Mars girls soccer, led by Miley Gratton’s goal and assist, shows the fire in rematch vs Knoch
ADAMS TWP — Mars girls soccer never had a chance to finish strong the last time it faced Knoch three weeks ago.
That game was scoreless at halftime, and inclement weather prevented the second half from ever getting started and the game ended in a tie.
So Mars made it a point to get off to an early start its WPIAL Section 1-3A rematch with the Knights Wednesday night at Mars Athletic Complex, making two first-half goals stand up for a 2-0 victory.
“We never got the third one to put this game away, but for a young team, I like where we’re at right now,” Mars head coach Blair Gerlach said.
The Planets have six sophomores and a freshman in their starting lineup this season.
Jade Breese lofted a corner kick right in front of the Knoch goal, and junior forward Miley Gratton was able to head the ball into the net in the game’s 20th minute. Gratton assisted on the Planets’ second goal in the 38th minute.
Her twisting kick from the left side landed right at Mayleigh Wolski’s feet, and the freshman forward was able to knock it in.
“Jade got off a beautiful corner kick and it came right to my head,” Gratton said, smiling. “We practice those plays during warm-ups, at practice ... all the time. It’s good to see it work out in a game.
“On Mayleigh’s goal, I kicked the ball with my left foot and it hooked right to her. She made a nice finish.”
Mars (8-1-1, 4-1-1) possessed the ball for most of the game. The Planets had 12 shots on net to the Knights’ one. Mars took nine corner kicks while Knoch (4-5-2, 2-3-2) had none.
“There was definitely more fire from us tonight, thinking back to that 0-0 tie,” Mars senior defender Julia Siket said. “Our ball possession starts with the back row, and we create well up front.
“We’re composed when the ball is at our feet. Some nights, the shots don’t go in, so I appreciate our defensive effort every night.”
Mars has scored 29 goals this season and allowed only four.
The only save Mars goalkeeper Ciara Spaun had to make occurred with 23 minutes left in the game. Claire Tully lofted a long shot from over 50 yards out that Spaun handled easily. The Knights had a scoring chance in the 66th minute when Rachel Karwoski delivered a cross to Emma Bayer.
Bayer, Knoch’s lone senior, received the pass 15 yards in front of the Mars net, but Planet defenders converged before she got off a shot.
Knoch goalkeeper McKenna Jones produced 10 saves, including three lunging stops.
“She definitely played a great game,” Knoch head coach Jaci Bowser said of her goalkeeper. “They could have easily scored three or four more. Mars is very creative in the lower third, and that’s what we’re trying to develop.
“We’re sitting in a (WPIAL) playoff position right now. We just have to maintain that.”
Gerlach said his team needs to be “more intentional with our shots. Instead of just kicking an object toward another object, we need to have more purpose. But I love our fight. I love our competitive spirit.”
Both teams return to action Monday. Knoch hosts Ambridge while Mars travels to Blackhawk.
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Knoch goalie McKenna Jones (10) makes a diving save against Mars in a girls soccer game Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars' Miley Gratton (29) celebrates after heading the ball for a goal against Knoch in a girls soccer game Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars' Addison Jacoby (24) fights for a ball with Knoch’s Bella Pelloni (14) in a girls soccer game Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars Miley Gratton (29) heads the ball for a goal against Knoch in a girls soccer game Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex.
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Mars' Jade Breese (13) fights for the ball with Knoch’s Bella Pelloni (14) in a girls soccer game Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars' Miley Gratton (29) celebrates with teammates after heading the ball for a goal against Knoch in a girls soccer game Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
