GIRLS SOCCER TEAM-BY-TEAM SEASON PREVIEW
PAC BOYERTOWN
Coach: Bill Goddard, 24th season
Last year’s record: 5-5Liberty, 7-6PAC, 11-8overall, District 1-4A qualifier Players to watch: Alina Friz, Sr.; Autumn Levengood, Sr.; Emily Walter, Sr.; Marissa Hillegas, Sr.; Quinn Gilmore, Sr.; Sarah Campbell, Sr.; Harper Glennon, Jr. Outlook: The Bears are trending upward after registering a winning season in 2022 and earning a spot in the district playoffs. Boyertown has a few score-creators, among them multi-time All-Area selection Alina Friz and speedy forward Harper Glennon, which should help the team contend for a spot in the PAC playoffs and return to District 1postseason play.
METHACTON
Coach: Bret Smith. 21st season
Last year’s record: 3-6-1Liberty, 5-7-1PAC, 5-11-2 overall
Players to watch: Aubrey Beaugard, Sr., forward; Kendall Ricca, Sr., midfield; Anna Rees, Sr., defender; Katie Rozinsky, Jr., forward; Maddy Washburn, Jr., midfield; Alina Miao, Jr., defender; Maddy Coppola, Jr., defender; Anna Qawasmy, Fr., goalkeeper; Marlie Klein, Fr., defender.
Outlook: With seven returning starters, including all starting forwards, from a year ago, Methacton must build on its experience to break into the top half of the PAC Liberty Division and earn postseason qualification. “How quickly we can get the first year varsity players to mesh with the returning players will determine how successful we are this year,” said coach Bret Smith. “After missing the district playoffs last year, we are aiming at a return this season, and as always try and qualify for the PAC playoffs for the first time in school history.”
NORRISTOWN
Head coach: Robert Grim
Last year’s record: 0-10Liberty, 1-12PAC, 1-16 overall
Players to watch: Alondra De la luz, Sr.; Andrea Gonzalez, Sr.; Dania Gonzalez, Sr.; Adanhi Hernandez, Sr.; Katie Le, Sr.; Emily Plummer, Sr.; Violeta Romero, Sr.; Josselyn Ponce-Morales, Sr.
Outlook: It’s never an easy path for the Eagles in the PAC Liberty division so Norristown will have to make its mark in competitive crossovers and non-league opportunities.
OWEN J. ROBERTS
Head coach: Joe Margusity, 28th season Last year’s record/accomplishments: 9-1 Liberty, 11-2PAC, 19-8overall, PAC final four, District 1quarterfinals (6th place), PIAA 4A semifinals
Athletes to watch: Sabrina Marks, Sr., defense; Ashley Gordan, Sr., midfield; Sydney Garner, Sr., midfield; Emerson Storti, Sr., forward; McKenzie Hagerty, Sr., forward; Ashly White, Jr., defense; Fiona Sanders, Jr., midfield; Meryn Primanti, So., defense. Outlook: Coming off a run to the PIAA 4A Final Four, the Wildcats will look a lot different this fall after the graduation of OJR’s transcendent class of 2023that feature multi-time All-Area team selections Alexa Vogelman, Gabbi Koury and goalie Colby Wasson, plus second-team picks Rachel Sbei and Olivia Thompson. Still, OJR has a handful of returning starters, including senior Sabrina Marks, junior Ashly White and sophomore Meryn Primanti, and will benefit from the experience of the level it took to reach the PIAA semifinals last year. The question marks are evident: “How quickly will the team adjust to the loss of last year’s senior class? How quickly will a very talented freshmen class grow into their role? I expect four to start and two more seeing major playing time,” coach Joe Margusity said. Margusity’s goal-setting hasn’t changed — reaching the state tournament is always the target — but it’s a new era for OJR where outside expectations would consider all postseason qualification a successful season.
PERKIOMEN VALLEY
Head coach: Kaity Dougherty; 1st season Last year’s record: 6-2-2Liberty, 9-2-2 PAC, 14-5-2overall, PAC runner-up, District 1-4A qualifier
Athletes to watch: Rain Boyd, Sr., midfield; Gianna Corropolese, Sr., midfield/defense; Ashley Pickles, Sr., forward/midfield; Mia Milleo, Sr., forward; Madison Lindsay, Sr., defense; Giavanna Marciano, Jr., forward; Brianna Young, Fr., midfield. Outlook: The Vikings enjoyed a breakthrough 14-win season last year when it finally reached the PAC Final Four for the first time and lost an OT heartbreaker in the final. The offseason brought goodbyes to longtime head coach Kim Paulus and a deep class headlined by PAC MVP center back Emma Stankunas (College of Charleston). Yet the overall scope of the team is not about newness with lead assistant Kaity Dougherty taking over as a head coach and a strong cast of returning players, especially in the area where it counts. “This season we are excited about our attacking strength that we have. We feel the team will be more successful in finishing third with our younger players stepping up and filling in the gaps from pieces that graduated last year,” Dougherty said. Senior midfielder Rain Boyd (All-Area second team in 2022) leads the supply line to junior Giavanna Marciano (All-Area honorable mention) and seniors Ashley Pickles and Mia Milleo, all of whom scored important goals a year ago. Less is known on defense around center back Madison Lindsay. Dougherty is encouraged by the potential of the newcomers in the early stages. “They are quickly showing that they have chemistry and talent to step up to the challenge,” she said. It’s an opportunity for a new normal for Perk Valley, which has a strong opportunity to reach the PAC playoffs again and should qualify for
District 1postseason play. PHOENIXVILLE
Head coach: Trevor Adams, 2nd season Last year’s record: 5-3-2Frontier, 7-4-2 PAC, 10-7-2overall, District 1-4A playoffs Athletes to watch: Ella Ballow, Sr, midfield; Kylie Joyce, Sr., defense; Emma Ward, Sr., defense; Emine Ulcay, Jr., goalkeeper. Outlook: Phoenixville achieved its first winning season since 2018and garnered a spot in the District 1-4A playoffs, a strong performance in Trevor Adams’ first year in charge. The graduation of leading scorer Caroline Flick (All-Area second team) will be felt, so the Phantoms will build from the back while returning All-Area honorable mention Ella Ballow. “We should be strong defensively from the start as we return five players that contributed on the backline last year and our goalkeeper,” Adams said. Phoenixville has the look of a top-half team in the Frontier, which will allow it to contend for PAC and District 1playoff qualification.
POPE JOHN PAUL II
Head coach: Rachel Cecchini, 3rd year Last year’s record: 4-4-2Frontier, 5-6-2 PAC, 6-10-2 overall
Athletes to watch: Cameron Schuler, Sr., fwd.; Kyanni Escudero, Sr., GK; Mallory Hurlock, Jr., def.; Brooke Pappa, Jr., mid.; Olivia Rubinich, So., mid.; Camryn Love, So., mid.; Jen Todd, So., mid.
Outlook: The PJP preseason felt like a fresh start to third-year head coach Rachel Cecchini. “With new assistants (Lauren Hughes and Dani Passifione), some transfers, and incoming freshmen, it feels like a new team, with new positive energy and we are all looking forward to working hard and doing our jobs this season,” she said. It’s not all new, and that’s a positive thing, namely in the form of senior forward Cameron Schuler, a Drexel commit who led PJP in scoring all three previous seasons. Mallory Hurlock, Kyanni Escudero, Olivia Rubinich have also been All-Area picks in the past, giving the Golden Panthers a great base to work from. “With so much talent from the top line to the back line, we are working on connecting these ‘puzzle pieces’ to maximize our potential and reach our team goals.” Postseason play is a goal for PJP and that feels achievable this fall.
POTTSGROVE
Head coach: Bill Bonewitz, 1st season Last year’s record: 5-4-1Frontier, 5-7-1 PAC, 6-11-1 overall
Athletes to watch: Ella Smith, Sr., goalkeeper; Rian Maniscalco, Sr.; Bailey Pysher, Sr.; Emily Sorg, Sr.; Jessica Carroll, Sr.; Brianna Thorum, Sr.; Kayla Petri, Sr.; Emma Gonzalez, Jr.
Outlook: Pottsgrove, now guided by Bill Bonewitz after coach Steve Mellor departed following 12years at the helm, experienced a rebuilding year but look to be well positioned for a rebound this fall with a senior class, led by multi-year All-PAC selections in goalkeeper Ella Smith and Brianna Thorum, in addition to forward Emma Gonzalez, twice an All-Area honoree. The Falcons will be in the thick of the Frontier Division chase behind Upper Perk and should trend toward a winning record.
POTTSTOWN
Head coach: Chris Paul, first season Last year’s record/accomplishments: 0-10 Frontier, 0-13 PAC, 2-15 overall Players to watch: Savannah Richards, Sr., midfield; Daniella Castillo, Jr.; midfield; Brynn McClune, Sr., defense; Keiara Lesley, Sr., forward; Mackenzie Campbell, Sr., midfield; Ashley Weller, Sr., defender; Jayla Zipay, Sr., goalkeeper; Nashiya Dowling, Jr., forward; Alivia Boyer, So., midfield; Jayanna Hill, So., midfield; Riley Maguire, Fr., defender.
Outlook: The Trojans should take heart from the start of the year — through five games (3-2) they already exceeded last year’s win total. Pottstown will look to the leadership of captains Savannah Richards, Brynn McClune and Daniella Castillo to carry them through the uphill battle that PAC play presents. First-year head coach Chris Paul has the right mentality though. “Our goals for this season are to build confidence and a more positive mindset off of the success we’re able to achieve throughout the season regardless of match results,” he said. “At the end of the season we hope to have closed the competitive gap within our division.”
SPRING-FORD
Head coach: Jeff Kushner, first season Last year’s record/accomplishments: 5-4-1 Liberty, 7-4-2PAC, 9-9-2overall; PAC semifinals, District 1-4A playoffs Players to watch: Lena Ackerman, Sr., forward; Ally Garvey, Sr., midfield; Sarah Hang, Sr., defender; Mackenzie Hanley, Sr., defender; Meg Kurian, Sr., forward; Siena Miller, Sr., defender; Ava Hissong, Jr., midfield; Molly Kennedy, Jr., midfield; Olivia Neild, Jr., goalkeeper.
Outlook: Jeff Kushner moves into the head coaching position after serving as Rams’ JV coach the last two seasons following his time at Upper Merion. Kushner inherits a squad that has been in reload mode for the last two years and it’s primed for a big year. Leading the way will be returning AllArea first team midfielder Molly Kennedy, plus All-PAC performers Ally Garvey, Ava Hissong and Siena Miller. Scoring struggles held back the Rams last year, but Kushner is looking to Lena Ackerman, Meg Kurian, Hannah Dennison and Maddie Budka to supply an uptick. “(The Rams) posted one of the lowest goals against ratios in District 1last year with a stout defensive block organized by Siena MIller, Sarah Hang, Leah Watson and Olivia Nield (GK) while adding Mackenzie Hanley and Brielle Kevitch to increase the Rams depth,” Kushner said. “The team looks to continue the strong history and tradition within the Rams girls soccer program.” Opposing coaches have pegged the Rams as a leading contender in the PAC and early signs validate the claim. SpringFord should be a top contender in the PAC and has state-tournament potential.
UPPER MERION
Head coach: Paige Jones, 3rd season Last year’s record: 2-5-3Frontier, 2-8-3 PAC, 5-9-4 overall
Athletes to watch: Olivia Smith, Sr., goalkeeper; Sam Walmsley, Sr., midfielder/ defender; Ad Lamesta, Sr., forward; Chelsea Smith, Jr., midfielder
Outlook: There’s new personnel around her, but the VIkings’ defense will be in good shape with returning All-PAC goalkeeper Olivia Smith still between the sticks. Along with returning All-PAC player Sam Walmsley, Upper Merion will look to elevate in a PAC Frontier Division that appears up a notch from the past couple years. “The team is building offensively and has depth in that area. We are continuing to work defensively after losing some graduated key players from last season,” coach Paige Jones said. “We will continue to work in that and we are looking forward to growing as a team in all areas.”
UPPER PERKIOMEN
Head coach: Casey Lewis, 1st season Last year’s record: 10-0Frontier, 12-0-1 PAC, 25-1-1overall, PAC champion, District 1-3A champion, PIAA 3A runner-up Athletes to watch: Sarah Fisher, Sr., forward; Megan Cairns, Sr., midfield; Elizabeth Proctor, Sr., defender; Elyse Kreiner, Jr., mid/def.; Sarah Straup, Jr., forward; Ava Long, Jr., goalkeeper.
Outlook: Last fall was a dream season for the Upper Perkiomen girls soccer team. The Tribe went undefeated in the PAC, won their first league title since 2008, captured their first District 1title and extended outgoing head coach Mike Freed’s farewell tour all the way to the PIAA championship game. Only the most audacious would expect a matching encore, but the ceiling is still very high on Upper Perk, now guided by Casey Lewis, formerly Freed’s top assistant. Upper Perk boasts the only two returning All-Area first team players in forward Sarah Fisher and midfielder Megan Cairns. They’re joined by other returning starters in the rearguard, Elizabeth Proctor, Elyse Kreiner and goalkeeper Ava Long, plus forward Sarah Straup, who scored double-digit goals in ‘22. That cast will help offset the losses that will be felt by the graduation of last year’s Mercury All-Area Player of the Year Kyra Lesko (Jefferson Univ.), program record-setting scorer Sara Edwards (Millersville), and center back Lauren Powers. Newer additions will include sophomore Katie Proctor and the freshmen trio of Maelyn Bolinsky, Brooke Sullivan and Samantha Godshall. “While the experiences we gained the last two years have been beneficial in a variety of ways, we aren’t relying on prior success to carry us this year,” Lewis said. There are big shoes to fill, but a lot to like about what Upper Perk has to offer. “Overall, we are fortunate enough to have solid and intelligent defenders/keeper(s), a hard-working midfield which will continue to gel, and dangerous/creative strikers. Even with relatively young players sprinkled throughout, we remain confident and our expectations and goals remain similar to last season.” Upper Perk will be favored in the PAC Frontier and has the quality to be the last team standing from the league.
OTHERS DANIEL BOONE
Head coach: Mark Reightneour, 5th season Last year’s record: 5-5Berks II, 6-11overall Athletes to watch: Anna Buckwalter, Sr., midfield; Maggie Holloway, Sr., midfield; Brook Spano, Jr., defender; Karina Davidheiser, So., defender; Sammy Whelan, Jr., defender; Rece Golab, Sr., goalkeeper; Sophia Hogan, Jr., midfielder. Outlook: It’s a promising season for the Blazers with three All-Berks players — Anna Buckwalter, Maggie Holloway and Brook Spano — returning around a deeper squad than the year before. Boone is positioned for a return to the county and District 3-3A playoffs.
THE HILL SCHOOL
Head coach: Elena Dauphinais, 3rd season Last year’s record: 0-4-1Mid-Atlantic Prep League, 2-14-2 overall
Athletes to watch: Chloe Moser, Sr., defender; Giuliana DiPrinzio, Jr., midfielder; Sophia Fletcher, Jr., defender; Julia Saraniti, Jr., midfielder; Ellie Moser, So., midfielder Outlook: Hill took its lumps last season with goals in limited supply. With a year to improve, third-year Elena Dauphinais feels good about the Blues’ midfield depth and hopes that translates on the scoresheet. “This year I think we are older, wiser, and hungrier, so we’ve taken those lessons from last year and are looking to show our growth and maturity by capitalizing on those moments this year,” she said. The Blues will hope to make more of a dent in the MAPL this fall and book a return to the PAISAA tournament.
PERKIOMEN SCHOOL
Head coach: Julian Fernandez, 2nd season Last year’s record: 9-7overall, Penn Jersey runner-up, Commonwealth Cup semifinalist Athletes to watch: Jamie Murray, Sr., forward; Gabrielle Jones, Sr., forward; Bria Moyer, Jr., defender; Ashlee Rose, So., midfielder
Outlook: Perkiomen School girls soccer is entering a new phase by playing an independent schedule. The competition will include teams from the Friends School League, Mid-Atlantic Prep League and other private schools in the region. “Should be tough but competitive,” coach Julian Fernandez said.