09/01/2026
This past weekend, several members of the Loyalhanna United U12 girls team got their season off to a strong start at the annual Plum Kickoff Classic.
The girls opened the tournament with an impressive 2–0 victory over Freeport. They followed that performance with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Seneca Valley.
Day 2 brought an even greater challenge as Loyalhanna faced powerhouse Peters Township. After a competitive, back-and-forth match, the game ended in another 1–1 draw. That result placed Loyalhanna United at the top of its bracket and earned the team a spot in the semifinals against Baldwin.
Baldwin entered the semifinal with a perfect 3–0 record, having scored 15 goals while allowing none. From the opening whistle, the Loyalhanna girls were focused and determined, keeping the game scoreless through halftime.
Baldwin struck early in the second half to take a 1–0 lead, but the Loyalhanna girls refused to give up. In true Loyalhanna soccer fashion, they continued to battle and, with just five minutes remaining, scored the equalizer to make it 1–1.
With the game still tied at the end of regulation, the girls faced unfamiliar territory: a penalty-kick shootout! Baldwin ultimately prevailed by one goal and advanced to the championship game, which they later won 1–0.
With only two practices under their belts, these girls left everything on the field. They came within one goal of defeating a team from a higher division that had gone undefeated the previous season. Loyalhanna United was also the only team to score against Baldwin throughout the entire tournament!
We are incredibly proud of these girls and excited to see what the regular season has in store.
United on 3!!! ⚽️💙
