Bocht in the final in three weeks. Best for Harps were Maureen Ennis and Katie McNeil.

Shield semifinal

Fiona’s 1, Gilligan’s 0

The final game of the day saw Fiona’s reach the final of the Shield with a 1-0 win over Gilligan’s. The game was close with both teams battling hard to get to the final. Fiona’s got the breakthrough late in the first half. Gilligans did have chances to score after that but failed to break through. Best for Gilligan’s were Lorraine Manning, Deirdre Heslin and Olivia Murphy.