GMC/HNT Girls Soccer Preview Capsules
GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE
RED DIVISION
MONROE
Coach: Peter Ruckdeschel, 1st season
Last year’s record: 12-4-3
Top lettermen lost: Erin Seppi
Key returners: Christina Gasko (Sr., F), Caitlyn Magee (Sr., D), Stephanie Stojanovski (Sr., M), Kaitlyn Zirrith (Sr., GK), Sabrina Fiordaliso (Jr., M), Paige Gandy (Jr., M), Olivia Haas (Jr., M), Gennyka Liebenthal (Jr., M), Tayler Muce (Jr., M), Julia Paskell (Jr., M), Christina Wang (Jr., D), Megan Wang (Jr., D), Hannah Van Dusen (So., F)
Newcomers: Jenn Horn (Jr., GK), Jenn Senkus (Jr., D), Gianna Porpora (Fr., D), Kamryn Pickard (Fr., D)
Outlook: After dropping the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournmanet semifinal to South Brunswick on penalty kicks last season, Monroe seeks a deeper postseason run this year with a young, but talented, roster. The Falcons lost elite goalkeeper Erin Seppi to graduation so it will be up to senior Kaitlyn Zirrith and junior Jenn Horn to pick up the slack in net. Junior midfielder and leading scorer Gennyka Liebenthal (nine goals, eight assists) returns and with much of last season’s midfield and defense returning, Monroe is poised to once again compete for the Red Division title.
EAST BRUNSWICK
Coach: Kevin Brady, 11th season
Last year’s record: 13-9
Top lettermen lost: Sydney Greenspan, Melissa Ciaccio, Morgan Crooks, Fiona Withum, Michele Popovski, Samree Mastro
Key returners: Katrina Nguyen-Demary (Sr., M), Andrea Apostolescu (Sr., M), Sabria Glasgow (Jr., F), Lauren Krinsky (Jr., GK), Gina Morrison (Jr., M), Jessica DiMatteo (So., F), Rory Keegan (So., M), Kayla Flynn (So., D)
Newcomers: Jessica Cortez (Sr., M), Jessica Valenzuela (Sr., M), Maria Salib (Sr., M), Jessica Saccenti (Jr., M), Bianca Nakar (So., D), Nicole Unangst (Fr., D), Rebecca Crocco (Fr., M), Alina Negron (Fr., M), Bailey Dressner (Fr., M)
Outlook: After dropping last season’s Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament final to South Brunswick, the Bears are primed to once again make a county title run. Katrina Nguyen-Demary (six goals, 10 assists) returns to the center midfield position and should lead the offensive attack. Junior Sabria Glasgow (10 goals) and sophomore Jessica DiMatteo (four goals) scored big goals late in the season and will help create balance in the offensive attack. After a successful sophomore season, goalkeeper Lauren Krinsky (125 saves) returns in net in 2016.
RELATED: Girls Soccer: Woodbridge seeks to replace Bishop Ahr atop GMC White Division
SOUTH BRUNSWICK
Coach: Beth Barrio, 9th season
Last year’s record: 10-8-1
Top lettermen lost: Julianna Franco, Moriya Frankel, Brianna Araque
Key returners: Sydney Schneider (Sr., GK), Samia Baig (Sr., D), Samantha Rivera (Sr., D), Alex Zubarev (Jr., D), Francesca Dimitrakis (Sr., M), Brielle Eder (Sr., M), Riley Ratcliffe (So., D), Cathlene Kaseta (So., M), Julea Frankel (So., M), Adrianna Mouzakis (Sr., F), Rachel Hecht (Sr., F)
Newcomers: Kate Mastro (Sr., GK/F), Jordan Moye (Sr., F), Nina Kumar (Sr., D), Brittany Fischer (Sr., F), Meghan Hallihan (Fr., M), Adrianna Debari (Fr., M), Marissa Keiser (So., M), Ria Tilve (So., M)
Outlook: With 12 seniors returning from last season’s Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament winning team, the Vikings are poised to be one of the better teams in the GMC once again this season. Top scorers Francesca Dimitrakis (five goals, four assists) and Adrianna Mouzakis (four goals) return for their senior campaigns. Senior goalkeeper Sydney Schneider (167 saves) also returns in net for the Vikings.
PISCATAWAY
Coach: Jen Vroman, 4th season
Last year’s record: 9-9
Top lettermen lost: Erin Bushinski, Jackie McEvoy, Courtney Culp
Key returners: Lela Allen (Sr., F), Ayana Garvin (Sr., M), Janiah Lambert (Sr., D), Briana Chapman (Sr., D), Tasha Spruiel (Sr., F)
Newcomers: Jordyn Allen (Fr., M), Michelle Williams (Fr., D), Kaitlyn Zeeb (Fr., M), Hunter Samuel (Fr., F), Dana Ogilvie (Fr., GK)
Outlook: With most of last season’s starting lineup returning from last season and a very strong freshman class arriving, look for the Chiefs to improve upon last year’s 9-9 record. Senior forward Lela Allen, who scored 20 goals a season ago, will once again lead Piscataway on offense. After tearing her ACL midseason last year, senior midfielder Ayana Garvin will look to rebound this fall. Freshman midfielder and Lela’s sister Jordyn Allen will immediately start and make an impact. Defensively, seniors Janiah Lambert and Briana Chapman should combine for a solid back line.
OLD BRIDGE
Coach: Robert Lozzi, 24th season
Last year’s record: 6-10-1
Top lettermen lost: N/A
Key returners: Breanna Jacinto (Sr., M), Vanessa Driskill (Sr., D), Nicole Carbone (Sr., GK), Angela Pagiazitis (Sr., D), Nichole Adams (Jr., F), Mackenzie Willis (Jr., F), Julia Sandor (Jr., M), Kaylee Quilbam (Jr., M), Jazy Kaur (Jr., D), Dominique Lovallo (Jr., F), Erin Rynkiewicz (Jr., M), Arianna Allen (Jr., M)
Newcomers: Nicole Cassano (Jr., F), Joelle Taranto (Jr., D), Sierra Stevenson (Jr., D), Lindsey Shafer (So., D), Lauren Shafer (So., D), Mackenzie Cangro (So., D), Megan Ruales (So., D), Chelsea Lee-Sam (Fr, GK), Claudia Flint (Fr, D), Jordan Totten (Fr., M), Jade Wurst (Fr., M), Sydney Addesso (Fr., M/F)
Outlook: After tough season last year, the Knights will look to rebound despite some tough graduation losses. Breanna Jacinto (five assists) and Julia Sandor (five assists) return to the midfield and will help facilitate the offense. Senior backs Vanessa Driskill and Angela Pagiazitis and senior goalkeeper Nicole Carbone add experience to Old Bridge. The Knights lost quite a bit of their goal scoring from a season ago, so they will need to replace that offensive production in order to compete in the tough Red Division.
J.P. STEVENS
Coach: Lisa Dato, 6th season
Last year’s record: 3-15-1
Top lettermen lost: Prachi Sinha, Lauren Tencza, Samantha Dzema, Frankie Racioppi
Key returners: Kinjal Shah (Sr., M), Caity Shannon (Jr., M), Serena Zilli (Jr., D), Ava Dul (So., F), Lea Baumser (Sr., D), Sarah Zimmer (Jr., GK)
Newcomers: Kirsten Borja (Fr., F), Allison Gosling (Fr., D), Andrea Maris (Fr., M)
Outlook: With the graduation of last season’s top scorer Samantha Dzema, the Hawks will look to junior Caity Shannon, sophomore Ava Dul and freshman Kirsten Borja to replace Dzema’s production. Senior Kanjal Shah is poised to control the midfield while junior Serena Zilli and freshman Allison Gosling will make it difficult for opponents to score.
WHITE DIVISION
BISHOP AHR
Coach: Jim Tavormina, 9th season
Last year’s record: 18-3
Top lettermen lost: Jillian Vassallom Reilly Mullin, Stephanie Spada, Eric Balsamo, Lauren Jurcsek, Alyssa Corea
Key returners: Stephanie Corea (Sr.), Kelsey Kacsmar (Sr.), Jillian Ramirez (Sr.), Erin Saggese (Sr.), Dayna Dobkowski (Jr.), Ryleigh Greenwald (Jr.), Anetha Jenkins (Jr.), Kelly Harmon (Jr.), Emma Herban (Jr.), Julianna Pastore (Jr.), Sarah Glazewski (Jr.), Sara Decker (Jr.) A.J. Jenkins (So.)
Newcomers: Mallory Foster, Jenna Sheedy, Emily Dietzel, Morgan McGuire, Sachi Negri, Jillian Balsamo
Outlook: Bishop Ahr lost a loaded senior class but should once again compete for the White Division title this fall. After scoring 10 goals last season, junior Emma Herban returns and is poised to lead the Trojans in scoring. At midfield, senior Stephanie Corea recorded nine assists last season and should once again set up many Trojan goals. As a freshman, goalkeeper A.J. Jenkins recorded 45 saves last season and should improve during her sophomore year.
WOODBRIDGE
Coach: Daniel Mortensen, 2nd season
Last year’s record: 15-6
Top lettermen lost: Justine Stefura, Tori Lucante, Jatzia Gilzean
Key returners: Jordan Vazquez (Sr., GK/F), Sophia Gomez (Sr., M), Nicolle Ferrel (Sr., M), Jen Altman (Sr., M/D), Kelsey Saavoia (Jr., D), Emily Mazzarella (Jr., M), Nicole Kiraly (Jr., D), Eva Hernandez (Jr. M/D), Anjanie Gilzean (Jr., F/M), Gabby D’Emilio (Jr., F/M), Jessica Carvalho (Jr., M)
Newcomers: Olivia Gattone (Fr., F/M), Brille Skibar (Fr., F/M), Ikmat Ibrahim (So., D), Vanessa Mondragon (Jr., GK), Samantha Nedza (Jr., M), Haley Schilling (Jr., M/D), Sarah Nunez (Sr., M), Genna Palumbo (Sr., M/D)
Outlook: With many starters returning from last season’s 15-6 squad, expectations are high for the Barrons. Much of their offense returns this season, including forward Jordan Vazquez (21 goals) and forward/midfielder Gabby D’Emilio (19 goals, 13 assists). Vazquez will also see some time at goalkeeper with the graduation of last season’s goalie Justine Stefura. After making it to the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA North Section 2 Group 4 Tournament last season, the Barrons look to make a deeper postseason run with their more experienced squad.
EDISON
Coach: Christopher McKnight, 1st season
Last year’s record: 11-9
Top lettermen lost: Gabrielle DaSilva, Julia Hoover, Gayathri Vijayakumar
Key returners: Felicia Forsythe (Sr., F), Lauren Cassella (Sr., F), Deana Maffucci (Sr., F), Elena Elias (Sr., M), Rachel Weber (Jr., M), Monica Roca (Jr., M), Kendra Candido (So., GK), Jessica Hoover (So., D)
Newcomers: Grace De Araujo (Fr., M), Hailey Verdicchio (Fr., F), Tayla O’Brien (Fr., M), Disha Kanekar (So., D), Gianna Sanchez (So., D)
Outlook: The Eagles should possess a potent scoring attack with last season’s leading goal-scorer Felicia Forsythe (25 goals) returning for her senior year. Edison has six additional returning starters including midfielders Monica Roca and Deana Maffucci. Newcomers Grace De Araujo, Tayla O’Brien and Hailey Verdicchio look to add depth to an already skilled and quick offense. After losing their first round games in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament and the NJSIAA Central Group 4 Tournament, the Eagles will look to make deeper runs in the postseason tournaments this year.
SAYREVILLE
Coach: Jillian McGarry, 5th season
Last year’s record: 9-11
Top lettermen lost: Megan Luteszky, Jessica Santangelo, Nura Sbeah, Erika Signorile, Sandra Mercado, Sarah Rubio, Iayna Wright
Key returners: Erin Wimmer (Sr., F/M), Katie Espositio (Sr., D), Brianna Barbosa (Sr., M), Victoria Barreiro (Sr., M), Taiya Lewis (Sr., D), Stephanie DeOcampo (So., M/F), Lauren Attardi (So., F), Nicole Cena (Sr., M), Jordan Wilson (So., GK), Ashley Herndon (So., F/M), Adijah Simmon (So., M/D), Megan Furbush (So., D)
Newcomers: Jenna Skwiat (Sr., M), Eliza David (Fr., M), Rahi Parikh (Sr., D), Rebecca Barbosa (Jr., GK), Melanie Bisaha (Sr., D), Raven Wright (Sr., D), Jacqueline Ventricelle (Fr., F), Jamie Jurkiewicz (Sr., M)
Outlook: With many players returning from last year’s squad, the Bombers could be a dark horse in the White Division this season. Sayreville boasts four experienced senior captains in Erin Wimmer, Katie Esposito, Brianna Barbosa and Victoria Barreiro. Wimmer (seven goals) should be the primary scoring threat this season while Barbosa (seven assists) and Barreiro (three assists) will control the midfield. Esposito will be an anchor on the defensive end and also has the potential to contribute on the offensive end, having recorded two assists last season.
PERTH AMBOY
Coach: Matthew Wechter, 3rd season
Last year’s record: 0-19
Top lettermen lost: Adrianna Reyes, Lesly Jimenez, Lesley Leon, Mia Molina
Key returners: Isabella Sosa (Jr., M), Michelle Lopez (Jr., D), Veruska Carbajo (Sr., M)
Newcomers: Danya Reynoso (So., GK), Ashley Ruiz (Fr., F), Joana Lopez (Fr., M), Denniease Gamino (So., D)
Outlook: After going winless in 2015, the goal for Wechter’s squad this season is to win a GMC game. Captains Isabella Sosa and Sarahi Garcia are back and add experience to the roster. Last season’s goalkeeper Mia Molina graduated in the spring and will be replaced by sophomore goalie Danya Reynoso.
BLUE DIVISION
METUCHEN
Coach: Mike Knoth, 1st season
Last year’s record: 18-4-1
Top lettermen lost: N/A
Key returners: Tracy Michalski (Sr., D), Alana Benderly (Sr., D), Rory Josell (Jr., M), Drew Schuchman (Jr., D), Kendal Schuchman (Jr., M), Molly Walters (Jr., M), Hope Kenny (Jr., M), Sky Nowicki (Jr., M), Mya Stolarski (So., M)
Newcomers: Kerry Farrell (Jr., F), Ginny Clarke (Jr., D), Kate Santus (Jr., F), Erin Hausser (Jr., M), Christine Laskowski (Jr., D), Natalie Tiu (So., D), Juliana Mullen (So., GK)
Outlook: The Bulldogs are a younger squad with only two returning senior starters, but a strong junior class should help. Defensive will be a strength for Metuchen with three returning starters, including senior captain and two-time All-GMC defender Tracy Michalski, senior captain Alana Benderly and Drew Schuchman. Rory Jossell (11 goals, seven assists) Mya Stolarki (four goals, seven assists) and Molly Walters (seven goals, seven assists) alongside Sky Nowicki, Erin Hausser and Hope Kenny creates depth and talent at the midfield position. The Bulldogs are a little thin in numbers in general, but if they can remain healthy, Metuchen will once again be a dangerous squad in the Blue Division.
MIDDLESEX
Coach: Tim Morris, 4th season
Last year’s record: 10-9-2
Top lettermen lost: Katie Nicholson, Madeline McCrone, Marissa Guiducci, Katie LaCapria, Zakiya Beckles, Danielle Tomore
Key returners: Mackenzie Meixner (Sr., M), Nicole Fallon (Sr., GK), Carly Santucci (So., M), Angele Garcia (So., F), Alex Carmona (So., D), Kara Krivanos (So., M), Bridget McCrone (So., D), Caroline Walther (Jr., D)
Newcomers: Amanda Cespedes (Fr., F), Danielle Cisneros (Fr., M), Samantha Nordhaus (Fr., D), Rebecca Nordhaus (So., F)
Outlook: After a successful season last year, the Blue Jays look to make deeper runs in the county and state tournaments this season. Senior goalkeeper Nicole Fallon is back in goal and will have help on defense from returning backs Caroline Walther, Bridget McCrone and Alex Carmona. With Katie Nicholson’s 12 goals and 12 assists having graduated in the spring, it will up to Angele Garcia (eight goals), Mackenzie Meixner (eight goals, five assists) and Carly Santucci (seven goals) to pick up the slack on offense.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD
Coach: Paulo Correia, 3rd season
Last year’s record: 3-13-2
Top lettermen lost: N/A
Key returners: Claire Nagel (Sr., F/M), Grace Ochoa (Sr., D)
Newcomers: N/A
Outlook: Claire Nagel (nine goals) returns for her senior campaign and is poised to once again lead the Tigers in scoring. Senior Grace Ochoa will lead the defensive effort this season. South Plainfield looks to make incremental improvements in the division and the county tournament.
SPOTSWOOD
Coach: Mike Reid, 11th season
Last year’s record: 14-5-1
Top lettermen lost: Six lettermen lost
Key returners: Erin Thuring (Sr., D), Lauren Kiszkiel (Sr., D), Lizzie Vignuolo (Sr., GK), Danielle Wittig (Sr., F), Mary Beth Barnosky (Sr., D), Athena Xipolias (Sr., M), Michaela Robinson (Jr., D), Sarah Marotta (Jr., D), Gina Ridgeway (Jr., D), Carolina Fernandez (So., F), Amber Meagher (So., F)
Newcomers: Amy Warnebold (Sr., M), Megan Gallagher (Sr., M), Lilly McDonnell (Sr., F), Alexa Reilly (So., F), Megan McCook (So., M), Kaylee Leonard (Fr., M), Miranda Wells (Fr., F)
Outlook: After winning the Blue Division a year ago, Spotswood will once again compete for the division title. In front of senior captain and goalkeeper Lizzie Vignuolo, who recorded 10 shutouts last season, fellow senior captains Erin Thuring (All-Conference/All-Blue Division defender) and Lauren Kiszkiel (All-Blue Division defender) combine for a formidable defense. Senior captain Danielle Witting (five goals) leads on the offensive end while sophomores Carolina Fernandez (seven goals) and Amber Meagher will also be playmakers.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD
Coach: Paulo Correia, 3rd season
Last year’s record: 3-13-2
Top lettermen lost: N/A
Key returners: Claire Nagel (Sr., F/M), Grace Ochoa (Sr., D)
Newcomers: N/A
Outlook: Claire Nagel (nine goals) returns for her senior campaign and is poised to once again lead the Tigers in scoring. Senior Grace Ochoa will lead the defensive effort this season. South Plainfield looks to make incremental improvements in the division and the county tournament.
WARDLAW-HARTRIDGE
Coach: Mike Romeo, 3rd season
Last year’s record: 17-5-1
Top lettermen lost: Alex Garces, Fiorella Doglio, Lacey Gress, Lauren Yates, Ciara Varley, Laura Arriaza
Key returners: Carlin Schlidge (Sr., M), Allison Haley (Sr., D), Mia Reyes (Jr., M), Antonella Doglio (So., M), Sofia Ambrosio (So., F), Alex DeSousa (So., M)
Newcomers: Joullianna Collado (So., D), Jane Anderson-Schmitt (Fr., M), Amanda Jenkins (Fr., D)
Outlook: After graduating six seniors with over 350 career varsity starts combined, it will be difficult, but not impossible, for the Rams to three peat as Blue Division champions. Wardlaw-Hartridge’s midfield may be young, but it’s also very dangerous. Sophomore Sofia Ambrosio (17 goals) should lead the Rams in scoring once again while junior Mia Reyes (six goals, 15 assists) and sophomore Antonella Doglio create depth at midfield. It will be tough to replace last season’s goalkeeper Lacey Gress, but junior Hannah Yates has shown promise during the preseason. The Rams lost three of their four defensive starters, so it is up to senior Allison Haley, the only returning defensive starter, to keep the unit together.
GOLD DIVISION
SOUTH RIVER
Coach: Donald Minto, 9th season
Last year’s record: 12-6-2
Top lettermen lost: Breona Hill, Thayna Horta
Key returners: Gabriella Sampaio (Sr., F), Victoria Gil (Sr., M), Michelle Reyes (Sr., M), Arly Ramirez-Gonzalez (Sr., D), Nayara Figueroa (Sr., D), Sophia DiGiovanni (Jr., F), Josophine Fusco (Jr., GK), Alexis Steffaro (Sr., D)
Newcomers: Jennie Szabo (So., F), Khayla Smith (Fr., M)
Outlook: With eight returning starters from last season, the Rams seem poised to have another successful season in the Gold Division. Starting at the top, the offense is fueled by forwards Gabriella Sampaio (10 goals) and Sophia DiGiovanni (12 goals). Michelle Reyes and Victoria Gill are both seniors and add experience to the central midfielder position. The Rams also return three starters on defense: sweeper Arly Ramirez-Gonzalez and backs Nayara Figeroa and Alexis Steffaro. Three-year starting goalkeeper Breona Hill graduated in the spring so it is up to Josephine Fusco, who hasn’t played goalie since middle school, to anchor the defense between the goal posts.
HIGHLAND PARK
Coach: Chris Ruckdeschel, 15th season
Last year’s record: 6-12-2
Top lettermen lost: Elisabeth Landis, Eliana Hrizco
Key returners: Elizabeth Girvan (Jr., M), Jess Dresch (Sr., M), Gabby Sanchez (Jr., M), Ester Adiv (Sr., GK), Bailey Nester (Jr., F), Sophie Woods (Jr., D), Julia Marks (So., M), Eve Schoeffler (So., M), Sophia Mcdermott-Hughes (So., D)
Newcomers: Katie Volpert (Fr., M), Rebecca Ochan (Fr., M), Julia Woodward (Fr., M), Anya St. Martin (Fr., M)
Outlook: With four starting freshmen, Highland Park will be one of the youngest teams in the GMC. Despite their inexperience, Ruckdeschel believes his team is capable of making a splash in the GMC Tournament. Elizabeth Girvan (nine goals, six assists) is a leader on the offensive end as well as a junior captain. Jess Dresch (five assists) and Bailey Nester (two goals) also provide leadership to the younger players out of the captain role.
CARTERET
Coach: Deanna Nardone, 10th season
Last year’s record: 1-18
Top lettermen lost: Simran Singh, Lisa Veira
Key returners: Kate Pena (Sr., GK), Sukhdeep Kaur (Sr., D), Maria Vivar (Sr., M), Gurjeet Kaur (So., M/D), Jasmine Small (Sr., D), Demurest Dorvilma (So., D), Sarah Karabinos (Jr., F/M), Nada Hassan (Jr., M), Grace Diaz (Sr., M)
Newcomers: Amanda Medvetz (Fr., F/M), Kimberly Brites (Fr., F/M), Alonna Williams (Sr., F/M), Kaisha Dufresne (F)
Outlook: After a tough season in 2015, Carteret will look to me more competitive in the Gold Division this year. They will rely upon their seniors to lead, especially their goalkeeper Kate Pena (191 saves). Coach Nardone will look to Sukhdeep Kaur, Gurjeet Kaur, Maria Vivar and Amanda Medvetz to help the Ramblers take the next step forward.
Staff Writer Daniel LoGiudice can be reached at dlogiudice@gannettnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @danny_logiudice.