GMC/HNT Girls Soccer Team-by-Team Previews/Preseason Top 10

GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE

RED DIVISION

EAST BRUNSWICK

Coach: Kevin Brady, 12th season (333-108-25)

Last year’s record: 16-3-2

Top lettermen lost: Katrina Nguyen-Demary (M), Andrea Apostolescu (M)

Key returners: Lauren Krinsky (Sr., GK), Kayla Flynn (Jr., D), Nicole Unangst (So., D), Rory Keegan (Jr., D), Bianca Nakar (Jr., D), Gina Morrison (Sr., M), Rebecca Crocco (So., M), Tori Constantin (Sr., M), Sabria Glasgow (Sr., F), Jessica DiMatteo (Jr., F) Jessica Saccenti (Sr., M)

Newcomers: Alyna Negron (So., F), Madison Mandleur (Fr., M), Isabella Martillo (Fr., M), Emma Simpson (Fr., D), Bailey Bressner (So., M), Anna Curreri (Sr., M), Tiana Ulloa (Sr., M)

Outlook: The defending GMC Tournament champions should once again be considered the favorite to win both the division and county titles with the majority of their roster returning. Sabria Glasgow (18 goals, eight assists) will be a dangerous threat up top alongside fellow forwards Jessica DiMatteo (eight goals, seven assists) and Alyna Negron. The back line of Kayla Flynn, Nicole Unangst, Bianaca Nakar and Rory Keegan, along with goalie Lauren Krinsky, remains completely intact. The defensive unit posted 12 shutouts and allowed only one goal in four county tournament games. The Bears did lose uber-talented midfielder Katrina Nguyen-Demary, but they have enough weapons to plug the hole.

MORE: VOTE NOW! GMC Girls Soccer Preseason Player of the Year

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J.P. STEVENS

Coach: Lisa Dato, seventh season

Last year’s record: 4-15

Top lettermen lost: Kinjal Shah (M), Lea Baumser (D), Kayla Luis (M)

Key returners: Kirsten Borja (So., F), Ava Dul (Jr., M), Allison Gosling (So., D), Annalisa Miller (Sr., D), Mikhayla Sabo (Sr., M), Caitlyn Shannon (Sr., F), Serena Zilli (Sr., D), Sarah Zimmer (Sr., GK)

Newcomers: Katelyn Clemens (So., F), Abigail Jason (So., D)

Outlook: The Hawks are hoping to capitalize on an experienced and senior-heavy roster to improve upon last year’s record. Forward Kirsten Borja missed the majority of the 2016 season due to injury but will be back this year to give the offense a boost. Senior captain Caitlyn Shannon tallied 12 goals and three assists last year, but will look to improve upon those numbers this year. Mikhayla Sabo and Ava Dul are playmakers in the midfield and should once again lead the team in assists this fall. Defensive captain Serena Zilli and goalkeeper Sarah Zimmer will anchor the defensive unit.

MONROE

Coach: Peter Ruckdeschel, second season (8-11-1)

Last year’s record: 8-11-1

Top lettermen lost: Stephanie Stojanovski

Key returners: Paige Gandy (Sr., M), Taylor Muce (Sr., D/M), Gennyka Liebenthal (Sr., F)

Newcomers: Leila Mohamed (So., F)

Outlook: With 16 returning seniors, the Falcons are anticipating a very strong season. Gennyka Liebenthal scored 17 goals from the forward position last season while Paige Gandy controlled the offense in the midfield and scored 10 goals in the process. Taylor Muce is a staunch defender and remains one of the best at her position in the GMC.

OLD BRIDGE

Coach: Robert Lozzi, 25th season (281-147-16)

Last year’s record: 12-5-1

Top lettermen lost: Breanna Jacinto (M)

Key returners: Nichole Adams (Sr., F), Mackenzie Willis (Sr., F/M), Julia Sandor (Sr., M), Kaylee Quilban (Sr., M), Dominique Lovallo (Sr., F/M), Erin Rynkiewicz (Sr., D), Arianna Allen (Sr., D), Cidney Lee-Sam (Sr., GK), Kaitlyn Doherty (Sr., F), Nicole Cassano (Sr., F), Joelle Taranto (Sr., D), Sierra Stevenson (Sr., D), Lindsey Shafer (Jr., D), Makcenzie Cangro (Jr., D), Megan Ruales (Jr., D), Gia Martini (Jr., F), Claudia Flint (So., M), Jordan Totten (So., M/F), Jade Wurst (So., M), Sydney Addesso (So., M/F), Chelsea Lee-Sam (So., GK)

Newcomers: Sarah Amador (Jr., M), Emmi DeNovellis (Fr., D), Lauren Corless (Fr., M)

Outlook: The Knights lost some key starters to graduation but will be expected to compete for the Red Division and GMC Tournament titles as always. Returning is offensive powerhouse Mackenzie Willis who can play at the forward and midfield positions. Willis scored 10 goals and doled out two assists last year. Nichole Adams is another talented forward on the squad who scored six goals last fall. It will be tough to replace Breanna Jacinto, who orchestrated the offense very efficiently, but the Knights have enough promising talent to compete in the division and conference.

PISCATAWAY

Coach: Jen Vroman, fifth season (32-37-3)

Last year’s record: 11-7-1

Top lettermen lost: Lela Allen (F)

Key returners: Jordyn Allen (So., M), Michelle Williams (So., D), Kaitlyn Zeeb (So., M), Hunter Samuel (So., F), Dana Oglivie (So., GK), Bella Caracta (Sr., GK)

Newcomers: Sophia Williams (Fr., M), Delia Allwood (Fr., F), Tania Bodley (Fr., D), Samantha Gordon (Fr., M)

Outlook: The Chiefs graduated a strong senior class, including leading scorer Lela Allen, so it will be up to the talented sophomores on the squad to step up. Sophomore Kaitlyn Zeeb burst onto the scene as a freshman with 14 goals and six assists and figures to be Piscataway’s leading scorer this year. Allen’s younger sister Jordyn tallied five goals and three assists a season ago and looks to improve upon those promising results this fall. If the youngsters can live up to their intriguing potential, the Chiefs will once again be a lethal team in the Red Division.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Beth Barrio, 10th season

Last year’s record: 10-7-1

Top lettermen lost: Sydney Schneider (GK), Samantha Rivera (D), Francesca Dimitrakis (M), Adrianna Mouzakis (M)

Key returners: Alex Zubarev (Sr., D), Riley Ratcliffe (Jr., D), Cathlene Kaseta (Jr., M), Julea Frankel (Jr., M), Meghan Hallihan (Jr., M)

Outlook: The Vikings lost perhaps their four best players in stellar keeper Sydney Schneider, defensive ace Samantha Rivera and offensive powerhouses Francesca Dimitrakis and Adrianna Mouzakis, but they still have some talent left on the roster. Alex Zubarev and Riley Ratcliffe should be solid on defense while Cathlene Kaseta, Julea Frankel and Meghan Hallihan will try to replace the lost goal scoring. South Brunswick only returns four starters from last season’s roster.

WHITE DIVISION

BISHOP AHR

Coach: Matthew Roche, first season

Last year’s record: 14-5

Top lettermen lost: Stephanie Corea (M), Kelsey Kacsmar (M), Sara Decker (D)

Key returners: Dayna Dobkowski (Sr.), Ryleigh Greenwald (Sr.), Anetha Jenkins (Sr.), Kelly Harmon (Sr.), Emma Herban (Sr.), Julianna Pastore (Sr.), Sarah Glazewski (Jr.), A.J. Jenkins (Jr.), Jenna Sheedy (Sr.)

Outlook: Under the leadership of first-year head coach Matthew Roche, the Trojans are expected to once again be the cream of the crop in the White Division. Bishop Ahr has a talented and experienced roster returning this year that will help them down the stretch. Senior Emma Herban led the Trojans with 10 goals last season and will once again pace the offense. Jenna Sheedy enjoyed a breakout season with 10 goals and eight assists and will look to build upon that in her senior campaign. A.J. Jenkins has proved to be vital asset in goal over her first two seasons.

EDISON

Coach: Christopher McKnight, second season (14-7)

Last year’s record: 14-7

Top lettermen lost: Felicia Forsythe (F), Lauren Cassella (F), Deana Maffucci (M), Elena Elias (D)

Key returners: Monica Roca (Sr., M), Rachel Weber (Sr., M), Jess Hoover (Jr., D), Gianna Sanchez (Jr., D), Maathanki Vijayakumar (Jr., D), Kendra Candidio (Jr., GK), Gabby Moreno (Jr., F), Grace de Araujo (So., M), Hailey Verdicchio (So., F), Tayla O’Brien (So., M)

Newcomers: Samantha Moxie (Fr., F/ M), Taylor Hearne (D/M)

Outlook: It will be a tall task to replace last year’s Home News Tribune Player of the Year Felicia Forsythe, who scored a career-high 39 goals in 2016 and finished with 94 goals for her career, but the Eagles will try in earnest to do so. Sophomore Hailey Verdicchio, who scored nine goals as a freshman, will take over at forward in Forsythe’s absence. Head coach Christopher McKnight believes Verdicchio is perhaps a more refined and complete player than Forsythe. Monica Roca (13 assists) enters her fourth season as the starting central midfielder and will continue to be the table setter for the offense. With a ton of experience, the Eagles should once again be a dangerous team in the White Division.

PERTH AMBOY

Coach: Matthew Wechter, fifth season

Last year’s record: 1-17-1

Top lettermen lost: Veruska Carbajo (M), Sarahi Garcia (D), Laura Tltelpa (M), Patricia Batista (F)

Key returners: Dennise Gamino (Jr., M), Isabella Sosa (Sr., M), Danya Reynoso (Jr., GK), Ashley Ruiz (So., D)

Newcomers: Johana Elvires (Fr., F), Itzel Sanchez (Fr., M)

Outlook: Expectations are as high as ever for Perth Amboy with seven starters returning and a middle school program in place for the last three years. Goalkeeper Danya Reynoso ranked second in the state in saves a season ago and will be solid presence between the pipes this season. Midfielders Dennise Gamino and Isabella Sosa should pace the offense while exciting new freshmen Johana Elvires and Itzel Sanchez could potentially contribute to the offensive attack as youngsters.

SAYREVILLE

Coach: Jillian Nagy, sixth season

Last year’s record: 12-6

Top lettermen lost: Erin Wimmer (F/M), Katie Esposito (D), Brianna Barbosa (M), Victoria Barreiro (M), Taiya Lewis (D), Nicole Cena (M)

Key returners: Stephanie DeOcampo (Jr., M/F), Lauren Attardi (Jr., F), Jordan Wilson (Jr., GK), Ashley Herndon (Jr., F/M), Adijah Simmon (Jr., M/D), Megan Furbush (Jr., D)

Outlook: This fall will be a rebuilding year for the Bombers with the graduation of many of their starters, but they should still remain competitive in the division. Though they lack seniors, the Bombers boast a cache of talented juniors. Lauren Attardi (10 goals, four assists) and Stephanie DeOcampo (six goals, two assists) are playmakers on offense and will help fill the hole left by graduation loses. Jordan Wilson made 112 saves last season and will once again be a solid goalie.

WOODBRIDGE

Coach: Dan Mortensen, third season (27-10)

Last year’s record: 12-6

Top lettermen lost: Sophia Gomez (M), Jenn Altman (M/D), Jordan Vazquez (GK)

Key returners: Gabby D’Emilio (Sr., F), Anjanie Gilzean (Sr., F), Nicol Kiraly (Sr., D), Kelsey Savoia (Sr., D), Jessica Carvalho (Sr., M), Emily Mazzarella (Sr., M), Vanessa Mondragon (Sr., GK), Sam Nedza (Sr., M), Haley Schilling (Sr., M), Eva Hernandez (Sr., M), Ikmat Ibrahim (Jr., D), Olivia Gattone (So., M), Brielle Skibar (M)

Newcomers: Jillian Messick (Fr., M), Leticia DaSilva (So., D), Mya Maggiore (Sr., GK), Mya Pinkevicz (Sr., D), Brianna Pacheco (Sr., D)

Outlook: There are many seniors and a ton of varsity experience on the Woodbridge roster as the Barrons once again look to compete for the White Division title. Gabby D’Emilio leads a strong senior class and will once again be the primary scoring threat after tallying 22 goals and 11 assists last year. D’Emilio owns 57 career goals. Fellow senior Anjanie Gilzean emerged as a dangerous offensive weapon after scoring 19 goals and recording eight assists last fall and will compliment D’Emilio to create a dangerous one-two punch. The Barrons will need to replace uber-athletic Jordan Vazquez goal, and it looks like it will be up to Vanessa Mondragon.

BLUE DIVISION

METUCHEN

Coach: Mike Knoth, second season (12-8)

Last year’s record: 12-8

Top lettermen lost: Tracy Michalski (D), Alana Benderly (D), Julianna Iacona (D)

Key returners: Mya Stolarski (Jr., F/M), Rory Josell (Sr., F/M), Drew Shuchman (Sr., D), Hope Kenny (Sr., M), Erin Hausser (Sr., D), Natalie Tui (Jr., M), Julianna Mullen (Jr., GK), Kendall Schuchman (Sr., M), Kerri Farrell (Sr., F), Molly Walters (D/M)

Newcomers: Skye Nowicki (Sr., M), Sophie Lipshutz (So., F)

Outlook: With most of their starters returning from last year, expectations are high for the Bulldogs. The senior-heavy team is actually led by a junior in Mya Stolarski. The offensive dynamo tallied 24 goals and 16 assists and earned All-GMC and All-Group 1 honors last year. Despite missing about two-thirds of the season last year, Rory Josell still managed to record eight goals and four assists. Stolarski and a now healthy Josell should form a formidable scoring threat. Hope Kenny (eight goals, 10 assists) is a solid, secondary source of scoring. Also back from injury is central defender Skye Nowicki, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL. Metuchen’s only glaring weakness is its lack of depth, but as long as the Bulldogs stay healthy, they should be playing some competitive soccer in November.

MIDDLESEX

Coach: Tim Morris, fifth season (40-37-6)

Last year’s record: 11-9

Top lettermen lost: Mackenzie Meixner (M), Nicole Fallon (GK)

Key returners: Caroline Walther (Sr., D), Carly Santucci (Jr., M), Angele Garcia (Jr., F), Bridget McCrone (Jr., D)

Newcomers: Alex Kozak (Fr., F/M), Kristen Yonker (Fr., F), Mackenzie Parkinson (Fr., F/M)

Outlook: The Blue Jays only graduated two seniors, but they were two all-conference stars in Mackenzie Meixner (20 goals, five assists and Nicole Fallon (274 saves). Fortunately, the majority of the Middlesex roster returns and with some talented new freshmen on board, the Blue Jays have the deepest team in recent history. With 26 career goals under her belt, junior Angele Garcia needs 15 more goals to become Middlesex’s all-time leading goal scorer. Junior Carly Santucci tied the school’s single-season assist record with 15 last year and with 18 career assists, the senior needs 16 more to set a new all-time Blue Jay record. Senior Caroline Walther will anchor the defense at the fullback position.

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Paulo Correia, fourth season (18-36-6)

Last year’s record: 6-12-2

Top lettermen lost: Claire Nagel (F), Grace Ochoa (D)

Key returners: Andrea Avelar (Sr., M), Megan Celentano (Sr., F), Courtney Smith (Sr., D), MaKayla Sosa (Sr., M), Alexis Curtis (Jr., M), Sam Pullen (Jr., F), Brianna Slover (Jr., GK), Saru Castillo (So., M), Ruby Garcia (So., M), Alexis Robinson (So., D)

Outlook: The Tigers lost two of their best players in Claire Nagel and Grace Ochoa, but South Plainfield still looks to improve upon last year’s record. Nagel scored 14 goals last season and 38 for her career, so it will be up to seniors Andrea Avelar and Megan Celentano to try to replace some of that production. Senior Courtney Smith is a candidate to replace Ochoa on the back line.

SPOTSWOOD

Coach: Mike Reid, 12th season (122-71-11)

Last year’s record: 12-7

Top lettermen lost: Erin Thuring (D)

Key returners: Michaela Robinson (Sr., D), Sarah Marotta (Sr., D), Gina Ridgeway (Sr., D), Carolina Fernandez (Jr., F), Amber Meagher (Jr., M), Alexa Reilly (Jr., F), Megan McCook (Jr., M), Kaylee Leonard (So., D), Miranda Wells (So., F)

Newcomers: Kimi Wright (Sr., M), Caitlin Smith (Sr., F), Alessia Tavella (Jr., M), Jamie Zavalla (So., F), Britney Canalas (So., M), Lauriana McLeod (So., F), Julia Masucci (Fr., GK), Mandee Mandez (Fr., D), Sofia Vieira (Fr., F)

Outlook: Despite graduating nine seniors, including the extremely talented Erin Thuring, the Chargers still have quite a bit of talent returning. All-Blue Division defender Michaela Robinson is back, and, alongside Sarah Marotta and Gina Ridgway, will solidify the defensive line. Carolina Fernandez, with six goals and nine assists, was the second leading scorer on the roster and should see an extended role in the front line. Amber Meagher (four goals, five assists) is another player that opposing defenses will have to keep an eye on. After making a Cinderella run to the GMC Tournament semifinals last season, expectations are high for Spotswood.

WARDLAW-HARTRIDGE

Coach: Mike Romeo, fourth season (40-23-2)

Last year’s record: 10-12

Top lettermen lost: Allie Haley (D), Carlin Schlidge (M), Sofia Ambrosio (F), Amanda Jenkins (D), Jane Anderson-Schmitt (M), Mia Sutton (D)

Key returners: Mia Reyes (Sr., M), Antonella Doglio (Jr., M), Jouliann Collado (Jr., D), Danielle Bachalau (Sr., D), Alex DeSousa (Jr., M), Hannah Yates (Sr., GK), Olivia Tobey (Jr., M), Priya Golding (Sr., F)

Newcomers: Bella Wysocki (Fr., F), Olivia DeSousa (Fr., D), Ariana DiLandro (Fr., D), Nyela Liverpool (Fr., F)

Outlook: The Rams took a significant hit from graduation and the transfers of Sofia Ambrosio, Amanda Jenkins and Jane Anderson-Schmitt. The small school will have to rely on its ability to possess the ball and its high soccer IQ to remain competitive. Midfielder Mia Reyes is the Rams’ all-time leader in assists with 44 and orchestrates the offense with great efficiency. Antonella Doglio, Jouliann Collado and Bella Wysocki are expected to pick up the pieces on offense in the wake of the heavy graduation and transfer losses.

GOLD DIVISION

CARTERET

Coach: Theresa Rossi, first season

Last year’s record: 7-11-1

Top lettermen lost: Kate Pena (GK)

Key returners: Kimberly Brites (So., F), Amanda Medvetz (So., M)

Outlook: The Ramblers will look to improve upon last season’s results and remain competitive in the Gold Division. It will be tough to replace goalkeeper Kate Pena, who recorded 210 saves last fall. Sophomore Kimberly Brites recorded 17 goals and six assists during her first season at the varsity level and will look to pace the offense once again. Fellow sophomore Amanda Medvetz added six goals and six assists and should see an expanded role in the offense this season.

HIGHLAND PARK

Coach: Chris Ruckdeschel, 16th season (139-127-7)

Last year’s record: 17-5

Top lettermen lost: Esther Adiv (GK), Jessica Dresch (D), Amelia Wilkerson (D)

Key returners: Elizabeth Girvan (Sr., M), Gabby Sanchez (Sr., D/F), Bailey Nester (Sr., D/F), Sophie Woodward (Sr., D), Rebecca Ochan (So., F/M), Katie Volpert (So., M), Julia Marks (Jr., M), Anya St. Martin (So., D/M), Julia Woodward (So., M)

Newcomers: Liz Hardy (Jr., GK)

Outlook: Coming off a very strong season, Highland Park expects to win the Gold Division this season as well as make a deep run in the Central Group I tournament. Elizabeth Girvan, who has 43 career goals under her belt, is a force in the midfield and will look to once again lead the Owls in scoring. Rebecca Ochan scored 17 goals last fall and was a nice complimentary piece on offense. Liz Hardy will replace Esther Adiv in goal and has apparently looked electric in the preseason thus far.

SOUTH RIVER

Coach: Donald Minto, 11th season

Last year’s record: 12-6-3

Top lettermen lost: Gabriella Sampaio, Michelle Reyes, Victoria Gil, Nayara Figueroa, Arly Ramirez-Gonzalez, Alexis Steffaro

Key returners: Sophia DiGiovanni (Sr., M/F), Alejandra Morales (Sr., M/D), Khayla Smith (So., M)

Newcomers: Camila Lucas (Fr., M), Jennie Szabo (Jr., F), Ashley Fischer (So., D/GK), Hailey Zito (Jr., D), Jessica Cifelli (So., D), Celena Rei (Sr., D)

Outlook: After a successful season including an impressive postseason run, the Rams, one of the favorites to capture the Gold Division title, return a very experienced roster. Senior Sophia DiGiovanni followed up a career-high 12 goals from the 2015 season with eight goals last year. She has scored 22 goals for her career and will be a key cog in the offense. Alejandra Morales (seven career goals) and Khayla Smith (four career goals) will also look to pace the offensive attack. The Rams will need to replace seven starters, including their goal keeper, but their experience and depth should help them in that regard.

GMC PRESEASON TOP 10

(Last season’s records in parenthesis)

1. East Brunswick (16-3-2)

2. Bishop Ahr (14-5)

3. Woodbridge (12-6)

4. Monroe (8-11-1)

5. Old Bridge (12-5-1)

6. Piscataway (11-7-1)

7. South Brunswick (10-7-1)

8. Sayreville (12-6)

9. Metuchen (12-8)

10. Highland Park (17-5)

Staff Writer Daniel LoGiudice can be reached at dlogiudice@gannettnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @danny_logiudice.