Lancaster Inferno Drops Season Opener to Eagle FC 1-0
Inferno Looks to Bounce Back Against Christos FC Wednesday
Lancaster, PA – In their 2024 USL W League debut, Lancaster Inferno fell short to the 2023 East Conference Champions Eagle FC on Sunday, May 19. Eagle FC’s Gaby Eckroth had the lone goal scored in the 47th minute with an assist from Nikayla Small. Many believe the Inferno and Eagle FC will grow into becoming the newest and most prevalent local rivalry in the league, given that both were national semifinalists in their respective leagues during the 2023 season (Eagle FC – USL W League, Inferno – previously UWS League). Fans can watch the full match HERE.
Inferno Head Coach Stephanie Cleaves’ starting 11 included Rachel Ludwick (York Suburban HS/Monmouth), Kayla Keefer (Central Columbia HS/Ole Miss), Taylor Mentzer (Exeter HS/UNCG), Teresa Rook (JMU alum/Kvarnsvedens IK), Rachel Eberly (Cocalico HS/George Mason), Madison Mohr (Elizabethtown HS/Kutztown alum), Marissa DiGenova (Temple alum/Caribbean Stars), Ryelle Shuey (ELCO HS/Lehigh), Jessica Weinoldt (Hempfield HS/McDaniel) and Carly Keene (Penn Manor HS/Lehigh) with Ellie Breech (Cumberland Valley HS/Pitt) in goal. Access to the full 2024 Inferno roster can be found HERE.
The Sunday evening matchup proved to be extremely competitive with great scoring attempts made by both teams. Eagle Centerback Lucy Fazackerly (Arsenal Women FC/East Carolina University) was instrumental in shutting down those offensive opportunities, limiting the Inferno from converting. Inferno Goalkeeper Ellie Breech (Pitt) was able to come up with some big saves to keep the game scoreless going into halftime.
After a 0-0 first half, Eagle FC’s Gabrielle Eckroth was able to slot the ball into the back of the net in the 47th minute of play after receiving a square ball from Nikayla Small at the 6 yard box. This was the only goal of the game, posting the final score of 1-0.
“We created several scoring opportunities however we were not able to convert them and our opponent took advantage of a defensive error in the second half,” said Head Coach Stephanie Cleaves. “We will use this game to make adjustments and get ready for our next match on Wednesday.”
Jessica Weinoldt was named Lusk & Associates “Player of the Match” for Lancaster Inferno.
The Inferno have the opportunity to bounce back as they take on Christos FC this Wednesday, May 22, at 6 p.m. at the Moose Athletic Club in Glen Burnie, MD. Access to the full 2024 Inferno schedule can be found HERE.
Additionally, Lancaster Inferno is gearing up for their home opener taking place on Sunday, May 26 at 6 p.m. at Franklin & Marshall’s Tylus Field. This game will hold a Memorial Day theme and free mini parade flags will be given to spectators in attendance while supplies last. Details about the home opener, including the Memorial Day Hometown Hero presentation and admission prices, can be accessed HERE.
Article written by Emily Bucolo
About Lancaster Inferno
Founded in 2008, Lancaster Inferno fields a women’s pre-professional soccer team that competes in the USL W League. The First Team roster is composed of players who want to pursue their professional aspirations and features current/post college players and former professionals.
Committed to fostering a comprehensive player pathway from youth to pre-professional levels, Lancaster Inferno is the sole all-girls travel soccer club in Pennsylvania offering age-appropriate opportunities across various stages of development.
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About the USL W League
The USL W League is a leader in pre-professional soccer in North America, developing the next generation of women’s talent both on and off the field. The USL W League strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development. The League and its member clubs are committed to investing in women’s soccer – through not only financial resources but also with time, energy, and attention – and are united in our mission to grow the women’s game.
The USL W League will serve as the nation’s premier pre-professional league developing the next generation of women’s talent both on and off the field, enhancing the women’s soccer pipeline between college and professional soccer. Learn more at uslwleague.com.
