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Baldwin’s First-Half Blitz Overwhelms Lincoln, Extends Unbeaten Start to 5-0
Baldwin’s First-Half Blitz Overwhelms Lincoln, Extends Unbeaten Start to 5-0
Freshman Teagan White leads the way with goal and assist as Polar Bears prep for Inter-Ac showdown
Freshman Teagan White leads the way with goal and assist as Polar Bears prep for Inter-Ac showdown
There was no need for halftime adjustments on Wednesday afternoon at The Baldwin School. The damage had already been done.
In a dominant first-half display that showcased a mix of emerging young talent and seasoned leadership, the Baldwin Polar Bears cruised to a 4-0 victory over non-league opponent Abraham Lincoln High School. Four goals in 20 minutes were enough to put the game to bed well before the second half began, and with the win, Baldwin extended its perfect start to the 2025 season to 5-0.
The Polar Bears were ruthless in possession and relentless in their attack, outshooting Lincoln 16-2 and earning a staggering 22 corner kicks — a telling statistic that reflected the one-sided nature of the match.
The opener came courtesy of freshman center midfielder Teagan White, who announced her presence with a thunderous, low-driven shot from 20 yards that slipped through the hands and legs of the Lincoln goalkeeper. It was White’s first career varsity goal — and a sign of things to come.
“I just wanted to get the shot on target and fortunately I hit it with some good pace,” White said postgame. “It luckily went through the goalie’s hands and across the line. I’ve been working a lot on my shooting from distance as a midfielder, and was ready when the loose ball rolled to me. It felt really good to score my first varsity goal — and also get my first assist on the corner kick.”
White’s impact wasn’t limited to just that moment of individual brilliance. Minutes later, her well-placed corner kick met the run of sophomore striker Sophie Welsh, who found herself unmarked at the top of the six-yard box. One clean redirection later, and it was 2-0 Baldwin.
“Our coaches always emphasize the importance of making fast and smart runs into the box on set plays,” Welsh said. “I was able to use my speed to beat my defender and get to the serve first and bury it. It was a great corner kick from Teagan.”
The Polar Bears were in full control, pinning Lincoln in their own half and orchestrating wave after wave of attacks. Their third goal was a model of quick decision-making and clinical finishing — a composed one-touch strike by senior forward Sabrina Cohen, set up perfectly by a lead pass from freshman midfielder Sara Payne.
“I saw open space on the left and stayed wide for an unselfish pass from Sara,” Cohen said. “It was a perfectly weighted ball, and all I had to do was strike it cleanly with my left foot to the back post.”
Cohen’s finish was followed by a joyful team celebration and a choreographed dance that reflected the team’s chemistry — and its confidence.
The final goal came just before the halftime whistle. Sophomore Zara Ahmad fought through a tangle of defenders to win a 50-50 ball, then laid off a short pass inside the box to senior midfielder Haley Duong, who calmly tapped in her first varsity goal.
“This is my first season playing soccer for Baldwin and I’m loving the team experience,” Duong said. “I’m so happy I was able to score my first varsity goal. I can’t wait to play next week and keep having fun with my teammates.”
With the game well in hand, Baldwin rotated its squad in the second half and focused on maintaining possession and managing tempo. Defensively, they stayed organized and sharp, limiting Lincoln to just two total shots.
In net, sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Gill played the first half and made two saves to preserve the clean sheet. In the second half, freshman Dorothy Slawe stepped in to gain valuable varsity experience. Together, they combined for Baldwin’s fourth shutout in five games — a testament to both their backline discipline and goalkeeping depth.
A Statement Made, A Challenge Ahead
Baldwin now turns its attention to Inter-Ac League play, beginning next Tuesday with a marquee home matchup against archrival Agnes Irwin. The schools are separated by just a few miles and share a deep-rooted competitive history, especially in girls’ soccer.
Head coach Adrian Cox sees his squad — a mix of underclassmen talent and senior poise — as ready for the challenge.
“We’ve played a variety of non-league opponents that have prepared us for league competition,” Cox said. “I’m happy with the start to the season and believe we’ll be ready for the rigors of league play. There are no easy games in our league. We have to be mentally and physically strong every time we step on the field.”
“We are a young, skillful, and organized team. I’m confident we’ll show that the 2025 version of Baldwin soccer is much improved — and ready to give everything for 80-plus minutes each game.”
Next Up:
Baldwin (5-0) vs. Agnes Irwin
🗓️ Tuesday, Sept. 16
⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 The Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr, PA
🗓️ Tuesday, Sept. 16
⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 The Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr, PA
With local bragging rights and early league momentum on the line, next week’s clash promises to be a high-intensity affair. If Baldwin’s first five games are any indication, the Polar Bears are not just undefeated — they’re unleashed.
