Girls soccer district capsule

Division I

Favorite: Great question X-factor: NDCL, Madison, Mayfield, Mentor

Don’t forget about: Not applicable

What to look for: This might be as much of an unknown quantity districtwise in Division I as this area has had in a long time. ... NDCL (10-5) is the top seed, but clearly misses midfielder Frankie Forte, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. The Lions have a dynamic young attack with Erica Leinweber (13 goals, five assists), Marina Hess (7-7), Lauren Thomas (7-2) and Elena Brkic (4-8) and pace for days. But Brkic needs a running mate in midfield to feed that group up top . ... Seemingly, Mayfield (9-5-2) found itself with a 2-1 win Oct. 6 over Kirtland. The Wildcats are paced by longtime standout striker Cassie Lewis (6-8) and Catherine Rock (7-5) as an outside mid. Francesca Longano (6-3) has really come on in the second half of the season out wide, and the back three of Allison Patrick, Erika Stutzman and Marion Catalano can be very solid. On form, Mayfield will be a tough draw for anyone. ... Mentor (5-7-4) keeps providing glimpses with its young side under Coach Corey Robishaw: a 2-1 win over Shaker Heights, a 1-1 draw with Brunswick. It’s just a matter of putting it together for a full 80. Goalkeeper Megan Biddell is certainly a security blanket for that side . ... Madison (11-5) has perhaps the best goalkeeper in this district, and quite possibly this area overall, in Jordan Pasalaqua, a strong backline anchored by Victoria Tromba and the area’s best power striker in Mykayla Askew (16-6). But without standout striker Alyssa Caruthers (torn ACL), Grace Terelmes (6-10) might be the most important piece in the starting 11. The Blue Streaks have the personnel to finally break through to regional, but there’s a lot of traffic in the way.

Division II

Favorite: Gilmour X-factor: Lake Catholic, Chagrin Falls

Don’t forget about: Until proven otherwise, it may not matter

What to look for: In the Mentor District, there’s going to be some sides taking their best shot. But this sure feels like a Gilmour-Lake Catholic district final is inevitable again . ... The Lancers (10-3-2) have perhaps the area’s best backline with Julia Pangonis at center back and Allie Mullee and Madison Olsen as outside backs who can float into the attack on overlaps. Cora Grunden is a capable field general. The key is going to be the health of Annie Greene and Kacie McPeek, though. The difference two veteran finishers like that with vast technical skill, even in a side as good as Gilmour that is adaptable, cannot be overstated . ... With 2017 News-Herald girls soccer player of the year Kati Druzina out, Lake Catholic (8-5-2) has had no choice but to morph and develop. The results have been encouraging. Ella Hadley is a ballhawk in the middle of the park with a sense for service, Keka Babic has been on great form up top and the back three is strong. You can’t replicate a match-influencer of Druzina’s caliber, but Lake can get on a run again here . ... This is not to discredit the rest of the district in any way, but rather reinforce that it’ll take something special to thwart a Gilmour-Lake clash . ... In the Kent District, Chagrin Falls (9-3-4) is young in the offensive third. But with the Tigers’ prowess on set pieces such as corner kicks and free kicks and the commanding and experienced Katie Schumacher and Ashton Hunt at center back, this is a dangerous side come October like usual . ... Don’t sleep on Kenston (8-5-3) as a No. 4 seed making a district final run at Kent as well.

Division III

Favorite: Kirtland X-factor: Wickliffe Don’t forget about:

Beachwood, Berkshire

What to look for: Kirtland (14-2) is everything you want in a state-title contender. The Hornets have the finisher, the electric freshman striker Erika Zschuppe (26-2), the unselfish playmaker with a tireless motor in Maya Zovko (5-16), the veteran influence in the back with Emily Ungrady and a lot of interchangeable parts that mesh beautifully. After a state final run a year ago, Kirtland understands what it takes to succeed on the big stage and are eager to take the ultimate step in 2018 . ... All of that justifiably stated, Wickliffe (132-1) is a scary side lurking in a potential district final. The last two times the Blue Devils have faced down the Hornets were a 3-2 loss Oct. 2 and a 2-1 extra-time district semifinal defeat last season. Wickliffe has a number of weapons in the attack, a quality playmaker in Gianna Ranallo (7-13) and a solid group in the defensive third. The latter is the key – it’s going to require the Blue Devils’ best match organizationally in the back if Kirtland is on the opposite touchline . ... Beachwood (13-3) may be a year away, but with freshmen stalwarts Romi Roth (26-8) and Sydney Sarver (22-8), it’s going to be fun to watch the Bison grow . ... Berkshire has been shipped out to the Warren District and should feel aggrieved with a No. 4 seed. The Badgers, with Julia Frank and Lexi Boyk leading the way, are outstanding in the attack. The key will be growth in the defensive third after a graduation hit. That group has to step up.