Winning streaks and star players, our CVC season preview
The Allentown High girls soccer team has spent the past two seasons running through the Colonial Valley Conference to the tune of 26 consecutive league wins.
But sixth-year head coach Kim Maurer knows that won’t be easy, especially with all the offensive firepower the Redbirds need to replace if they plan on staying atop the Colonial Division.
“Our team needs to gel on the offensive end,” Maurer said. “Playing as a cohesive unit with our new-look defense and goalkeeper will be a key factor to having a successful season.”
Allentown returns the dynamic Olivias — Denney and Ricci — who will once again be deployed on the wings to give opposing defenders fits. The pair combined for seven goals and five assists last season and Maurer expects them to take on more of the scoring.
“The Olivias will be a one-two scoring punch on the front line,” Maurer said. “They have speed on the front line that will benefit us in breaking down defenses.”
Allentown’s biggest challenge in the Colonial is likely to come from Notre Dame or Princeton.
“This is a veteran squad, the most returning varsity girls we’ve had in the past few years, all of whom are ready to lead by example,” said Irish coach Victoria Camera, who has 15 seniors to choose from. “We have new players who are not afraid to score. Defensively, we are very confident as we have a great crew who has played together and communicates so well.”
The Tigers, meanwhile, have a pair of all-league caliber defenders in Lauren Rougas and Greta Bush as well as sophomore Sophia Lis, who bagged 13 goals as a freshman.
“We have to stay fit and healthy this year,” Princeton coach Valerie Rodriguez said. “We need to communicate well, build play through quick two-touch passing and attack with numbers. We have to play smart, physical defense.”
Trenton, West Windsor North and West Windsor South round out the division.
The Valley Division race went all the way down to the final game of the regular season last year with Hopewell Valley taking the title.
John McGinley’s Bulldogs are once again one of the favorites, but it won’t be easy with Steinert and Lawrence nipping at their heels and Nottingham featuring one of the best players in the state.
Hopewell went 17-5-2 a season ago en route to the Central Group III final as well and returns most of the team that got them that far.
“We are confident in the core we have combing back from last year,” McGinley said. “Our hope is that the new players can fill in some spots and add depth to our roster.”
Steinert finished second in the division, two points off Hopewell, and gets a chance to avenge the loss to Lawrence in the regular-season finale that denied Mike Hastings’ club the Valley crown.
“Scoring goals will be the story for our season,” Hast- ings said. “I felt we played well and dominated at times, but just couldn’t get that crucial goal. I feel there are players on this team who can step up and score this year.”
The Cardinals once again will be a tough out for anyone under seventh-year coach Emily Palombo.
“If we play as a unit, work hard and play to our strengths while making sure we stay focus and positive, we should be competitive,” Palombo said.
At Nottingham, all eyes are on junior forward Gia Girman. The reigning CVC Player of the Year tallied 36 goals and nine assists last season. Only all-time greats Lisa Gmitter Pittaro and Elyse Diamond have scored more goals in a single season by a CVC player.
“Gia is a force up top and an awesome leader for our team,” Northstars coach Christie Fink said.
Robbinsville, Ewing and Hamilton are the other three teams jockeying for position within the division.