MERCER COUNTY TOURNAMENT GIRLS SOCCER HISTORY

2016 — Hopewell vs. Princeton Day, Thursday, 5 p.m., at TCNJ 2015 — Notre Dame 3, Allentown 0 2014 — Pennington 3, Hightstown 1 2013 — Princeton Day 2, Hopewell 0 2012 — Pennington 1, Allentown 1 (Pennington wins 4-3 on PKs) 2011 — Pennington 4, Robbinsville 0

about beating Hopewell, guiding the Panthers to the program’s only MCT title in 2013 with a 2-0 victory over the Bulldogs.

Against Pennington in the semifinal, Trombetta opted for a counter-attacking formation, allowing the opponent to have the bulk of possession. He could play the same tactic against Hopewell, trying to keep the ball in front and Nilsson and off the scoresheet.

That responsibility falls on the shoulders of star goalkeeper Grace Barbara, the hero of the semifinal shootout victory over Pennington, who has conceded just five goals all season.

In front of Barbara, a Princeton University commit, the back four (from left to right) of Emily Simons, Madison Coyne, Rebecca Kuzmicz and 2010 — Pennington 3, Steinert 0 2009 — Pennington 4, Robbinsville 0 2008 — Pennington 3, Notre Dame 0 2007 — Pennington 3, Hightstown 2 2006 — Steinert 2, Hopewell 1 Tulsi Pari may be the best the Bulldogs face all year.

“They had a great (semifinal) victory,” McGinley said. “It’s an opportunity. We’re going to be at TCNJ, which is cool, and it’s going to be a great environment. We’re excited. They’re a great program (and) Trombetta does a great job.”

The Bulldogs, however, tend to be more direct, looking to get Nilsson, a Northeastern commit, in behind — Notre Dame left her oneon-one with a sweeper in the semifinals and paid for it in the second half — or playing into her feet where she’s adept at linking with teammates.

Senior Julia Obst (13 goals) is dangerous cutting in on her right foot, while Sam Barnes has dished out 13 assists by getting to the end line and pulling the ball back for Nilsson