First-half goal lifts Conestoga past Downingtown East for state final berth

ROYERSFORD >> You would expect a PIAA 4A girls soccer semifinal to be played differently than a regular season game in September. Such it was between Conestoga and Downingtown East. Their first meeting saw five goals between the two teams, but on a clear, chilly Tuesday, one was enough.

Abagail Klebe scored in the first half and the defense made it stand up as Conestoga edged Downingtown East, 1-0, at Coach McNelly Stadium at Spring-Ford High School.

“It was kind of what I expected,” said Conestoga coach Ben Wilson. “I knew it wasn’t going to be a blowout for either team. It was going to be a close game. We had to try and score an early goal and be disciplined and work and make sure we kept the result.”

The Pioneers (18-4-2) reached the finals for the second time in three years. They will take on District 7 champion Moon at Hersheypark Stadium at 4 p.m. on Friday.

“We’re so excited,” said Klebe. “We worked so hard this season, and there’s a lot of ups-and-downs, but we’re so ready. We’re ready to win a state championship.”

The first half was played on even terms for the first 20 minutes. Downingtown East had a decent spell of possession, but was unable to pose a danger in front of goalie Catherine Steege.

The breakthrough came with 16:12 left. Klebe gathered in a long pass along the ground, made a move to get some space from her defender, turned and fired a low shot past East goalie Lillian Motte and inside the left post to put ‘Stoga up.

“I guess I was in the right place at the right time,” said Klebe. “There was an amazing ball played right down the middle and it slipped by the defense. I tried to keep calm and take a touch and place it instead of launching it.”

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