The Whitehall girls soccer team is looking to gain some traction as their young corps is looking to establish a strong identity early in the season.

They’ve played close games so far this season, defeating Northampton by a goal in the opener, and then defeating Allentown Central Catholic in overtime for their two wins. They’ve also played Emmaus and Parkland, losing to the Green Hornets by a goal, and to the Trojans by two tallies.

They lost 1-0 to Emmaus last Thursday, but had a number of opportunities to tie the score in the second half, especially off well-executed corners.

Emmaus scored its winning goal late in the second half, but Whitehall kept the pressure on Hornet goalie Alexa Ryan, especially when Erica Juliano rose high to launch at header at the net that was tipped away.

“We generated a couple of chances in the second half; we had a couple of good chances early, and I thought they took over the game in the second part of the second half, as they had earlier in the first half, but I thought early in the second half we really started to take over the game a little bit, and it;s just one of those games where somebody’s going to get the fortunate bounce,” said head coach Chris Bleam.

Bleam said that effort was excellent against the Green Hornets who got their first goal at the 26:45 mark of the second half on a hard struck ball by Gianni Albanese. Whitehall goalkeeper Grace Clary was strong in goal, stopping six shots.

Kate Bonshak also had a number of opportunities in the second half. She gained control on a breakaway, but the defender stayed at her side as Ryan came out to challenge the shot, diving to make the save. The sophomore was also active at the net in their set pieces, but a sharp angle prevented her from a good opening on which to score.

Bleam thought that the outcome could have went either way. They played well, but perhaps came into the game with some apprehensions, said Bleam.

“I think that they came in with a lot of doubt tonight, and not that you like losing, but I think you can draw a little confidence from the loss and say, “We’re OK,’” said Bleam.

The Zephs are navigating through the tough EPC with a young squad and they’ll need to learn each game.

“We’re young and we have a couple of experienced kids on the field who need to lead the inexperienced ones,” said Bleam. “Hopefully by the end of the season we’ll be a little more cohesive.”

Boys

The Whitehall boys soccer team has hit a bit of skid, but has faced three very tough teams.

The squad lost to Emmaus 1-0 last Thursday.

The Hornets scored the game’s only goal in the second half thanks to Dakota Bauer, who was assisted by Noah Ross.

The Zephs Alex Khouri made eight saves in the game.

On Saturday, the boys lost to Central 3-1.

The Vikings exploded for three, second half goals.

Francious Delia (assisted by Finn Mullen) and Sam Vaughn (assisted by Mullen made it 2-0 before the Zephs Zahir Linton scored on an assist from Kresstoph Whittick to cut it to 2-1.

Adam Zielinski would make it 3-1 for Central.

On Monday night, Parkland beat Whitehall at home 5-0.

Dawson Berger scored two goals for the Trojans in the win while Cavan Geiger notched two assists.