By Ken Chaisson
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
The Walpole Timberwolves girls' soccer team played the Needham Rockets on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at the S.M. Lorusso Field Complex, resulting in a scoreless tie.
Before the game, Needham arrived late due to transportation issues, giving Walpole extra time to warm up. Bella Bingham was seen practicing 30-yard kicks aimed at the upper part of the net—foreshadowing her performance later in the game.
Walpole held Needham to one shot on net in the evenly contested first half, easily handled by keeper Ally McMann. The Timberwolves' back line of Sienna Kreuzer, Villeneuve, Becca Schmidt, and freshman Maddy Walzer was stout throughout. Needham’s possession-based game with short passes and constant motion could not break through Walpole’s defense.
The Timberwolves drew multiple penalties against the Rockets in the first half but couldn’t capitalize. Schultz forced a corner kick, and Bingham sent a cross through the goalmouth, though it didn’t connect.
The sunny, 80-degree day led to frequent substitutions, especially in the first half. However, as the temperature cooled, Walpole’s offense heated up.
In the second half, Salmans adjusted the lineup by moving Bingham to center forward, which created multiple chances for Walpole. Bingham's practiced kicks came close to scoring, with several attempts from 20 to 30 yards barely missing the top corners.
Freshman Aubrie Ma made a few great runs that generated scoring opportunities. Ma, in alone on the Needham keeper, was denied but teamed with Bingham to create Walpole’s best chances. Addy Wyzanski excited the crowd with a spectacular somersault throw-in.
Late in the game, Schmidt made a crucial play, clearing the ball when a Needham striker opted to center it. Alexa Dayaa also had a strong game in the midfield, particularly in the second half.
Walpole had beaten Braintree 2-1 in its first game on September 3, fell short to Milton on September 5, and fought hard against Framingham, ultimately to fall short on September 10, this game was a chance to get back on track. While it wasn’t a win, the 0-0 tie gave the young Walpole team something to build on. They proved they could compete with anyone on their schedule.
There are currently four Bay State Conference girls’ soccer teams in the top 20. Add to that non-conference games against ranked teams such as Concord-Carlisle and Bishop Feehan, and Salmans, who is having his inaugural year as head coach of the girls’ varsity soccer team, has his hands full nearly every game. The varsity roster includes three freshmen and a sophomore, all of whom play significant minutes. The team is led by captains Gabby Villeneuve, Riley Schultz, and Reilly Raynal.
Walpole continues its season on the road against Wellesley on Thursday, September 19.
