Inferno Secures Second-Straight Win
Goals by Keefer (2) and Levy Lifts Inferno Over Northern Virginia FC 3-1
Lancaster, PA – In the third game of Lancaster Inferno’s inaugural season in the USL W League, they secured a 3-1 win over Northern Virginia FC at Sunday’s home opener held at Franklin & Marshall’s Tylus Field. This is their second-straight win after posting a 2-0 shutout against Christos FC this past Wednesday. Access to the rest of the 2024 Inferno schedule can be found HERE.
Prior to kickoff, we were honored to have Mr. Howard Kramer in attendance to toss the coin and partake in our Memorial Day Hometown Hero Celebration. Read more about Howard and his incredible services to our country and community 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), Rachel Eberly (Cocalico HS/George Mason), Natalie Magnotta (Episcopal Academy/Penn State), Ryelle Shuey (ELCO HS/Lehigh), Maddie Levy (Manheim Central HS/WVU), Teresa Rook (JMU alum/Kvarnsvedens IK), Jessica Weinoldt (Hempfield HS/McDaniel) and Carly Keene (Penn Manor HS/Lehigh) with Riley Houck (Conestoga Valley/Fairfield) in goal. Access to the full 2024 Inferno roster can be found HERE.
Northern Virginia FC scored first with a slow roller in the 20th minute of play, shot by #11 Milica Bulatovic.
#16 Kayla Keefer delivered a beautiful pass from the end line back to #21 Maddie Levy at the six for her to shoot it right past Northern Virginia FC’s goalkeeper, #1 Elizabeth Thonton in the 36th minute to bring the Inferno even. The rest of the first half was filled with plenty of chances for both teams but no conversions. The half time score was 1-1.
#8 Carolyn Hinkle subbed in for #12 Taylor Mentzer to begin the second half. In the 59th minute, Kayla Keefer scored off of a perfect feed from #5 Jessica Weinoldt. She went on to score her second goal of the night in the 78th minute with an assist from #31 Rachel Eberly.
Striker Kayla Keefer was named Lusk & Associates “Player of the Match” for Lancaster Inferno.
Kayla Keefer continues to be a powerhouse for the Inferno offense as they look to keep the wining streak going. Next, the Inferno will have roughly a week’s rest before their next matchup. They will continue the homestand, this time against the Virginia Marauders FC with kickoff on Saturday, June 1 at 6 p.m. at Warwick High School’s Turf Stadium (Lititz, PA). Further details can be viewed 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.
