Mercury-Area Girls Soccer Season Preview

Pioneer Athletic Conference

Boyertown

Coach: Bill Goddard, 19th season
Last year’s record: 5-5 PAC Liberty, 9-9-1 overall
Players to watch: Seniors Ryane Bernstiel, Aurora Conrad, Grace Conover, Cassidy Landis, Mackenzie Haley, Sierra Landes, Maggie Kiene, Megan Knier, Mackenzie Fatzinger, Bria Smith. Juniors Maddie Gallagher, Emma Elwell. Sophomores Samantha Goffice, Mikayla Moyer.
Outlook: The Bears placed third in the PAC Liberty standings in 2017, which takes on a different complexion when realizing the two ahead of them (Owen J. Roberts, Spring-Ford) were two of the state’s final 8. Four games against those two sides contributed to the Bears being an undeserving absentee from the District 1-4A playoffs. Though the graduations of All-Area first team midfielder Corinne Renninger and forward Kaleigh Gallagher will make Boyertown a different team, a more balanced division signals opportunity for Bill Goddard’s bunch. “We have 11 seniors, good leaders, the team chemistry is good and we have a nice bunch of juniors and sophomores that have complemented things,” the veteran coach said. “I think we’re always going to be in the conversation in the league and hopefully in the district this year.” The Bears showed promise in their season opener against reigning District 1-4A champion Pennsbury with threatening pace up top and will do their best to again be a challenger in PAC title talk.

Methacton

Coach: Bret Smith, 16th season
Last year’s record: 3-7 PAC Liberty, 6-12 overall
Players to watch: Seniors Liz Greene, GK; Lauren McNichol, mid.; Kendall Ozorowski, mid.; Maggie Bordonaro, fwd. Juniors Kate Evans, fwd.; Michaela Tommarello, mid. Sophomores Jessica Lineen, def., Julia McCann, fwd.; Madia Mazzucola, fwd. Freshmen Misa Kasparcova, mid.; Ruby Murray, def.; Mikayla Sheedy, def.
Outlook: Methacton was up against it in a stacked, experienced PAC Liberty Division in 2017. The heavy turnover that hit most of the division missed Methacton, which returns three All-Liberty players in Liz Greene (Monmouth commit, Top Drawer Soccer All-America Watch List preseason selection), Kendall Ozorowski and Lauren McNichol, who was unfortunately injured in the season opener. That group helps make 7-8 returning starters for the Warriors, continuity few other sides can match. “I’m expecting to have a good mix of returning players and youth. I think we can have a much improved season compared to recent years,” coach Bret Smith said. Such a turnaround is a big ask, but with a bit of luck the Warriors should be closer to the goals of their first PAC playoff berth and first trip to districts since 2012.

Norristown

Coach: Carmen Carfagno, 6th season
Last year’s record: 0-17 overall
Players to watch: Seniors Emily Schools, mid.; Ashley Schools, mid/fwd. Junior Emily Trujillo, def.
Outlook: Carfagno returns to the head-coaching role for the Eagles after serving as an assistant in recent years. She and Norristown will be searching for some positive results after last year’s winless campaign. The Eagles will hope to benefit from the leadership of four-year starters Emily and Ashley Schools. “I am looking for a fun and successful season with the return of our captains and several freshmen starters and underclassmen,” Carfagno said. The coach’s goals run deeper than shots and saves. “(Our goals are) for our players to develop both personally and as a team, be competitive and gain the needed skills and experience to be successful in the classroom, on the field and the community,” Carfagno said.

Owen J. Roberts

Coach: Joe Margusity, 23rd season
Last year’s record: 9-1 PAC Liberty, 22-4 overall, PAC champion, District 1-4A semifinalist, PIAA 4A semifinalist
Players to watch: Seniors Kylee MacLeod, mid.; Mia Baumgarten, mid.; Kenzie Milne, def.; Bailey Hunt, fwd.; Brinley Beveridge, def. Junior Veronica Roach, mid. Sophomore Sam Hughes, GK; Sarah Kopec, fwd.
Outlook: Owen J. Roberts’ outstanding 2017 season netted a PAC championship and runs to the final fours of District 1 and PIAA 4A field. The departures of the highly-accomplished Class of 2018 will certainly be felt, a group headlined by two-time All-Area first teamers and past All-State picks, forward Mahogany Willis (PAC record 37 goals in 2017; IUP) and defender Kylie Cahill (Longwood). Senior midfielder Kylee MacLeod is back as arguably the PAC’s best player – she is the only returning 2017 All-Area first team selection – along with past starters Mia Baumgarten, Kenzie Milne, sophomore goalie Sam Hughes and sophomore forward Sarah Kopec, who scored 17 goals as a freshman. The margins will be thinner without the bailout plan Willis provided or the leadership of Cahill, but the Wildcats are far from starting from scratch – in fact, most consider OJR the favorite to repeat as league champion. “Their biggest challenge is not to try to repeat what last year’s team did, but find their own way of accomplishing those successes and a bit more,” coach Joe Margusity said. “Watching new stars rise on OJR and throughout the league should be entertaining and interesting as we coaches and fans wonder who will fill the void of the boatload of talent that was the departed senior class of 2018.”

Perkiomen Valley

Coach: Kim Paulus, 14th season
Last year’s record: 4-6 PAC Liberty, 11-7 overall
Players to watch: Seniors Alison Devers, def.; Joanna Gorrell, def.; Sydney Marasco, fwd.; Margaret Sell, mid.; Taylor Reiff, mid. Juniors Cassidy Polignano, mid.; Nikki Foller-Moll, mid.
Outlook: Perkiomen Valley enters the season determined to do what just evaded it last season: qualify for the District 1 playoffs. Despite the loss of two-time All-Area first team goalkeeper Leslie Adams (Siena College), the Vikings return an experienced group led by senior Sydney Marasco, a University of Pittsburgh recruit. All-Area second team Marasco had 11 goals and eight assists in 2017 and will look to improve on those numbers with many familiar faces nearby. “Our current senior class has a ton of varsity experience; something we have lacked over the last few seasons,” coach Kim Paulus said. “Their leadership will be immensely important. With four 4-year varsity players returning, eight seniors altogether, and strong additions in the junior and sophomore class, this group is poised to make a statement.” As usual, PV feels confident in its defensive ability and if it can build on last year’s improved scoring rate, the Vikings’ goals can be within reach.

Phoenxville

Coach: Tim Raub, 6th season
Last year’s record: 7-6 PAC Frontier, 11-9 overall, District 1-3A quarterfinalist
Players to watch: Seniors Gabrielle Perrotto, mid.; Leeza Galli, fwd. Juniors Maddie White, mid.; Mary Michaud, mid. Sophomore Savanna Seldes, mid.
Outlook: Phoenixville looks to be a team fit for the impartial spectator: the chance for seeing goals is very possible. That’s both good news and bad news for the Phantoms. The side returns proven scorers in seniors Gabrielle Perrotto and Leeza Galli, but struggled defensively in 2017 and remains an inexperienced group in the back. “We are very young and inexperienced throughout the roster. There will be a lot of growing pains this season, and in order for us to have success, we are going to have to grow up quickly together, as a team. We will rely heavily on the leadership of the upperclassmen to help get all of our younger players acclimated to the high school game,” coach Tim Raub said. Still, Phoenixville projects in the upper half of the PAC Frontier Division, but will require some quick seasoning to make a bigger push in the PAC and District 1-3A field.

Pope John Paul II

Coach: Stewart Sherk, 5th season
Last year’s record: 10-0 PAC Frontier, 15-4-1 overall, PAC finalist, District 1-3A semifinalist
Players to watch: Maddie D’Elia, Sr., fwd.; Stacy Kormos, Jr., GK; Lainey Owens, So., mid.
Outlook: It’s a new beginning for Pope John Paul II. The last few years seemingly built toward last fall, which saw the Golden Panthers go 15-4-1 and reach the PAC finals and District 1-3A semifinals. Now, with that Class of 2018 gone, headlined by Division I players Avery Cotter (Villanova), Julia Owens (Towson) and two-time All-Area first team forward Kayla Mesaros (St. John’s), the Golden Panthers are one of the league’s biggest unknowns. Stacy Kormos gained valuable experience in goal last year while senior Maddie D’Elia will be looked upon to lead the line. “With the departure of 12 seniors, we will be very young team this year,” coach Stew Sherk said. “We will need to find our identity early on and become a confident team. Learning to play together and enduring the long season will be a challenge.” A new beginning presents an opportunity for fresh faces to become new PJP impact players.

Pottsgrove

Coach: Stephen Mellor, 8th season
Last year’s record: 5-5 PAC Frontier, 8-10 overall
Players to watch: Senior Sarah Rybacki, def. Juniors Skylar Glass, fwd.; Rebecca Delp, mid.; Hannah Phillips, def. Sophomores Hailey Strain, def.; Lexi Zook, mid.
Outlook: Postseason qualification hasn’t been a normal occurrence for the Pottsgrove girls soccer team. That should change this fall. The Falcons are primed for a breakthrough with the return of 12 varsity players, including All-Area second team junior Rebecca Delp and honorable mentions Skylar Glass, Hailey Strain and Lexi Zook. The Falcons even have some buzz as a favorite to come out of the PAC Frontier for the league’s Final Four – not bad for a squad that was 8-10 in 2017. “(It’s a) young but seasoned team looking to compete for a spot in the PAC final four and qualify for district playoffs,” said coach Stephen Mellor. “If we perform to our talent level, stay healthy and play for each other, we will be successful.”

Pottstown

Coach: Gary Mock, 10th season
Last year’s record: 1-12 PAC, 2-16 overall
Players to watch: Juniors Emme Wolfel, GK; Aniya Hoskins, fwd.; Melissa Coleman, mid.
Outlook: Pottstown’s decade-long quest for its first PAC victory finally happened last year. Now, the Trojans are poised for some more positive results. Highly-rated goalkeeper Emme Wolfel, All-Area second team in 2017, has the ability to always keep her team in games while fellow junior Aniya Hoskins showed the ability to score last season. They’ll lead a junior class that will be looked upon for ‘leadership and competitiveness’ according to coach Gary Mock. Mock feels good about the team’s speed and having a deeper bench than some years. “Win or lose, our goal is to be better everyday. If we do this consistently, we will be able earn respect in the league and post some victories,” Mock said.

Spring-Ford

Coach: Mo Haddad, 1st season
Last year’s record: 9-1 PAC Liberty, 18-6-1 overall, District 1-4A finalist, PIAA 4A quarterfinalist
Players to watch: Claire Sites, Sr., def.; Devin Rawley, Sr.; fwd.; Nandini Patel, Sr.; def.; Ella Curry, Jr., mid.; Miriam Flanegin, So., mid.; Molly Thomas, So., mid.; Riley Wallace, So., GK; Ally McVey, Fr., mid.
Outlook: Outside of the jerseys, the Spring-Ford girls soccer team will be nearly unrecognizable from the last time they were seen playing, in the PIAA quarterfinals last year. The departure of 19 seniors, including past Mercury Player of the Year Gabby Kane (Kutztown) and All-Area first team selections Laura Fazzini (Shippensburg), Molly McHarg (Kutztown) and KK O’Donnell (Shippensburg), will do that. Mo Haddad inherits a very viable program from former coach Tim Leyland, one that has joined the conversation among District 1’s elite over the past five years. Senior center back Claire Sites (All-Area second team) and junior Ella Curry (All-Area honorable mention, Top Drawer Soccer All-America Watch List) are the most notable returnees, along with forward Devin Rawley and goalkeeper Riley Wallace. Haddad still believes Spring-Ford should be in championship conversations. “Overall, competition is tight at this level and expectations are high, but Spring-Ford has always provided great young athletes that have been recognized for their ability to shine and this year is no exception,” Haddad said. Spring-Ford suddenly becoming an also-ran is highly unlikely, but only time will tell where it truly fits in when it comes to title talk.

Upper Merion

Coach: Jeff Kushner, 3rd season
Last year’s record: 2-8 PAC Frontier, 4-14 overall
Players to watch: Not provided
Outlook: The Vikings opened the season positively with a 5-0 win over Norristown and will hope that a less top-heavy PAC Frontier Division can help them up their win total in 2018.

Upper Perkiomen

Coach: Mike Freed, 10th season
Last year’s record: 6-4 PAC Frontier, 7-12 overall, District 1-3A qualifier
Players to watch: Seniors Kaitlyn Mundy, mid.; Serena Watkins, def.; Taylor Wismer, def. Juniors Hannah Landis, goalkeeper; Phoebe Pardy, def.; Avery Diehl, fwd. Sophomores Bryanna Marinari, mid.; Emily Schaut, mid.; Kate Cairns, fwd.
Outlook: Upper Perkiomen looks to replace six starters from its 2017 team that qualified for district play. Leading the returning cast will be junior goalkeeper Hannah Landis (PAC second team) and a relatively experienced back line. Mike Freed’s roster features just 24 so there will be “a lot of learning on the job,” Freed said. “It’s a very coachable group of players who will put the team first.” Without any runaway favorite in the PAC Frontier, Upper Perk can hope to compete for a PAC Final Four place and return to the District 1-3A playoffs, both of which Freed classifies as realistic goals.

Others

Hill School

Coach: Laura Wann, 3rd season
Last year’s record: 6-12-1 overall, PAISAA tournament quarterfinalist
Players to watch: Sydney Floyd, So., fwd.; Marah Krick, So., GK; Sadie McCaleb, Sr., mid.; Lindsay Coffey, Jr.
Outlook: Despite a 6-12-1 record, Hill felt good about its improvement down the stretch with four wins in late October and a postseason victory in the PAISAA tournament before bowing out to eventual champion Springside-Chestnut Hill. Eight players departed from that group so the Blues will have work to do to achieve goals of improving their record and beating archrival Lawrenceville. “The team will look a bit different this year. Our focus will be discipline on defense and creativity on offense,” coach Laura Wann said. “With a bit less athleticism, we’ll look to refine our technical skill and tactical awareness. Our goal is always to get better every day, to compete in every moment, and build great relationships.”

Perkiomen School

Coach: Justine Segear, 9th season
Last year’s record: 4-2-1 Tri-County League, 5-6-1 overall, Tri-County League runners-up
Players to watch: Abbey Glavin, Jr., GK; Sasha Vassallo, Jr., mid.; Rianne Moll, So., mid.; Cece Vassallo, Fr., fwd.
Outlook: Perkiomen isn’t a senior-stacked team this fall, but that seems just fine to the Panthers. “We have a great mix of players coming in this year that I am very excited about,” said coach Justine Segear. “I think adding new players to the mix and building on our core strengths – possession and teamwork – will be a great strength for us.” The season brings an extra bit of excitement for the Perkiomen girls soccer team as it joins the Penn-Jersey League, giving it some extra competition this fall.

Daniel Boone

Coach: Tory Bilger, 2nd season
Last year’s record: 4-6 Berks I, 8-8-1 overall
Players to watch: Not provided
Outlook: The Blazers move from Berks Division I to Division II and will be looking to establish new rivals in a division that is traditionally run by Fleetwood.