BEL AIR, Md. -- The Harford women's soccer team has continued to show growth and resilience this fall, putting together a strong run of results that has the Fighting Owls in a great position within the Maryland Juco Athletic Conference standings.
Over its last five matches, Harford has posted a 2-2-1 record while outscoring opponents 10-6. Both victories were dominant shutouts on the road, as the Fighting Owls blanked Garrett 5-0 on Sept. 11 and followed with a 2-0 win at Allegany on Sept. 17. Those performances demonstrated the team's ability to generate offense in bunches while keeping the defense organized and composed.
That balance has carried the Fighting Owls to a 4-0-2 record in the MDJUCO, keeping them unbeaten in conference play. With five of their final eight regular-season contests coming against league opponents, Harford is well positioned to continue climbing the standings and strengthen its postseason résumé.
The Fighting Owls' attack has been paced by sophomore forward Lila Vincenti (Havre de Grace) who has six goals this season, tied for fourth in Region 20 Division I. She also leads the team with 15 points, ranking fifth in the region. Freshman standout Aubrey Heise (North Harford) has provided a spark as well, scoring five goals and leading Harford with four assists. Her 14 points are good for sixth in the region, giving the Fighting Owls a powerful one-two punch up front.
Harford's scoring depth has also been on display. Sophomore Candace Kobus (North Harford) has found the back of the net three times, while Sydney Stoneback (North Harford) has chipped in three assists to match Vincenti for second on the squad. With multiple players contributing in the final third, the Fighting Owls have shown they can attack in different ways and keep opposing defenses off balance.
In goal, the tandem of Emma Zegars (Bel Air) and Kaylee Norstrand (Bel Air) has given Harford stability and confidence. Zegars holds an impressive .810 save percentage and made nine stops to preserve a 2-2 draw at Hagerstown. Norstrand, meanwhile, owns a .750 save percentage and turned in a 15-save performance against Harcum, showing poise under pressure. Together, the pair has provided a reliable backbone that has kept the Fighting Owls competitive in every match.
The upcoming stretch will provide opportunities for Harford to keep building momentum. Their final eight opponents carry a combined record of 23-23-7, a balanced slate that gives the Fighting Owls a chance to continue showcasing their strengths. With the way the team has responded in conference play so far, Harford is poised to make the most of the challenge.
Led by the scoring duo of Vincenti and Heise, supported by consistent contributions across the roster, and anchored by the steady play of Zegars and Norstrand in goal, the Fighting Owls have all the tools to keep their strong season rolling. As the calendar turns to October, the team's momentum, depth, and belief in each other will be key ingredients as they push toward the postseason.
Harford is back on the pitch today in Westminster, Md. to take on conference foe Carroll Community College. Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m.
