King's quartet lifts Strath Haven

Lizzie King's shot hit off the left post, the frame of the goal clinking with the strike of the ball, and the sophomore had only one thought: Not again.

A day earlier, the forward for the Strath Haven girls' soccer team hit the post three times in a game that was a frustrating one on offense for the Panthers.

But Wednesday, things took a bounce in Strath Haven's favor, as King's shot went off the post and into the back of the net for the squad's first goal.

It was then that King started thinking this game against Methacton was going to be different. She was right, as Strath Haven defeated the Warriors, 5-0, behind King's four goals in the nonleague game.

As a freshman last year, King played on the junior varsity before being called up, but she played in only two games before suffering a concussion. With nine seniors graduating after last year, including Kristen Miller and Sophia Murphy, King knew she needed to become an impact player for the Panthers (9-1-2).

"We knew this season was going to be tough, especially to keep our reputation [as a top team], so I wanted to step up and be a leader," King said.

King has fulfilled that role and then some, netting 17 goals so far this season, demonstrating her speed on long runs, and showing an uncanny ability to find the seam behind opposing defenses.

Those dynamic abilities were on display against Methacton (5-10), as all four of her goals were a little bit different and showcased different parts of her game. She even assisted on a Maddie Forbes goal, too.

For King, the goals were the result of stellar play by the Haven midfield, including senior Maddy Tannert-Schmidt, who was all over the field, it seemed.

"We both have good speed and built up a good chemistry with each other," Tannert-Schmidt said. "We have a nice connection with passes and finding each other."

Last year, King wore jersey No. 24, as her favorite number since the second grade, 10, was taken.

She's No. 10 now.

Methacton 0 0 - 0

Strath Haven 4 1 - 5

Goals: SH-Lizzie King 4, Maddie Forbes.

Saves: M-Hannah Walsh 10; SH-Katie Fisher 4.