2022 Mercury-Area Girls Soccer Team-By-Team Previews

Boyertown

Head coach: Bill Goddard, 23rd season

Last year’s record: 5-5 PAC Liberty, 8-5 PAC, 8-10 overall

Players to watch: Sam Devlin, Sr., Karly Sheahan, Sr., Bella Slupski, Sr., Maddi Robbins, Sr., Jada Sokel, Sr., Cori Bieber, Sr., Bailey Leatherman, Sr.

Outlook: The rookies of the Bears’ 2019 PIAA championship squad are now seniors. After a couple seasons without a winning record, Boyertown is in position to get back to the winning ways in 2022. Sam Devlin is a proven goal scorer, as is junior Alina Friz, both All-Area selections a year ago. It’s going to be a battle in the PAC Liberty Division behind reigning champ Owen J. Roberts and the Bears should be in that mix with the potential to return to the district 1 postseason.

Daniel Boone

Head coach: Mark Reightneour, 4th season.

Last year’s record: 9-3 Berks II, 14-7 overall, Berks II champion, District 3-3A quarterfinalist

Athletes to watch: Anna Buckwalter, jr., mid.; Maggie Holloway, jr., fwd.; Zoe Darlington, sr., def.; Haylee Gilmer, jr., fwd.; Sophia Hogan, so., mid.; Raelin Henry, so., mid.

Outlook: Daniel Boone has finished atop Berks II the past two seasons and it is hungry for the threepeat. All-Berks midfielder Anna Buckwalter will be a big factor as a junior, but the Blazers must replace five graduates who were accorded all-Berks II honors in 2021. The Blazers won’t be leaning on a big senior core, but their sights are set on reaching the postseason for the third straight year.

Hill School

Head coach: Elena Dauphinais, 2nd season

Last year’s record: 3-14 overall

Athletes to watch: Samantha Cifra, sr., def.; Karly Cabot, sr., fwd.; Chloe Moser, jr., def.; Caroline Brandt, fr., def.

Outlook: It was a challenging 2021 season for Hill while having something of a restart after no season in 2020 and new coach Elena Dauphinais entering. Despite the win total being low last fall, a lot of team building took place that Dauphinais feels will lead to more success now. “We are looking to build off the team chemistry and culture we established last year. Our team was so young in 2021, so now that most of them have a season under their belt it will be exciting to see how we can use their veteran knowledge and increased confidence to find even more success than we did last year,” said Dauphinais.

Methacton

Coach: Bret Smith, 20th season

Last year’s record: 5-5 PAC Liberty, 8-5 PAC, 11-6-2 overall, District 1-4A qualifier

Athletes to watch: Mairi Smith, Sr., GK; Molly Rowland, Sr., mid.; Mackenzie Coupe, Sr., def.; Bella Coppola, Sr., def.; Liv Navarrete, Sr., mid.; Anna Rozinsky, Sr., def.; Aubrey Beaugard, Jr., fwd.; Kendall Ricca, Jr., mid.; Anna Rees, Jr., def.; Mia Chan, Jr., fwd.; Katie Rozinsky, So., fwd.; Alina Miao, So., def.; Maddy Washburn, So., mid.

Outlook: After too many years of enduring ‘close but not quite’, Methacton finally got its breakthrough last fall with a strong winning record and return to the District 1 playoffs for the first time since 2012. Quite a few important players return, namely All-Area second team forward Aubrey Beaugard and goalkeeper Mairi Smith. They’ll need to find replacements for the experience and quality of graduates Lizzie McNichol and Kirsten O’Brien (All-Area first and second team, respectively). “We have a number of key returning starters from last year’s district playoff team, plus a few sophomores that have shown they are ready to step up and contribute,” said coach Bret Smith. “As always, we remain hopeful to again qualify for districts and improve on our first-round exit last year. We are also still looking to qualify for PAC playoffs for the first time ever.”

Owen J. Roberts

Head coach: Joe Margusity, 27th season

Last year’s record: 10-0 PAC Liberty, 13-0 PAC, 22-3-1 overall, PAC champion, District 1-4A runner-up, PIAA quarterfinals

Athletes to watch: Alexa Vogelman, Sr., fwd.; Gabbi Koury, Sr., mid.; Olivia Thompson, Sr., mid.; Sabrina Marks, Jr., mid.; Rachel Sbei, Sr., def.; Colby Wasson, Sr., GK; Emerson Storti, Jr., fwd.; Ashly White, So., def.; Fiona Sanders, So., fwd.; Meryn Primanti, Fr., def.

Outlook: Owen J. Roberts’ Class of 2023 was tabbed for big things from the time it reached high school. As freshmen it comprised half of the team’s starting lineup, then in the years since has contributed to winning two straight PAC championships. Last year they were District 1 finalists and reached the PIAA quarterfinals – falling to eventual state champ Moon – giving proof to prognostication. The time is now for OJR with three 2021 All-Area first teamers in forward Alexa Vogelman and midfielders Gabbi Koury and Olivia Thompson back as seniors. There’s no replacing the game-changing play and leadership of center back Morgan Weaver, last year’s All-Area Player of the Year now at Boston University. But with three of five pieces returning of a defense that allowed only seven goals in 26 matches last year, it’s far from a total reboot. They are center back Rachel Sbei (AA second team), left back Ashly White (AA honorable mention) and goalkeeper Colby Wasson. Finding goal-scoring options outside of Vogelman and Thompson will factor into how high the ceiling goes for OJR. It starts as a very high ceiling with designs on championships at every level – the PAC, District 1 and PIAA Class 4A – but talent must meet good fortune to reach those heights.

Perkiomen School

Head coach: Julian Fernandez, 1st season

Last year’s record: 7-5 overall, Penn-Jersey League finalist

Athletes to watch: Cheyenne McCloud, sr., mid; Bria Moyer, so., def.; Gabrielle Jones, Jr., mid.

Outlook: Julian Fernandez arrived at Perkiomen School this summer as a teacher and Director of Soccer Operations. Fernandez played at Chestnut Hill College prior to entering the coaching ranks, previously managing at Temple and Chestnut Hill. He inherits a team led by senior Cheyenne McCloud and sophomore Bria Moyer, a pair of All-Area honorable mentions in 2021. The Panthers fell to New Foundations 2-1 in last year’s Penn-Jersey league championship. This fall’s goal is to be the one hoisting the PJAA trophy in the end.

Perkiomen Valley

Head coach: Kim Paulus, 18th season

Last year’s record: 4-6 PAC Liberty, 6-7 PAC, 8-10 overall

Players to watch: Annabelle Booker, sr., def.; Nicole Bottomley-Lytle, sr.; fwd/mid; Dorothy Chesshire, sr., fwd/mid; Maddie O’Donnell, sr., mid.; Emma Stankunas, sr., def.; Haley Moyer, sr., def.; Lily Tremba, sr., mid.; Rain Boyd, jr., mid.

Outlook: Perk Valley had a miniscule senior class in 2021 and now gets to reap the benefits of continuity with eight starters returning, including four All-Area honorees. That group is led by senior center back Emma Stankunas (first team), along with Nicole Bottomley-Lytle, Maddie O’Donnell and Annabelle Booker. Stankunas will be without her long-term center back partner Rylie Pinkerton (the two-year starter will miss the season due to injury), with Madi Lindsay stepping in. O’Donnell is a focal point in the midfield while Bottomley-Lytle has shown to be a capable scorer. “Our team is more balanced and experienced this year with 8 returning starters,” said coach Kim Paulus. “The new additions to our team, including those returning from injury last season, allow for more depth than we have had in year’s past. Our team has high aspirations for our 2022 campaign, and with hard work, grit, and commitment, we believe we can achieve our goals.” Other league coaches have tabbed Perk Valley as a team on the rise this fall. A winning record and district playoff qualification should be realistic targets.

Phoenixville

Head coach: Trevor Adams, 1st year

Last year’s record: 4-5-1 PAC Frontier, 4-8-1 PAC, 6-10-1 overall

Athletes to watch: Caroline Flick, Sr., MF; Lauren Mitchell, Sr., MF; Hadley Mardis, Sr., MF; Jaime Michaud, Sr., FW; Rachel Tuckman, Sr., D

Outlook: Trevor Adams takes over head coaching duties from Stew Sherk, who departed after an eight-year run between Pope John Paul II and Phoenixville. Jaime Michaud leads the list of returners. “Energized and driven by a dedicated group of seniors, we are excited to set a new standard,” said Adams. Placement behind Upper Perkiomen in the Frontier Division is up for grabs, which could present an opportunity for the Phantoms to achieve their first winning record since 2018.

Pope John Paul II

Head coach: Rachel Cecchini, 2nd year

Last year’s record: 4-6 PAC Frontier, 4-9 PAC, 5-10 overall

Athletes to watch: Cameron Schuler, jr., fwd.; Mallory Hurlock, so., def.; Kira George, jr., mid.; Kyanni Escudero, jr., GK; Catherine Dawson, sr., fwd.; Sophia Paul, mid.; Olivia Rubinich, fr., fwd.; Jen Todd, fr., mid.

Outlook: Continuing to build chemistry has been a priority in the early going of coach Rachel Cecchini’s second season as she looks to blend a returning foundation with a group of newcomers she’s excited about. Junior Cameron Schuler, an All-Area honorable mention in her first two seasons, can score goals, which is a key commodity especially in the Frontier. “During preseason, we have been focusing on building team chemistry and entering this season with a positive growth mindset,” said Cecchini. “With many returning athletes along with a large talented freshmen class, we will have a full bench this year with players I know will be ready when their time is called.”

Pottsgrove

Head coach: Steve Mellor, 12th season

Last year’s record: 8-2 PAC Frontier, 9-4 PAC, 12-6-1 overall, PAC Final Four, District 1-3A qualifier

Players to watch: Keleigh Nihart, sr., mid/def.; Ella Smith, jr., GK; Brianna Thorum, jr., mid; Emma Gonzalez, so., mid/fwd.

Outlook: The Falcons’ 12-win season in 2021 was the fourth most wins in program history and saw the team qualify for a third straight PAC Final Four. It also included a District 1 playoff trip for the third time of four seasons. That’s a high level to match and they’ll have to do it without four-year starting midfielders Avery Makoid and Emily Vishio, both All-Area second team in 2021. On the bright side, All-Area second team goalkeeper Ella Smith impressed as a sophomore and three others, Keleigh Nihart, Brianna Thorum and Emma Gonzalez, received postseason recognition. There are quite a few positions to figure out but the Falcons aren’t about to drop a level without a fight. “We are young and inexperienced, just need to find the right roles and continue to grow as a team,” said coach Steve Mellor. “We want to challenge for the division title and qualify for the PAC Final Four and districts.”

Pottstown

Head coach: Manny Paez, 3rd season

Last year’s record: 0-10 PAC Frontier, 1-12 PAC, 1-15 overall

Players to watch: Brynn McClune, jr., Savannah Richards, jr.; Jayla Zipay, jr.; Keiara Lesley, jr.; Nashiya Dowling, so.; Daniela Castillo, fr.

Outlook: On one hand, the Trojans have to be feeling good considering a week into the season they’ve matched last year’s win total after a 7-0 win over Renaissance Academy on Aug. 29. That win came with 13 players though, evidence of the razor thin margins Pottstown face with a very short roster. Considering those two sides of the coin, coach Manny Paez’s approach of optimism is spot on. “I hope to be pleasantly surprised at the end of the season by our performance,” he said. “This will be a good development year for all the young players on the team. We hope to inspire more girls to come out to play the beautiful game at Pottstown.”

Spring-Ford

Head coach: Tim Raub, 3rd season

Last year’s record: 6-4 PAC Liberty, 9-4 PAC, 11-7-1 overall, PAC Final Four, District 1-4A tournament qualifier

Athletes to watch: Erika Eickhoff, sr., GK; Giana DeFlavia, sr., def.; Summer Smith, sr., fwd.; Regan Cleary, sr., mid.; Ally Garvey, jr., def./mid.; Lena Ackerman, jr., fwd.; Ellie Richardson, jr., fwd.; Megan Kurian, jr., fwd.; Siena Miller, jr., def.

Outlook: Third-year head coach Tim Raub hits it on the nose with the Rams in 2022. “It’s going to be a season of transition for us this year,” he said. It appears that way for Spring-Ford after graduating a class that included former All-Area Player of the Year Liv Curry (Wisconsin) and midfielder Reese Kershner (Villanova). Injuries didn’t allow last season to reach the heights it could have but it did allow playing opportunities for younger players that could pay off this fall. “At one point, we were starting four freshmen and three sophomores, and although those players are a little more seasoned this year, we will still be extremely young overall,” Raub said. Goalie Erika Eickhoff and midfielder Ally Garvey are the most notable returnees (both All-Area honorable mention in 2021). The standard at Spring-Ford is always high and new names are bound to emerge to keep Spring-Ford’s lengthy postseason streak intact. “Hopefully, the culture that we have been working hard this offseason to implement will be able to help get us going in the right direction to make a run and compete in the postseason this year,” Raub said.

Upper Merion

Head coach: Paige Jones; 2nd season

Last year’s record: 3-6-1 PAC Frontier, 3-9-1 PAC, 5-12-1 overall

Athletes to watch: Brooke Olsen, sr., def.; Julia Newby, sr., def.; Adriana Lamesta, jr., mid.; Samantha Walmsley, jr., mid.
Outlook: Upper Merion was low on impact seniors last fall and a year to grow together under coach Paige Jones should pay off in improvement this fall. Brooke Olsen and Adriana Lamesta were accorded postseason honors last year and will be looked upon to lead. “We have a relatively young team with strong upperclassmen leadership,” said Jones. “We are looking to improve our record from last year and continue to grow cohesively as a team.”

Upper Perkiomen

Head coach: Mike Freed, 14th season

Last year’s record: 10-0 PAC Frontier, 12-1 PAC, 18-4 overall, PAC runner-up, District 1-3A semifinals

Athletes to watch: Sarah Fisher, jr., fwd.; Sara Edwards, sr., fwd.; Erin Edwards, sr., def.; Kyra Lesko, sr., mid.; Mary Kate Sitko, sr., mid.; Lauren Powers, sr., def.; Megan Cairns, jr., mid.; Elizabeth Proctor, jr., def; Ava Long, so., GK; Jada Roderick, sr.; Kylee Casola, sr.; Sara Straup, so.; Elyse Kreiner, so.; Morgan Sweed, so.

Outlook: What’s better than setting a school record for wins and goals scored in a season? Keeping the band together and running it back. That’s Upper Perk in 2022 as eight starters return to last year’s PAC finalist and District 1-3A semifinalist that narrowly missed states on a penalty kick defeat. Incredibly, the Tribe have four returning double-digit scorers, a group led by All-State junior forward Sarah Fisher (22 goals, 15 assists) and also includes seniors Mary Kate Sitko (15 goals, 9 assists) and Sara Edwards (18 goals, 8 assists) and junior Megan Cairns (13 goals, 11 assists). They’ll also be boosted by the return of midfielder Kyra Lesko, who missed last season due to injury after being All-PAC first team in 2020. The one miss will be trying to replace multi-year starting goalkeeper Gabby Neal (La Salle). For all the success last fall, the Tribe weren’t quite battle-tested enough when up against top sides. Coach Mike Freed, entering his 14th and final year at the helm, has made that a focal point with an improved non-league schedule. “With last year’s success, certainly a return to the league playoffs and a deep run in the District 1 playoffs (and possible berth in state playoffs for the first time) are all within reach,” said Freed. It’s thin margins to make states from District 1 in Class 3A with only two berths, but this Upper Perk team has the quality to do the job.