Abington Heights girls soccer team remained unbeaten with help from the offense of Riley Mulherin. The junior scored five goals during the 1-0-1 week by the Lady Comets (9-0-2).
Against rival Scranton Prep, Mulherin had two goals. After the Classics jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead, Mulherin tied the game with her first goal at 6:17. Then late in the second half, with Scranton Prep leading, 3-2, Mulherin scored the tying goal with 2:11 left in regulation. The teams wound up playing to a 3-3 overtime tie.
Facing Delaware Valley, Mulherin netted a hat trick in a 4-0 win. Her first goal came one minute into the match. Her other goals came in the 31st and 75th minutes.
For the season, Mulherin has 22 goals and three assists, giving her 60 goals and nine assists for her career.
Here is more from Mulherin’s Athlete of the Week interview:
Favorite teams: United State women’s national soccer team, New York Giants
Athletes I admire: Alex Morgan. She’s very aggressive on plays. I always aspired to be like her when I was younger. I’ve just kind of looked up to her.
Favorite food: Pasta
Superstitions and rituals: The day before we play Scranton Prep, we always have a pasta dinner as a team.
RILEY MULHERIN, Abington Heights girls soccer
Three people I’d like to have dinner with: Alex Morgan, Neymar, Scott Eastwood
What’s it like playing in an intense rivalry against Scranton Prep, especially with both teams battling for first place? It’s very nerve-racking, honestly. We’ve been rivals for who knows how long. Going into the game, everybody is uptight and worried about what’s going to happen during the game. I’m relieved when it’s over.
How many years have you been playing soccer? What got you interested in the sport? I’ve been playing since I was five years old (16 now). My sister (Ashley) definitely inspired me to play. I wanted to get involved in a sport and as I got older I fell in love with the game.
Have you always been a goal scorer? When I was younger and first started playing, definitely not. But as I got older I’ve scored most of the goals. Is there any kind of knack to goal scoring? Some of it is natural. But I also did practice quite a bit when I was younger to get where I am.
Most memorable goal: Last year, we were tied with Scranton Prep and went into overtime. I got the game-winning goal.
Do you play travel soccer? Abington youth soccer Asteroids and Back Mountain Fury
Post-graduation plans: I plan to go to college. I think I’d like to study something in business. And I want to play soccer in college.
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During more than 30 years at The Times-Tribune, Scott has covered everything from high schools to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. His current beats include motor sports, local colleges, high school cross country and high school baseball. He also is a copy editor and page designer. His articles have won awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors, American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association, Eastern Motorsports Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists Keystone Pro Chapter and the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Keystone Press. He also has been honored by the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League and the Minor League Football Alliance. In 2016, he was presented the Media Service Award by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. A Long Island, New York, native, Scott graduated from the University of Scranton in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He lives in Peckville with his wife, Andrea, and daughters, Bridget and Emily. Contact him at swalsh@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, x5109; or @swalshTT on Twitter
