Area soccer teams look to be competitive in specific leagues

Towanda Black Knights

Head Coach: Jeff Gonzalez

Returnees: Lexi Ripi, Sr.; Catherine Morelli, Sr.; Sara Landmesser, Sr.; Chloe Chrissey, Sr.; Mikayla Chesla, Sr.; Meridith Barnes, Sr.; Delaney Vanderpool, Jr.; Nesa Thomas, Jr.; Taylor Shay, Jr.; Alexis Rowe, Jr.; Laura Maryott, Jr.; Darien Lantz, Jr.; Alexis Kinney, Jr.; Ashley Fleming, Jr.; Michelle Aronson, Jr.; Morgan Dreisch, So.

Newcomers: Olivia Powers, So.; Kera Thomas, So.; Kylie Cazassa, So.; Divya Petal, Fr.; Laciann Manning, Fr.; Brittany Boardman, Fr.; Caroline Black, Fr.

Overall Comments: Head Coach Jeff Gonzalez and assistant coach Dave Jurnack are in their 12th season with the Knights and are again joined by assistant Coach Brad Rowe. Gonzalez and Jurnack have been with the program since its inception.

"This year's NTL girls soccer has many solid teams competing for the title. Our Numbers are similar to last year, and we need to keep them healthy, and fully exploit the teams individual skills and develop teamwork.

Last year we were 10-3-5 in the NTL and 10-4-5 overall. We had seven ties, won one and lost one in overtime, Gonzalez said. "Our team came on strong as the season progressed, and our younger players began to increase their share of the match play. We open against last year's league champions, Troy, on Sept. 8, and we anticipate a good match."

With 10 of 11 starters returning, the team's demonstrated combination skills are already more developed this season than at any time last year. We again expect our defense to be the pillar of our game. Returning this year is senior captain and sweeper, Lexi Ripic (2008, 2009 NTL first team, 2009 All-Region first team) who will also see time as a stopper. Junior captain Darien Lantz (2009 NTL first team) will start as stopper, and switch between that position and sweeper. Senior captain Mikayla Chesla (2008 NTL honorable mention, 2009 All-Region Defensive Player of the Year and NTL first team) and junior captain Ashley Fleming (2009 NTL honorable mention) will round out the defense (marking defenders) while junior Alexis Kinney (2009 honorable mention - defense) and newcomer freshman Caroline Black will participate in the defensive rotation.

The midfield will be staffed by junior Delaney Vanderpool (NTL 2nd team - striker) Taylor Shay (2009 NTL honorable mention - Striker), juniors Laura Maryott, Lexi Rowe, Nesa Thomas, Sara Landmesser and sophomores Olivia Powers and Morgan Dreish, and senior Chloe Chrissy complete the midfield rotation.

Returning junior goalkeepers Michelle Aronson (2009 NTL first team, 1st team All-Region), Ripic, Thomas, and Black will all see time in the goal.

The strikers include NTL Honoree, senior Captain Catherine Morelli (2008 and 2009, 1st team NTL), who holds the team's all-time scoring record. Joining Morelli in the striker position will be Fleming, and sophomore Morgan Dreish along with newcomers Divia Patel, Brittany Boardman and Laci Manning. Michelle Aronson is expected to find herself on all parts of the field when not in the net.

The team has 17 returning lettermen, who were responsible for 100 percent of last year's offense, while the defense has all five starters returning.

Sophmore newcommer Kera Thomas will generally be found in the Midfield.

We again expect to shift from a 4-4-2 to a 3-2-3-2 lineup seamlessly as the season progresses, and we expect to move from a diamond defensive style to a flat-back as a result of the opponents play style. "In 2009, we exploited a strong defense, and good ball control to create a real advantage in total offense in virtually every game. In 2010, we expect to further build on that," Gonzalez said.

Coach Jurnack, Rowe and I believe that if we can keep our small, but talented team healthy, we will end the season with an impressive record. "We again have speed on the attack, and are capable of a fast break, however, we generally develop a controlled attack that exploits crisp passes and combination play. This year we hope to increase our set play beyond restarts. Last season we established a series of team goals and incremental goals that put us in a good position during the District 4 post season tournament. This season, we made those

benchmarks more difficult to obtain, and are hopeful, our team will gel and meet their objectives," Gonzalez said.

Our first outing is at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8 against Troy in East Troy.

Sayre

Redskins

Head Coach: Tracey Mennig

Assistant Coach: Kristine Podolinski

Record last season: 10-7-1

Returnees: Elizabeth Haines, Sr.; Megan Kyc, Sr.; Andrea Ward, Jr.; Sarah Polinski, Jr.; Jessica Haiges, Jr.; Mikala McNamara, So.; Sarah Ostroski, So.; Adrienne Malorzo, So.; Courtney Bruer, So.; Kassie Rae, So.; Rachel Hurley, So.; Kelsey Young, So.

Newcomers: Kourtney McCarter, So.; Amanda Klovekorn, Fr.; Chelsea Haiges, Fr.; Kristyn Tappen, Fr.; Elyse Skerpon, Fr.; Emily Hunsinger, Fr.; Deardra Mullen, Fr.; Kiana Mullen, Fr.; Emila Schamel, Fr.

Troy Trojans

Head Coach: Wayne Pratt

Assistant Coach: Lyle Mattocks

Record last season: 18-1

Returnees: Tonya Keegan (goalie), Rachel Sheffield (goalie), Jennica Stryker, Erin Shedden, Kate Jackson, Haley Fitzwater, Allie Earle, Corrin Binfield, Vanessa Benson, Tiffni Mattocks, Mary Alice Lenahan, Megan Pazzaglia, Amanda Goodwin, Cecelia Morse, Emily Hunsicker, Kayla Stephani

Newcomers: Kayla Shedden, Emily Shedden, Courtney Binford

Players to watch: Amanda Goodwin, Kayla Stephani

Comments: Young team with quality leadership among the seniors. It will take a few games to gain experience for the youngsters but with their heart and desire we should be competitive.

Comments on league: I see some teams peaking this year. For the soccer fans there will be some great match ups every night we play. Hopefully the NTL teams will fair well in districts. Good luck to all the teams.

Northern Tioga

Head Coach: Nichole Simcox

Assistant coaches: Shannon Loveland

Record last season: 0-18

Returning Players: Michaela Seeley; Shelby Stone; Megan Wood; Jessica Horan; Christina McCall; Kiana Keill; Jamie Cook; Vanessa Earle

Newcomers: Katelin Wirth; Renne Penner; Amber Gillette; Chelsy Whittle, Allison Watkins, Kayla Heintzelman, Racheal Bailey, Melanie Colegrove, Brooke Gilbert, Sara McCall, Montana Huges, Allison Seeley

Player to watch: All of our team, because we do everything with a team effort. We have such a strong team bond.

Thoughts on this year's team: This year's team has a lot of heart and determination. We are still trying to build the girls soccer program, so we have some girls who have never played before. The girls work hard and are very coachable. They will come out ready to play and leave it all on the field.

Thoughts on the league this season: We just want to wish everyone in our league the best of luck during there season.

Tioga Tigers

Head Coach: Dave Reese

Key Returnees: Kara McDuffee- Led team in goals scored; Colleen Thomas- Best Defensive player from last year

Impact Newcomers: Callie Patsellis is a player with great quickness and speed who will compete for a forward position giving us another scoring threat.

Comments: The 2010 season will be successful if we find a midfielder to fill the spot vacated by Sam Wojuich and a defensive player to replace Sherri Thomas. We are also thin at the Keeper position as well. We have a strong core returning from last year's team, but we need to have players step up to fill these key positions. We will be competing for a third straight Division title. League and Sectional titles hopes must all pass through some very good teams in both the IAC North and South. Notre Dame will be very good as will Newark Valley. Within our division: Newfield and Candor will be much improved.

Northeast Bradford Panthers

Head Coach: Larry Jennings

Assistant Coach: Stanley Siberski

Record last season: 7 - 10 - 1

Returning Players: Laura Alderon, Kristi Brown, Kelsey Carlsen, Brittany Coon, Emily Goble, Kally Hallett, Kelcey Hallett, Makayla Holbert, Kylie Oley, Alycia Parks, Marilyce Young, Elizabeth Robinson

New Players: Monica Brown, Courtney Coleman, Allyssa Coon, Drew Edsell, Bridget Haverly, Amber Jackson, Calla Martin, Darcie Olmstead

Comments: This is one of the youngest teams that I have coached at NEB. I am very pleased with how hard they are working and believe that they have a lot of potential. This has been a great group of young ladies to work with during the past two weeks - we are looking forward to a great season.

Waverly Wolverines

Head Coach: Brian Myers

Assistant coaches: Joe Pico

Record last season:6-7-2

Returning Players: Danielle Talenti, Sr.; Sarah Sharpsteen, Sr.; Carol McEvoy, Sr.; Chelsea House, Sr.; Anne Miller, Sr.; Nikki Nocchi, Sr.; Clarissa Leonard, Jr.; Sabrina Emms, Jr.; Anne Kennedy, Jr.; Jenna Bowman, So.; Shelby Tubbs, So.; Sarah Rote, So.

Newcomers: Sabrina Bowman, So.; Emiley Walker, So.; Erin Sweeney, So.; Annie Caplan, So.; Victoria Cron, So.; Sarah Doane, So.; Liia Carpenter, So.; Allie Frutchey, Fr.; Emilee Myers, 8th

Player to watch: Senior- Danielle Talenti

Comments: 1st year coach. We will be very young in some key parts of the field. It will be a season of progress looking to improve with each practice and game. They are an exciting group and will be great to work with. Key for the season is that we continue to improve each day.

Thoughts on the league this season: The league should be fun to watch with a number of very talented teams. Notre Dame, Newark Valley and Tioga should be league title contenders. Some very good league games for sure. Look for Candor, S-VE, Waverly and Watkins Glen to come out ready to play every night.

Mansfield Tigers

Head Coach: Corey Johnson

Assistant coaches: Jess Mckee

Record last season: 5-12

Returning Players: Kassy Mitchell, Sr.; Kortney Powlison, Jr.; Kasey Evans, Jr.; Hayley Kotulka, Jr.; Adrianna Tan, Jr.; Gabby Cline, Jr.

Newcomers: Molly Wood, So.; Brittany Crumb, So.; Jackie Hillson, So.; Regan Wise, So.; Megan McConomy, So.; Jenny Loher, Fr.

Player to watch: All of them contribute to the team this year in a new way, many of them playing positions that are not normal to them.

Comments: I think this Mansfield team will have a great season and will be competitive to oncomers.

Thoughts on the league this season: The league is tough and diverse with a lot of different types of playing styles from team to team, it makes it a challenge.

Wellsboro Green Hornets

Head Coach: Maryann Wilcox

Assistant Coach: Christian Paredes

Returning Varsity Players: Alexis Getty, Sr.; Brooke Snyder, Sr.; Brittany Langs, Sr.; Taylor Acorn, Jr.; Sherri Hovis, Jr.; Mikayla Palmer-Bacon, Jr.; Victoria Pearson, Jr.; Kimberly Acorn, So.; Sarah Kramer, So.

Newcomers: Hannah Wilkinson, Jr.; Allison Spang, Jr.; Jillian Hypnarowski, Jr.; Jordan Manikowski, Jr.; Jessie Catherman, So.; Rachel Davis, Fr.; Breanna Fillmore, Fr.; Brooke Kohler, Fr.

Comments: Despite our small roster, I think we have a very strong corps of players this year. I believe that we will prove to be competitive in the NTL throughout the season. Everyone in the NTL already knows of Alexis Getty and Taylor Acorn as being the strong players for Wellsboro, but I think Junior Victoria Pearson is going to make her presence well known this year ... maybe not so much as putting goals in the net for us, but starting the initial attack and keeping control of the center of the field.

Athens Wildcats

Head Coach: Duane Hafer

Assistant Coach: Larry Hurley

Record last year: 9-10-2

Returnees: Sam Stropko, Sr.; Megan Romania, Sr., Emily Patton, Jr.

Newcomers: Kirsten Horton, So., Mackenzie Vargason, Jr.; Anna Vine, Sr.; Jess Kopatz, Jr.; Sarah Reid, Jr.

Comments: Rebuilding, a lot things this year already, hopefully pulling the team together, everybody got to be working this year. Going to look like a new whole team. No one familiar except Sam in goal. Scrimmage idea what to look for in players. Tough, all positions are wide open.

Comments on league: Expect Troy and Wellsboro to be at top, Wyalusing and Towanda tough as usual. Got to watch for Northeast, young team last year, more experience, right up there.

Wyalusing Rams

Head Coach: Nick Maghamez

Assistant Coach: Dennis Dibble, Jessica Reed, David Faulkner

Managers: Ashley Jackson, Ash Sollick.

Returning Players: Alyx Canfield, Sr.; Caitlyn Doerner, Sr.; Kaitlyn Faulkner, Sr.; Alex Fisher, Sr.; Abby Fogel, Sr.; Paige Millard, Sr.; Leah Saxe, Sr.; Lindsay Schulze, Sr.; Jordan Armitage, Jr.; Lauren Chadwick, Jr.; Courtney Eberlin, Jr.; Bethany Hulsizer, Jr.; Elizabeth Keeney, Jr.; Cathryn Pugh, Jr.; Sydney Snyder, Jr.; Abby Borel, So.; Morgan Doerner, So.; Emily Edwards, So.; Claire Howard, So.; Mackenzie Martin, So.; Katie Prichard, So.; Jonecca Robinson, So.

Newcomers: Courtney Larson, Jr.; Connor Dietz, Fr.; Brooklyn Edgerton, Fr.; Victoria Gaudian, Fr.; Ciera Holland, Fr.; Gwen Kettenburg, Fr.; Sarah Lopez, Fr.; Mckenzi Millard, Fr.; Lisa Saxe, Fr.; Kayleen Sutton, Fr.; Kacie Woznicki, Fr.

Comments: We've been impressed with the work ethic of the girls. They come to practice and consistently grind it out. I credit much of that to our strong upperclassmen leadership. Coach Dibble has done a great job with conditioning, which we hope will pay off later in the season. The girls have also experienced transition stages concerning formation and tactics. However, once they become more acclimated to our system and each other, we're confident things will click. I've paid attention to the soccer in this area for a long time. The quality of play has increased dramatically since my playing days under Jamie Castillo. Our team realizes there will be no easy win in the league this year. With all that said, we have high hopes for these girls. Our goals are to contend for the school's first NTL title, play well in districts, and most importantly, have fun!