Inferno Earns Historic First Win in USL W League
Inferno Bounces Back Against Christos FC with 2-0 Victory
Lancaster, PA – Lancaster Inferno beat Christos FC 2-0 Wednesday evening at Siegert Field in Arnold, MD. Snagging their first win of the season with a shutout, the Inferno continues to navigate their way through their inaugural season in the USL W League. Access to the rest of the 2024 schedule can be found HERE.
Inferno Head Coach Stephanie Cleaves’ starting 11 was slightly tweaked from game one with Kay Liebl (Ephrata HS/Millersville), Kayla Keefer (Central Columbia HS/Ole Miss), Taylor Mentzer (Exeter HS/UNCG), Rachel Eberly (Cocalico HS/George Mason), Marissa DiGenova (Temple alum/Caribbean Stars), Ryelle Shuey (ELCO HS/Lehigh), Maddie Levy (Manheim Central HS/WVU) Jackie Richards (Exeter HS/Villanova), 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.
After Sunday’s 1-0 season opener loss to Eagle FC, the Inferno came out of the gates swinging with Marissa DiGenova sneaking the first Inferno goal into the back of the net off an assist from Kayla Keefer in the 32nd minute of play. Later, still in the first half of play, Kayla Keefer scored off of a feed from Maddie Levy to put the Inferno ahead 2-0 in the 45th minute. Both teams remained competitive in the second half, but neither could convert. Goalkeeper Ellie Breech earns a clean sheet with outstanding saves throughout the game, Kayla Keefer plays a breakout game with one goal and one assist and the Inferno hands Christos their second loss of the season.
Goalkeeper Ellie Breech was named Lusk & Associates “Player of the Match” for Lancaster Inferno.
“I’m proud of our team for earning our first win of the season and look forward to building on it as we approach our home opener this Sunday,” said Head Coach Stephanie Cleaves.
The Inferno shifts their sights to their home opener taking place on Sunday, May 26 at 6 p.m. at Franklin & Marshall’s Tylus Field against NOVA FC. The game will hold a Memorial Day theme and will feature a Hometown Hero Presentation for Army Veteran and valued community member Mr. Howard Kramer. Online ticket sales and game details can be found HERE.
Local media are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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.
